153. Picton Street

Anyone who wanders around the streets of Bristol, particularly in the Montpelier area, cannot fail to have seen works by the wonderful Alex Lucas. They are everywhere, and together with her designs, they have become somewhat synonymous with the identity of Bristol itself. I posted this back in November 2105.

Alex Lucas, Picton Street, Bristol, March 2106
Alex Lucas, Picton Street, Bristol, March 2106

Nearly all of her work that I have seen includes portrayals of animals, often in anthropomorphic poses. Unlike most of the street artists I feature, Lucas is very much on the legitimate/commission-based side of brightening up our streets, and although some might perceive this as lacking in edge, Bristol would be greatly diminished without her outstanding pieces.

Alex Lucas, Picton Street, Bristol, March 2106
Alex Lucas, Picton Street, Bristol, March 2106

I only clocked this one walking home last week with some friends. I think it must be reasonably new. I should think Picton Takeaway are thrilled. Alex lives opposite in a house decorated in her own style, deserving of a post in its own right.

The quote from Oscar Wilde is perfect. Oh yes, and there is another Fox!

8/10

70. Picton Lane (4)

More from the wonderful Rowdy in this Montpelier hotspot for street art. This mural is called ‘Lilo’. I am not too sure what it depicts, but it may have a ‘fat cat’ reference there. Who knows? I’d better find Rowdy and ask him.

Rowdy, lilo, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015
Rowdy, lilo, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015

8/10

64. Richmond Road

In deepest Bohemian Montpelier, Bristol, many of the homes and businesses have welcomed street artists to adorn their walls and shopfronts with murals. Every street is full of colour and surprises.

Ryan Kai, Richmond Road, Bristol, November 2015
Ryan Kai, Richmond Road, Bristol, November 2015

This beautiful mural created in 2013 is by Ryan Kai and is typical of his work, which carries a strong Latin American theme. He studied art at the University of the West of England in Bristol and graduated in 2009. Now living and working in North London, Kai has a really nice blog which gives you a great insight into his work and techniques.

Ryan Kai, Gnome tag, Richmond Road, Bristol, November 2015
Ryan Kai, Gnome tag, Richmond Road, Bristol, November 2015

I don’t know who is responsible for the little addition to this mural. A bit of fun.

7/10

61. Picton Lane (2)

Rich pickings indeed from Picton Lane. This is the first solo 3Dom wall that I have featured in my posts, and a bit of a curious one to start with. Entitled the Dream Machine Tardis, it is typical of his use of vibrant colours and surreal imagery. I don’t know what it is about, but is is pleasing to my eye.

3Dom, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015
3Dom, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015

It is well worth reading this brilliant interview with the Bristol-based street artist and finding out why he goes under the name Mike 22 for his indoor gallery work. I am looking forward to posting more of his work.

7/10

60. Picton Lane (1)

My lunchtime stroll today took me to Montpelier, the heart of alternative Bohemian Bristol. Although I live nearby, I don’t know the area well, so I was in for a treat. I veered off the main roads into the back streets, and found walls festooned with murals, mostly by very local artists.

Mau Mau and Rowdy, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015
Mau Mau and Rowdy, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015

I came across this political piece, which speaks volumes about the severe cuts which are destroying public services. It is a collaboration between Rowdy and Mau Mau. Rowdy is known as one of the longest-standing graffiti artists in the UK, and paints a lot of crocodiles and jagged teeth. Mau Mau’s trademark is a fox, which features in most of his works.

Mau Mau and Rowdy, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015
Mau Mau and Rowdy, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2015

This was, as far as I can make out, painted on 27 October 2015; so really recent. I am pleased to have seen it so soon after completion.

7.5/10

35. Albert Park Place

Tucked away in Montpelier, there are a few walls that appear to get a lot of attention.

Sepr, Albert Park Place, Bristol, August 2015
Sepr, Albert Park Place, Bristol, August 2015

This large mural is by one of Bristol’s most prolific street artists, Sepr. The work is called ‘The Picture of Grey Dorian’, and appears to have been sprayed sometime this year. It has also been tagged and largely obscured. I have not seen a clean original of this work.

Sepr, Albert Park Place, Bristol, August 2015
Sepr, Albert Park Place, Bristol, August 2015

I have featured other Sepr artwork at Dighton Street, Turbo Island, and Stokes Croft.

6.5/10