6045. Upfest 2024 (4)

Rob Wass, The Spotted Cow, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024
Rob Wass, The Spotted Cow, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024

To be honest with you, I am not sure whether this piece by Rob Wass, in the yard of the Spotted Cow pub, is from this year’s Upfest or whether it was already there before. It looks pretty fresh, and I know the artist has painted for the festival before, so I imagine it is a 2024 piece. (Update: it was painted for Upfest 2024)

Rob Wass, The Spotted Cow, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024
Rob Wass, The Spotted Cow, North Street, Upfest 24, Bristol, May 2024

Rob Wass, who is a fine artist and designer, occasionally paints murals like this one, which are very much an upscaling of his studio work. He uses brushes rather than spray cans, which give him the opportunity to add in so much fine detail. This is a gorgeous piece with a flamingo at its heart and an array of decorative ‘peacock’ feathers fanned from the centre. An intricate and interesting piece, well worth hunting down.

1992. Upfest 2018 (128)

On yet another completely new wall for Upfest 2018 was this slightly unusual abstract piece from Rob Wass. You had to keep your eyes peeled for this one due to its location down a side street on the main drag between North Street and Ashton Gate.

Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

As yet my mind isn’t fully made up on this one and I really can’t put my finger on my reservation. I think it might have more to do with the aspect of the wall and the pebble dash finish (which must be a nightmare for painters), than it does to do with the piece itself.

Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

Over the years, Rob Wass has produced some lovely pieces for Upfest and he has become a firm favourite. I imagine that this one will remain in place for a while because of its accessibility.

Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

1133. Upfest 2017 (98)

Rob Wass took a lot of care and attention in producing this piece, and was out on both days, dodging the showers like everyone else. Some of you may remember his beautiful fox from Upfest 2015 which shares the same distinctive characteristics with this beautiful tree.

Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Simplicity splashed with carefully selected colours leaves us with a very pleasing piece that generates a sense of calm and connection with our environment…I think I am a fan of his work.

Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Rob Wass, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

34. Raleigh Road

One of the most eye catching murals from this year’s Upfest must surely be this wonderful fox by artist Rob Wass.

Rob Wass, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015
Rob Wass, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015

The urban fox has become part of the furniture in Bristol, and has been studied over many years by Bristol University. It has become something of an emblem for the city.

Rob Wass, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015
Rob Wass, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015

Rob Wass, who lives and works in London creates some wonderful colourful works, but I think that these large scale murals are something of a slight departure.