6917. Stokes Croft

Hemper, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2025
Hemper, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2025

There are some newish hoardings at the bottom end of Stokes Croft, as the gentrification of the area once more picks up momentum. Kid Krishna has, as you would expect, pounced on these blank canvasses, but he left this space for Hemper, and what a banging piece it is too.

Hemper, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2025
Hemper, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2025

Overall, the piece has a copper metallic feel to it, with the highly illustrated letters spelling out HEMS. The piece is obviously an homage to DJing and to sound systems, perhaps a reference to the Blue Mountain Club that was knocked down behind these hoardings. There is too much to describe in this sensational piece, so perhaps the best way to enjoy it is to spend a moment looking at each element of it.

Hemper, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2025
Hemper, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2025

Of course, you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. These two are symptomatic of the world we live in, where shutting yourself off and hiding behind headphones is the norm – no effort required, no thought given to exploring the world right in front of your eyes. C’est la vie I suppose.

6438. Dean Lane skate park (767)

Awkward, Dean Lane, Bristol September 2024
Awkward, Dean Lane, Bristol September 2024

It would appear that Awkward is going through a bit of a purple patch, having made only occasional appearances for several years, he is now painting regularly in the Deaner. This one was part of a wider collaboration, or at least it was painted at the same time as some other pieces on the wall.

Awkward, Dean Lane, Bristol September 2024
Awkward, Dean Lane, Bristol September 2024

In Awkward, perhaps more than with other artists, we see a strong crossover between his art and music – perhaps Benjimagnetic could give him a run for for his money – and indeed Awkward promotes Sentinel793 (Benjimagnetic) in this piece. The two cartoon characters appear to be rather ghoulish, with empty eye-sockets that are connected by wisps of smoke. Nice work from Awkward, although it might not be to everyone’s taste.

6114. M32 roundabout J3 (583)

Laic217, M32 roundabout, Bristol, May 2024
Laic217, M32 roundabout, Bristol, May 2024

This is an absolutely classic example of Laic217’s work. Technically and stylistically superb, the piece features two skeletons, one of which is DJing with a twin turntable and the other apparently having a great time.

Laic217, M32 roundabout, Bristol, May 2024
Laic217, M32 roundabout, Bristol, May 2024

The artistry in the greyscale piece is outstanding, with the story playing out really clearly. The decorative shapes bursting around the piece add a sense of movement and energy coming from the music, and the two gold touches, on the DJ’s hand and a tooth, are classy additions. I love the additional touch of LAIC217 appearing on the record label, rounding the whole thing off nicely. This is a truly fabulous and energetic piece from Laic217.

5771. Purdown (65)

Benjimagnetic, Purdown, Bristol, December 2023
Benjimagnetic, Purdown, Bristol, December 2023

I recognised the style, but couldn’t put a name to it when I first saw and photographed this classy piece up on Purdown. I had to do a google search when I got home and then the penny dropped that ‘Sentinel 793’ is the music moniker that is used by Benjimagnetic, so here is a piece using his graffiti writing skills to promote his music skills.

Benjimagnetic, Purdown, Bristol, December 2023
Benjimagnetic, Purdown, Bristol, December 2023

I guess this cross advertising worked to a degree as I have just been listening to some of his tracks, and although not really my cup of tea, they are nicely produced. The writing and the dancing character in particular, are, on reflection, easy to spot as Benjimagnetic pieces in retrospect. The blue and gold colours work really nicely together in this unusual piece.

Sinead

.

Tears roll down your face

from the most beautiful eyes

and nothing compares

.

by Scooj

Martin Stephenson and the Daintees

.

Martin Stephenson

my favourite music man

the Folk House, tonight

.

by Scooj

Bat out of hell

.

So farewell Meat Loaf

a rock act larger than life

everyone knew you

.

by Scooj

Resumption

.

Music club resumes

the theme this week is colours

band, single, album

.

by Scooj

Rossini do

.

Opera outing

to The Barber of Seville

short back and sides please

.

by Scooj

Kane Gang

.

Popped in my earphones

the closest thing to heaven

taking me back years

.

by Scooj