454. Upfest 2016 (51)

There is something dark, political and edgy about What Have I Done Now’s work. His paste ups are full of menace, like this one (called laugh riot) of a riot police figure, waving a US flag and adorned with Mickey Mouse ears. Taking a swipe at some attitudes in a small wheatpaste without words is part of the skill of this kind of street art.

What Have I Done Now, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
What Have I Done Now, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
This piece was situated in the small lane at the bottom end of Dean Lane skate park where it joins North Street. I think some bits of it still remain. I have also found in my Upfest archive his ‘official’ piece for the festival and I will post it shortly.

This is one for the fans of political street art, an art form that seems to be slightly out of vogue at the moment.

443. Dean Lane skate park (20)

Well I have been defeated. I’m sure the explanation is simple, but I have exhausted all my investigative powers. This amazing piece by OHMS appeared back in April 2016 and I fell for it immediately. It is quite unlike other pieces I have seen. Amazing pastel colours, great wildstyle writing and a character, Mickey Mouse. I love this a lot.

OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2016
OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2016

BUT…can I find out anything about OHMS? No I bloody well can’t. Several months of searches have thrown up nothing. I hope that posting this and the image on Instagram will help me to track down this elusive artist/crew. Anyone out there who has any clues…fire away.

OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2016
OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, April 2016

Worse still, I have several other wonderful pieces by OHMS lined up, but I am reluctant to do so until I have a bit more to say about the artist.