6736. City Road (14)

Aspire, City Road, Bristol, March 2016
Aspire, City Road, Bristol, March 2016

Every now and again, I like to delve into my archives to see if there are any pieces that somehow were overlooked at the time, and I am always surprised by what I find. The next few posts are from 2016 and include this beautiful magpie by Aspire.

Aspire, City Road, Bristol, March 2016
Aspire, City Road, Bristol, March 2016

Aspire was one of my favourite Bristol artists in Bristol, and his depictions of birds in particular struck a chord with me as a trained naturalist. For a few short years, his work brightened up our streets before he packed his bags and moved to London, where I am told the streets are paved with gold. Fortunately, Aspire does return from time to time, but I miss his portfolio of stunning birds and their surroundings. As well as being a superb portrayal of a magpie, we also see evidence of his pixel clusters, something of a trademark for the artist. Those were the days!

5822. Dean Lane skate park (688)

Dibz, Dean Lane skate park, Bristol, February 2024
Dibz, Dean Lane skate park, Bristol, February 2024

Something a little different from Dibz on the curved wall in Dean Lane skate park, illustrating the point that Dibz is anything but a one-trick-pony (some trick at that). The writing feels a little bit retro, and the incorporation of a series of black and white pixels adds to that effect.

Dibz, Dean Lane skate park, Bristol, February 2024
Dibz, Dean Lane skate park, Bristol, February 2024

Interestingly, the pixel squares are a little uneven and most unlike Dibz’ precision work – I wonder if there is a tiny chink in his perfect armour… The piece includes the word Metal Headz, which I assume means something to Dibz, but sadly nothing to me. Some fun and variety from the maestro.

4612. Devon Road (17)

Aspire, Devon Road, Bristol, July 2022
Aspire, Devon Road, Bristol, July 2022

It looks like Aspire made great use of his time in Bristol for Upfest, and left behind this little extra piece in Devon Road, a spot he has painted in before when he lived in the city. I will never tire of Aspire’s beautiful birds and pixelated aberrations, and still feel sad that he left Bristol for London a few years ago.

Aspire, Devon Road, Bristol, July 2022
Aspire, Devon Road, Bristol, July 2022

Although he has painted dozens of different species of bird, he seems to return blue tits most frequently. The bird is stunning, and the incorporation of the street sign inspirational. I don’t have the writing skills to express how much I like Aspire’s work, suffice it to say I think it is awesome.