6242. M32 roundabout J3 (606)

Minto, M32 roundabout, Bristol, July 2023
Minto, M32 roundabout, Bristol, July 2023

Minto has been painting a string of fabulous pieces recently, most of which are following this style of what I would describe as deconstruction. The architecture of the piece is there, with the scaffolding still left up (metaphorically speaking) and lots of parts are exposed. We are more used to seeing conventional graffiti writing with solid fills and continuity – Minto has blown this convention apart with his fragmentation approach. The overall effect is not unlike Benjimagnetic’s work.

Minto, M32 roundabout, Bristol, July 2023
Minto, M32 roundabout, Bristol, July 2023

The letters MINTO can be reasonably clearly seen, with some hint at symmetry (with the exception of the ‘T’ which breaks things up in space and colour). A couple of faces make an appearance, and there is a rather nice little shout out to Soker there too. Really great and different stuff from Minto.

6087. Cumberland Basin

Mr Underbite, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2024
Mr Underbite, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2024

Now, this is what I like. Mr Underbite is a bit of a favourite of mine, and to find his melancholic character dotted about the place is always a real pleasure. The fact that he has switched things up with this small piece in Cumberland Basin makes it all the more pleasurable.

Mr Underbite, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2024
Mr Underbite, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2024

Mr Underbite has used this small section of wall really well, presenting his character in three separate sections, each containing a part of the face, a deconstruction if you like. Anyone familiar with Mr Underbite’s work would immediately recognise this piece and attempt to reassemble it in their heads. To anybody else, this might look a little abstract and unfathomable. What a great way to play with a character. For reference, a typical Mr Underbite piece is shown below.

Mr Underbite, River Avon, Bristol, March 2024
Mr Underbite, River Avon, Bristol, March 2024