4994. Dean Lane skate park (563)

Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2023
Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2023

The waits seem to get longer between finding new Laic217 pieces, which is a real pity. I can only hope that the reason behind his slow down in street activity is that he has other great things going on in his life. It is not uncommon for street artists to go through peaks and troughs in activity, and that is all part of the game.

Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2023
Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2023

This is Laic217 at his classic best, a skeleton holding a spray can, wearing a puffer jacket over a hoodie. There is tons of shape and texture in his work, especially on the clothes. Seeing this piece reminds me just how good he is and how much I miss his work.

1074. Upfest 2017 (80)

OK, so this is one of those pieces that seems to have become quite iconic in the wake of Upfest. Everything about it is contemporary with the mood of the nation and other nations. It is bright and colourful but hides a more sinister discontent behind the hoodie and mask. My interpretation, which might be very wrong, is of resistance and revolution, of clawing back some decency, some freedom.

Tysall, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Tysall, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The piece, by Tysall, is one of the most memorable of the festival, however, I am not familiar with the artist at all. I believe that he is Bristol-based, and have found a rather nice interview with him here.

Tysall, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Tysall, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I think his entry in the Upfest biographies is one of my favourites:

Just trying to make my own mark… or mess, I’m still not sure which it is.

He has made his mark with me, no messing.

639. St Werburghs tunnel (8)

It is great to see that Silent Hobo is back and busy. Back from where or doing what I am not sure, but in recent weeks he has hit the streets and that is good news. This piece is sited at the entrance to St Werburghs tunnel, which is fortunate, because the light quality is good there.

Silent Hobo, St Werburgs tunnel, Bristol, February 2017
Silent Hobo, St Werburgs tunnel, Bristol, February 2017

Once again we see the slogan ‘you are golden’ and there is something forgiving and loving in that. I like his representation of young people, always positive and upbeat.

Silent Hobo, St Werburgs tunnel, Bristol, February 2017
Silent Hobo, St Werburgs tunnel, Bristol, February 2017

The gold frame sets the piece off nicely and complements the green hoodie and yellow sneakers. Looking forward to a whole load more from Silent Hobo this year.

Silent Hobo, St Werburgs tunnel, Bristol, February 2017
Silent Hobo, St Werburgs tunnel, Bristol, February 2017