It looks like Stivs will once again be dividing opinion with this combination piece on the long wall at Sparke Evans Park. Although it was painted alongside the countless Paroe tribute pieces, it is not clear that this is one of them, and even if it were, it would seem a little inappropriate.
Stivs, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, July 2025
This is not the first time Stivs has painted a topless woman, but I worry that he might have missed the mark with this one, accompanying it with the words ‘Equal opportunities’. I’m not too sure what point he is trying to make, but it doesn’t sit all that comfortably with me. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a prude and am all for nudity in street art (as in all art), it is the messaging that worries me. The artwork is good, and the calligraffiti spelling out DSC – 25 – Stivs is totally in keeping with his style and talent.
This amazing combination piece by Stivs is something of a rarity in Bristol, and indeed in many towns and cities in the UK. I have mentioned it before that nudity, realistic or cartoon, tends to be avoided by most artists, which I find a bit strange, because the ‘edge’ that is associated with graffiti culture appears to be ‘missing in action’ in this respect. I think that there are probably two main reasons that we don’t see nude art on our streets; the first is that most street artists probably find it slightly embarrassing territory, the British reserve coming into play. Contrast that however with any art gallery where nudes are mainstream.
The second, and rather more practical reason is that nudes are almost instantly dogged by the ‘sensibility police’, who perceive that they are doing the wider public a service – personally I find that utterly bonkers, but it always happens, and nude pieces don’t last long in their original form. It took only a couple of days before this piece was daubed with black paint over the breasts. A more creative and skilled ‘protestor’ might have painted a bra or top, adding to the humour of the situation, but no… just cross it out with rage and anger.
Stivs, M32 roundabout, Bristol, July 2024
‘Norks’ is slang for breasts and in this cartoon character, Stivs has opted for cheeky exaggeration. The character reminds me very much of those ‘saucy’ holiday postcards that filled the racks in trinket shops in seaside resorts up and down the country during the 1960s and 70s. These days, such things are no longer the norm, and definitely speak of a bygone era.
Stivs, M32 roundabout, Bristol, July 2024
While some may find this combination piece by Stivs offensive, I do not. I like it and celebrate the boldness, taking us to a place that is both uneasy and challenging. Stivs’ artwork is outstanding, and this piece will be remembered for its difference from the mainstream – all part of the very rich diversity of the Bristol street art scene. If nothing else, the piece raised a few eyebrows.
This wonderfully colourful piece, by Oma, was painted as part of a Bristol Womxn Mural Collective paint jam back in May 2022, and Leonard Lane really is a perfect venue for these kind of gatherings.
Oma, Leonard Lane, Bristol, May 2022
I have only seen a couple of pieces by Oma, who usually paints alongside her partner Zake, and has done so in this instance, you can see his ‘moon face’ behind her piece. Oma has developed and improved her style, and each time she paints she manages to come up with a whole new idea. The portrait is a little unsettling if you look closely. The subject has her arm down her throat and is pointing to her yellow intestine, but by way of explanation, the script text next to the piece says ‘feel your emotions’. I would truly love to see more of Oma’s work – fingers crossed.
I will never quite understand why some artists never have as high a profile on Natural Adventures as they deserve, this is even more puzzling when those artists are as talented and creative as I bee W. I have several of his pieces in my archive simply waiting to be posted, but they are trapped. I wasn’t going to let that happen with this wonderful stencil piece in Weston-super-Mare
I bee W, Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare, September 2021
The stencil is unusual, because it features a nude figure which is very unusual in UK street art. Maybe we were prudish or something, but nude art is rarely seen. The complex, multi-layered stencil is typical of the excellent work we see from I bee W, and has a sense of optimism and freedom about it. I will be unearthing more work from this fabulous stencil artist.
Billy is an artist whose work I really admire and enjoy. Her childlike naive style betrays a clever storytelling ability through art and words that make her pieces talk. Add to that the wonderful colours that she uses with such freedom and you have a vibrant and meaningful piece of art that we can all relate to.
Billy, Muriel Alleyway, Bristol, May 2021
In this wonderful little lane in Brislington, Billy brings us a ‘wish you were here’ postcard-style holiday piece featuring a sunbathing nude and a curious blue character on a beach next to the sea. I wonder if this is more about our past reminding us what a holiday actually looks and feels like. It has been such a long time for us all since out last proper holiday. First world problems!
A wonderful and enjoyable piece.
This is the second piece by J. Dior that I have written about, but I can assure you that there are a great many more to come; he is most prolific. I have only really noticed his work on the streets since the Spring, so wonder if he moved into Bristol, or just decided to take the plunge and start painting on the streets.
J. Dior, The Bearpit, Bristol, May 2017
His style is pretty much unique on the Bristol scene. It has a wonderful childlike naivety about it, but somehow draws you in – there are stories here. This piece is very unusual, because it features nudity, something rarely seen in street art. I am intrigued by the fact that Dior will paint a nude image, but when it comes to the writing ‘My p***y’ he doesn’t use the word pussy. I like his work, but still know nothing of the artist.
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