Tag: Distortion

6175. M32 Cycle path (272)

Laic217, M32 Cycle path, Bristol, June 2024
Laic217, M32 Cycle path, Bristol, June 2024

This year, we haven’t really had to wait too long before being treated to a Laic217 piece on a reasonably regular basis, and this is one of his most recent works on the M32 cycle path. What Laic217 has presented us with here is a rather trippy, and slightly menacing (those black fingernails like talons) piece that plays into his penchant for face distortion.

Laic217, M32 Cycle path, Bristol, June 2024
Laic217, M32 Cycle path, Bristol, June 2024

Although the piece is nicely executed, I personally find it a little unsettling, which I am sure is the point. Laic217 will push the boundaries in a way that his art can. His solid, tight, block letters contrast really well with the unconventional character portrait. Not my favourite piece by Laic217, but a great example of the way he challenges us to see things.

5491. Cumberland Basin

Laic217, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2023
Laic217, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2023

As far as I possibly can, I like to post every Laic217 piece that I find and with very few exceptions, I have managed to do that since starting Natural Adventures. Both Laic217 and I have been on an incredible journey since 2015/16, and now his steady drumbeat of outstanding artwork continues to feature in the blog, with this compelling piece from a week or so ago.

Laic217, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2023
Laic217, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2023

There are several of Laic217’s favourite themes incorporated in this portrait piece, returning once more to his facial distortion, where bits of flesh are stretched across the character’s mouth and teeth. The grotesque nature of Laic217’s work is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, although it would be difficult to deny his extraordinary artistic talent. Other ’emblems’ of his work are included, such as a cap with a smiley face, tracksuit with zip and a smoking cigarette/joint.  The purple mask/colouring around the eyes is something new, and the eyes themselves are particularly nicely done. As ever, I was genuinely excited to find this piece.

4893. Greenbank (61)

Laic217, Greenbank, Bristol, December 2022
Laic217, Greenbank, Bristol, December 2022

As the development alongside the Bristol to Bath cycle track reaches its completion, the long hoarding is being dismantled in sections as each new block of the development is finished. We always knew this would be a temporary spot, but it feels rather sad that it is shrinking away and will soon be gone altogether.

Laic217, Greenbank, Bristol, December 2022
Laic217, Greenbank, Bristol, December 2022

One of the regulars here over the last few years has been Laic217, and here he is with another classic piece. This one, along with other recent pieces, reverts back to his rather sinister distorted faces. Distorted and trippy some might call it. All the elements of a Laic217 piece are there, but once again it is his attention to detail in folds in material that really stands out. He has become a master of painting the clothes worn by his skeletal characters. Brilliant stuff from one of my all-time favourite artists

4126. Greenbank (21)

Laic217 has three or four main themes that he likes to return to. Most of his characters are skeletons, often spraying, but he has also painted a lot of melting faces and face distortions, of which this is a fine example.

Laic217, Greenbank, Bristol, December 2021
Laic217, Greenbank, Bristol, December 2021

This one is a newish piece on the long Greenbank wall, which surely only has a few more months left, as the development behind it seems to be moving with some pace now. The distortion is deliberately unsettling and challenging, especially as it is confined to the face and the hand with a spray can in it. The rest of the character is normal, so there is a lot of confusion and deception going on. I love Laic217’s creativity and mischief, and this piece ticks all my boxes. Beautifully executed too.

1697. St Werburghs tunnel (38)

Hurrah, it is great to find one of Laic217’s distorted face pieces, it feels like an absolute age since I last saw one, he has mostly been spraying skeletons and skulls of late, so this is a welcome return.

Laic217, St Werburghs, Bristol, August 2018
Laic217, St Werburghs, Bristol, August 2018

This is one of a pair of pieces sprayed side by side in St Werburghs tunnel in early August by the artist, and of the two I would say I slightly prefer it although both are excellent. I really do like his work, and for as long as he keeps putting them out there, I will continue to photograph them and write about them…if I find them. Those eyes!

1102. Bedminster

I took this picture a couple of months ago in Bedminster, and of course it is instantly recognisable as a piece by Laic217. All the signature elements are there, a portrait, distortion, this time through broken glass, the bucket hat and smiley.

Laic217, Bedminster, Bristol, July 2017
Laic217, Bedminster, Bristol, July 2017

it was after seeing this piece, that the frequency of work Laic217 was churning out decreased markedly. I am pleased to say that he appears to be back up and running and firing on all cylinders.

Laic217, Bedminster, Bristol, July 2017
Laic217, Bedminster, Bristol, July 2017

Although this is not my favourite of his pieces, it is striking, and the colours really stand out.