A gallery of superb abstract figure pieces by Bristol artist Shab.
Instagram: @s.h.a.b
All photographs by Scooj
Shab
Tag: Shab
2303. North Street Standard
Shutters are the pits. I must have walked past this beautiful piece by Shab hundreds of times, but only when the shutter was up, so have never seen it before. I understand it has been there for some years, but I only saw it early on a Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago.
I haven’t seen anything from Shab in absolutely ages, so to find this was actually most gratifying. I have always loved his outlined abstract figures and his trademark eyes are always so beautifully done. There were some other shutter pieces here on the front of the North Street restaurant and I will post these in due course. This was like meeting an old friend.
1271. St Michael’s Hill (2)
This is not a new piece by Shab, it has been here for months, but it replaces a piece by him that was here before and which I posted in February 2017. It would seem that Shab has the permission of the owners to claim this spot as his own.
I never tire of the abstract form that Shab brings to his work, enjoy the anatomical references he makes in his work, which recently has been the inclusion of an eye. In this piece he includes another eye and also the eye scokets and nasal cavity of a skull.
This is an interesting piece and slightly off the beaten track. One for the locals.
1100. Dean Lane skate park (85)
A familiar piece in a familiar place from a familiar artist. This is a beautiful abstract piece by Shab, sprayed in one of his favourite spots in Dean Lane skate park. I do like it when artists kind of ‘claim’ a spot, although it is not so good when they guard it jealously.
Always pleasing on the eye, Shab’s work holds a kind of mystery for the viewer, and a fascination too. Of course, the eye usually plays a part in his work, and adds some realism to this abstract world. Such subtle colours in the eye, set against the black and white surround.
I have always liked and probably always like the work of this highly respected Bristol master.
972. Upfest 2017 (32)
It is great to be able to post yet another incredible work by another Bristol Artist. This one is by Shab, and stands head and shoulders above many of then other abstract pieces at Upfest this year. His use of the brilliant white an black outlines on a slightly off-white background works a treat, and the match and flame are something to behold.
This is a thoughtful piece which had some scratching their heads. An acquired taste maybe, but actually technically really good. As always with his pieces an eye is incorporated too.
I do really like his work, but missed the opportunity to meet him. He had finished by the time I made it this far on the first day. This one makes it into my top 10 for the festival.
910. Wade Street (1)
I took a new route whilst going somewhere with the family a few weeks ago, and in my rear view mirror caught sight of this fabulous Shab piece. I made a mental note of its location and returned to photograph it a few days later.
I don’t think it is a new piece, but it certainly is a belter. There are four of his characteristic line drawn figures sprayed over a textured background created with a blue roller. The overall effect is quite stunning, and I think this is one of the best I have seen to date.
Of course, each figure has eyes, and oh, what eyes these are. There is a story here – maybe of love, indicated by then heart, or maybe other things going on. Overall it is simply spectacular. A lucky spot in my rear view mirror.
806. Dean Lane skate park (49)
This is a small piece from Shab down at Deaners from a couple of weeks back. It is a wonderful abstract piece with great eyes…oh those eyes. I discovered another much larger piece by Shab in another part of Bristol, and am itching to go and photograph it.
It is always a pleasure to see his work, every one feels like a little present. I feel very lucky to be able to access the free galleries that are the Bristol walls. My task is to make these treasures accessible for all.
715. Dean Lane skatepark (38)
Oh my goodness – they are everywhere. It seems that now I am so much more aware of the work of Shab, I am seeing it everywhere. This is a piece that appeared…and disappeared pretty quickly from Dean Lane. It is a wonderful small abstract piece that is rather subtle, and could be missed or overlooked.
It is however the work of a very accomplished and practised artist whose creations are very easy on the eye, but also seem to ask questions or challenge in some way – I’m not sure if I have explained that very well, but they kind of leave you thinking. This is a lovely piece and of course we have another fabulous eye.
706. Upfest 2016 (110)
This is the sixth piece by Shab that I have posted since the beginning of the year. A relatively new discovery for me, but he has been here all the time…I just hadn’t recognised his work. I feel such a fool, because he is not only really established in Bristol, but turns out fantastic pieces across the city Bristol which somehow fell under my radar.
His work at Upfest appeared on the side of a train carriage with the word ‘unwellcome’ (spelling) written above several of his line drawn figures and heads. His human figures are like studies or drafts, with particular attention to proportions, muscles and form. I do like his work very much, and of course the piece is generously sprinkled with eyes.
680. North Street Hoarding (7)
This is one I have held on to for a long time, and I did so because it is a really great piece. I hadn’t published it because the artist, Shab, has only recently come onto my radar. Of course, I am now finding his work everywhere…that seems to be the way of things.
This piece was from Upfest 2015, and managed to remain for quite some time. There are still some remnants of it there today, just. I really love this piece and the way Shab captures the figures. There is a touch of what looks like an African influence going on. A firm favourite.
Natural adventures 