7851. Greenway Bush Lane – Upfest 2026 (49)

Cheo, Greenway Bush Lane, Upfest 2026, Bristol, May 2026
Cheo, Greenway Bush Lane, Upfest 2026, Bristol, May 2026

This is the second wall painted by Cheo at Upfest this year, and I suspect probably slightly less official than his piece in Stillhouse Lane. I imagine that this was a vacant spot that was offered to Cheo by the Upfest organisers, knowing that he is local and one unlikely to offer up an opportunity. Cheo is much loved in Bristol and his work recognised by many, such is his presence in the city.

Cheo, Greenway Bush Lane, Upfest 2026, Bristol, May 2026
Cheo, Greenway Bush Lane, Upfest 2026, Bristol, May 2026

This aquatic romp is both imaginative and fun, featuring a couple of hapless pirate octopi who appear to have survived the sinking of their ship only to be grabbed by a rather angry looking fish with a bomb on his head. A scene that is so vivid and yet so cartoonish and unlikely as to be absurd, but here we are admiring it. Cheo has an extraordinary talent, and that he chooses to share it with us is a blessing indeed.

Opah

 

Searching the oceans

vermillion, scimitar fins,

moonfish so striking.

 

by Scooj

 

Cornish skies

 

Cornish skies, deep blue.

Ocean reflected, absorbed;

waves of clouds breaking.

 

by Scooj

 

Medusa

 

Drifting in the vast

blue ocean deep, where there is

neither up nor down.

 

by Scooj