6757. Cowmead Walk

Hemper, Cowmead Walk, Bristol, February 2025
Hemper, Cowmead Walk, Bristol, February 2025

There is no question about it, Hemper has found a new level of energy, the likes of which I haven’t seen since around Covid lockdown, when he was pretty busy also. Barely a day goes by when there isn’t a new piece by this exceptionally gifted artist. One of the most notable things about Hemper is that every piece he paints is new and creative, he rarely, if ever, revisits old designs and copies them, each one is utterly unique.

Hemper, Cowmead Walk, Bristol, February 2025
Hemper, Cowmead Walk, Bristol, February 2025

This outstanding piece is like a ‘sampler’ where each letter shows off his astonishing technique and gift for colour, shapes, patterns, design and can control. Spelling out HEMS, the H, E and S all have white accents which provide depth and a 3D effect, whereas the E is much flatter and hugs the wall. There is so much to enjoy in this piece, that it is probably wiser not to describe it, but to let you enjoy it at your leisure. I rarely use the word genius, because it is in my view overused – in this case, however, I believe it to be appropriate.

6737. M32 roundabout J3 (653)

Hemper, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2016
Hemper, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2016

I know exactly why I never posted this piece at the time I photographed it. Although I was blown away by it, I didn’t know who the artist was, and so it remained in my archive unseen. I have revisited it several times over the years, but now feel confident enough in suggesting it is by Hemper.

Hemper, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2016
Hemper, M32 roundabout, Bristol, March 2016

The location, the ASK tag, and the possibility that the disguised letters may spell HEMS and the sheer quality of the piece draws me to the conclusion that it is by Hemper. Whoever the artist, it remains one of my favourite pieces of crazy graffiti writing ever. Everything about it is near perfect, from concept to execution. Those stones/bubbles must have taken an age to paint, and the black ‘web’ draped around the letters is exceptional. The work of a genius.

Manhole cover

.

Circular cover

designed so it can’t fall in

simply genius

.

by Scooj

Genius?

 

Somewhat overused

the term genius should be

offered sparingly

 

by Scooj

 

Yesterday’s haiku from which the last line was taken to create the first line of today’s:

 

Look on the bright side

for a Pythonesque Cliché

somewhat overused

SS. Great Britain

 

Bristol’s Isembard

opened up the gateway to

trading with the world.

 

by Scooj