3355. M32 Spot (95)

It is a very difficult job indeed to write about street art in Bristol at the moment, mainly because there is so much of it, and with only two posts a day on Natural Adventures I have to be selective. I try to represent the broad spectrum of street art in the city, from elaborate tags to high-end murals and everything in between. Unfortunately though so much stuff ends up on the ‘cutting room floor’ – Perhaps I’ll be able to mop that lot up when I retire and need to fill my days.

This piece is from Morph, an artist who has only recently crossed my radar, adding to the Bristol throng.

Morph, M32 Spot, Bristol, November 2020
Morph, M32 Spot, Bristol, November 2020

I really like this piece and it suits the column perfectly. The face resembles that of a monkey, although I’m not sure if that is the intention. A slightly edgy character, with a cigarette(?) in its mouth and shifty red eyes. I like what I see, and I think that there is some latent talent there with an understanding of shading, colours and tone. I really look forward to seeing more from Morph.

3354. M32 Spot (94)

It is possible to access some fine walls and columns (I call the location Frome side) where this piece from Mudra is, but I don’t like to go down there on my own, just in case I slip and fall into the river, so I have to make do with photographing things through railings from the skate spot.

Mudra, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Mudra, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

Of all the newcomers to Bristol this year, I think that Mudra has been the most productive, and he has been quick to find several of the great spots for spray-painting around the city. This is one of his colourful, capped characters that is so typically Mudra. Although he has his little @ tag, he doesn’t need to use it because his style is so unique and recognisable – having said that I like his tag and how he incorporates it. At this rate it won’t be too long before I have enough of his work to create a gallery.

3353. M32 Spot (93)

You may recall a giant skeleton by Risco that I published on Natural Adventures a few days ago, well here is another of his rather large pieces, but this time not on a ceiling. The M32 skate spot has had something of a rebirth since the arrival of the pandemic. There have been some new DIY ramps installed and there is a buzz about the place. It also feels like there is more activity on the graffiti/street art front.

Risco, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Risco, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

This is another amazing skeleton piece, although exactly what creature it is I am not too sure (imaginary I think). Risco has worked the piece beautifully along the length of the ramp, with the rib cage bulging out from the wall. Another epic piece from this artist who is smashing it at the moment.

3349. M32 spot (92)

I think I have featured more new Bristol artists on Natural Adventures this year than in any previous year. It seems that every week or two new talent emerges (or equally, I become aware of someone who might have been painting for a while). Part of this talent pool seems to be home-grown, but because Bristol is a known graffiti city it draws artists in from further afield.

Morph, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Morph, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

This piece is by Morph, who seems to favour the M32 skate spot, and is an interesting green face set on a black bubble background with the word MORPH written as if from a giant Posca pen. There is a simplicity about the piece, but also some nice shading work around the eyes, nose and mouth. It will be interesting to watch as Morph’s art develops over time. The first of I hope many posts showcasing the artist’s work.

3344. M32 Spot (91)

Pekoe has been a very busy lady lately, with a flush of small portraits dotted around the city, which is very good news indeed. After years of writing about her work I finally got to meet her at a paint jam last weekend. Although this piece was photographed before I met her, I was able to tell her how much I liked it.

Pekoe, M32 Spot, Bristol, November 2020
Pekoe, M32 Spot, Bristol, November 2020

Sometimes ‘street furniture’ interferes with taking photographs of street art, but in this instance I think it somehow adds to the ambience and environment. The bin, bike and coffee cup complement the scene, but the star here is definitely the outstanding yellow-faced portrait. I really like this piece, she has managed to create something special in quite a tight space and I like the way she has separated the portrait from the wall with a thick gold outline. A classy piece from the lovely Pekoe.

3299. M32 Spot (90)

Sometimes artists tend to come into view with increasing frequency. Now I don’t know whether that is because I am noticing them more but that they have always been there or whether they are actually painting walls more often. Whatever the reason, I am definitely seeing work from CD.TC these days and that is a good thing.

CD.TC, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
CD.TC, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

This column piece at the M32 Spot is very nicely done and it has to be said that his portrait orientation style suits columns very well, a bit like Zake. The monster face contains many of the elements that we see in CD.TC’s work including great big teeth and swirly eyes. The monster appears to be consuming city buildings and smoking a cigarette. So much going on  in this fun piece.

3285. M32 Spot (89)

A couple of weeks ago I bumped into Paul H in St Werburghs tunnel and he tipped me off that Smak was likely to be painting at the M32 Spot, so naturally my next port of call was to my favourite board under the motorway. There I found not only Smak, but Mena too, both busily spraying.

Smak and Mena, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Smak and Mena, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

I have many photographs of Mena’s work, but I think this is the first time I have posted anything, so I guess a bit of a rummage through my archive will be happening in the not too distant future.

Smak, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Smak, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

On the left of the board is a beautifully worked piece of graffiti writing from Smak. What is noticeable about this is that the light conditions on the two days I visited this piece have presented two different tones, one much yellower than the other – I guess that cameras get pretty goofed up with poor light under the motorway and bright light bleedinng in at the sides. Auto settings simply can’t cope.

Mena, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Mena, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

On the right is a ‘stock’ piece of writing from Mena. The letters are uniform in size with interesting shapes and Mena really goes to town with some beautiful horizontal fills in wonderful complementary colours. The outcome is very pleasing, and the black 3D shading really helps to lift the whole thing out from the wall. I am really looking forward to sharing more from Mena.

3283. M32 Spot (88)

It has been a very, very long time since I last saw a piece from Object… and at this time of political turmoil I have missed his interjections and commentary defending the less well off and downcast members of our society.

Object..., M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Object…, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

Another rather grotesque imagining of a hand being eaten by hungry mouths… a piece with a lot of pain anguish and rage. The whole scene is rather unpleasant and uncomfortable, but I think that is the point, this is a challenging and political piece. The slogan ‘Eat the Rich’ accompanies th work as in so much of Object…’s art. A provocative and compelling piece.

3275. M32 Spot (87)

Welcome to the first day of November, and as we wake up in England, we prepare ourselves for a month-long lock down starting on Thursday. I don’t think I relish the prospect and it will be very tough for many people, however I believe it to be the right action to protect people like my mother and her partner, vulnerable and sick people.

It is a pity it comes on the back of ten years of self-imposed austerity, an ideological decision made by the Tory government. An already struggling nation are once again being asked to make sacrifices to protect an underfunded NHS. It didn’t have to pan out this way, but Johnson and his ERG-fuelled right-wingers have ruined this country all so that capitalism can offer its rewards to self-interested money makers, sod the rest of us.

Rant over. Some lovely bunnies in the M32 Spot for a bit of Autumn cheer From the tireless Nevergiveup (Followmyrabbits, Eldey)

Nevergiveup, M32 Spot, October 2020
Nevergiveup, M32 Spot, October 2020

A rather nice Pair of rabbits squeezed onto a column. That is some green!

3263. M32 Spot (86)

Woah there, steady… A column piece under the M32, who can it possibly be by? Zake of course, but unlike any Zake piece I have seen before. This piece feels like the artist has stepped up a level, having a depth and texture unlike any of his previous pieces, although there have been signs of continuous improvement.

Zake, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020
Zake, M32 Spot, Bristol, October 2020

The face (of course a face) is quite scary with bright teeth and a disturbing expression and the whole column certainly stands out. What I like most is that the piece is full of texture and folds, with light and dark and I think that Zake has really nailed it. I am totally annoyed though by the sticker over one of the eyes… I guess these things happen. Looking forward to more from Zake.