Tag: Nomad Clan

2047. Upfest 2016 (165)

Yet another notable omission from my Upfest 2016 posts is this extraordinary piece by Manchester’s brilliant duo, Nomad Clan. It looks a little bit like a dystopian future piece and bristles with menace and potential violence.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

This would have been the first time I saw these two painting or indeed was conscious of their work, although at the time I was not conscious of their work…if that makes sense. It is amazing to think what a successful few years they have had.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

The piece is sprayed on the fake train carriage that is rolled out at Upfest each year, which is a nice touch from the organisers. The only downside to it is that it is surrounded by fences, presumably to stop people from sitting on the ledge and getting in the way of the artists.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

This is a great looking piece with loads of attitude and a bit of as story gong on in.

1934. Shoreditch, London (14)

A magnificent celebration of the written word by Nomad Clan, depicting a letter and a pigeon, both methods of carrying written messages, to align with the theme of this large wall in Shoreditch on ‘connectivity’.

Nomad Clan, Shoreditch, London, November 2018
Nomad Clan, Shoreditch, London, November 2018

I am a huge fan of this talented duo, who have visited Bristol for Upfest in each of the last two years. This is a masterful work with many elements to focus on, but it is the feathers on the right hand side of the piece that I find most appealing…they have such a lightness about them.

Nomad Clan, Shoreditch, London, November 2018
Nomad Clan, Shoreditch, London, November 2018

Nomad Clan are known for their big walls and this one is big. Their concepts and ideas are so beautifully illustrated with a softness of tone that many artists appear to struggle with. I was very happy to find this piece.

1785. Upfest 2018 (61)

This might be the most high-profile piece at Upfest 2018 and was possibly the most photographed wall of the festival. It is by the outstanding duo Nomad Clan whose fisherman and octopus wowed visitors at last year’s event.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

This piece combines two themes for the festival in a beautiful way; The Simpsons and Bristol Women’s Voice celebrating 100 years of the first women getting the vote. Lisa Simpson is the perfect choice as a champion for women and I think this piece is entitled #bemorelisa. All walls have to start somewhere and this one starts with a grid.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

The whole thing took about three days to complete and is a real tour de force from Nomad Clan. They really do excel at these large walls and seem to have the capacity to paint them with such apparent ease.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

It is easy to see just why this was such a popular piece at the festival from the sheer scale, but for me it is the Lisa Simpson that leaps out, there is something about her face and eyes that works for me.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

I am not sure who the other character is, but with the loud hailer, it is obvious that this is all about Women’s voice. An impressive work, although I am probably more fond of last year’s piece.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

 

 

1151. Upfest 2017 (103)

This extraordinary piece by Nomad Clan is just sensational and very probably my favourite from Upfest 2017. I have visited this wall many times, both during its creation and since, but have failed so far to get a clean shot of it withoug something in the way. I will keep trying.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Nomad Clan are a phenomenally talented duo, of CBLOXX and AYLO bosed in Manchester. They tend to work on large murals and have painted some of the largest murals in England.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The subject matter of the piece is captivating, and there is some deliberate reflection between the octopus and the old fisherman. Both are painted with tenderness and delicacy, and they have created a story, a dialogue between these two characters. Very powerful stuff.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I stopped for a chat with the artists on the Friday before Upfest…they had started a bit early, which given the weather over the weekend, was probably a wise decision… and they were happy to take a bit of time out to talk, particularly AYLO who was very smiley and chatty.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I have not seen any of their work in the flesh before, but was really so impressed with this piece. It oozes class and competence and absolutely stands out.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The close ups of the two characters may give you a feel for what I mean, and take a good look at the fishing boat tattoo on the fishenman’s head, brilliant attention to detail.

Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Nomad Clan, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I sincerely hope they are invited back next year.