Tag: Skull

4010. Sparke Evans Park (15)

I haven’t had an awful lot of luck photographing this wall, it is not an easy one to do. The best time I guess for photography is in the middle of an overcast day, any other time it is too dark, or there are multiple shadows cast by a row of trees. These pictures were taken in the early evening, but as you can see the quality of light was poor.

Sikoh, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, October 2021
Sikoh, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, October 2021

Excuses over. This is a magnificent panther piece by Sikoh, painted as part of the Nightwayss birthday paint jam. Sikoh is a member of the PWA crew alongside Face 1st, Soap and Nightwayss, but doesn’t paint nearly as frequently as the rest of them, which is regrettable, because his work is out of the top drawer. There is so much to admire in this piece, but I think the thing I like the most is the incredibly detailed little skulls that make up the leopard’s spots. How does he do that? Simply brilliant.

3981. M32 roundabout J3 (349)

I guess it’s high time for another cute Kawaii piece from Maesyhook, so here it is for all to enjoy. Maesyhook has certainly brought something very different to the walls of Bristol and paints frequently enough to become a bit of a favourite of mine.

Maesyhook, M32 roundabout, Bristol, August 2021
Maesyhook, M32 roundabout, Bristol, August 2021

This piece sandwiched between two writers is painted in Maesyhook’s customary pink tones, and even the skull, lovingly held by the little bunny character, looks cute. Her work is a real antidote to the constant negative headlines and continuing Government narrative that seems to be more and more removed from ordinary people by the day, and provides a little glimmer of fun and enjoyment. Keep it up Maesyhook.

3833. Purdown HAA Battery (29)

Skronius is an artist whose work I have only ever seen up at Purdown Battery, and I know very little about him. I like what I have seen though, and his style is very illustrative and looks more like canvas work than a spray-painted wall. The Bristol artist I would most liken him to is Conrico.

Skronius, Purdown Battery, Bristol, July 2021
Skronius, Purdown Battery, Bristol, July 2021

There is a lot to like in this small piece in which a skeleton (just the skull really) is advancing to cause mischief, no doubt. The colour selections are superb, with the subtle purples creating shadows, rather than black. Skronius has signed the piece with some lovely calligraphic writing (Stivs had better watch out). I am hungry for more from Skronius, and perhaps in some other locations.

3790. M32 roundabout J3 (336)

I was so pleased to see yet another lovely piece from Maesyhook, especially as it was painted alongside Bristol legends Ryder and T-Rex. Although Maesyhook is, I think, a relatively new resident of the city, she has certainly made herself very much at home, which is good news for all of us.

Maesyhook, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021
Maesyhook, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021

The piece she has painted here adopts her customary pink and turquoise colour scheme but the dear little kawaii character has been replaced with a rather less cuddly skull and the tag-line ‘scorchio’. This is another in a series of enjoyable pieces from Maesyhook and I look forward to many more.

3784. Cumberland Basin

This is another example of the willingness of Eman to stretch himself and experiment with different subjects and forms, and I for one am thoroughly enjoying the ride. The skull of an ungulate would not be everyone’s first thought for street art, but it is a perfect study for honing the skills.

Eman, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2021
Eman, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, June 2021

Eman’s versatility and productivity is elevating the artist’s profile in Bristol, and all the hard work is paying off. Two things I love about this piece: the shadings of blues and whites to give the skull some depth and texture; and the somewhat counterintuitive red border, which is quite a bold thing to do. Great piece.

3686. Cumberland Basin

I am very much enjoying the high level of activity coming from Eman at the moment, and he really seems to be extending himself with a range of character pieces, including this very impressive skull from a few weeks ago.

Eman, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2021
Eman, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2021

I’m not sure how long Eman has been doing these kinds of pieces, but he seems to have a natural flair for them, and his soft blending as well as good proportions make this a piece that is easy on the eye. Adding to the impact of the skull is the neutral background with hints of colour that just give the whole thing a bit more oomph. Very nice work.

3614. M32 roundabout J3 (307)

One of the things I am looking forward to when we return to a new normal is that some of the artists who have had a quiet lockdown may return to the streets more frequently, in particular artists like Laic217 who has been, relatively speaking, on a bit of a go-slow.

Laic217, M32 roundabout, Bristol, April 2021
Laic217, M32 roundabout, Bristol, April 2021

This is a nice little skull piece, picking up on some themes used by Laic217 in the past, most notably the brickwork structure of the skull. The folds and textures of the clothing is once again masterfully handled. Always so good to see.

3558. River Avon (15)

This is a rather unusual piece from Laic217 in so much as it looks rather more like a commission than a graffiti art work. I think that the texture of the breeze block wall has also contributed to the unusual look of the piece.

Laic217, River Avon, Bristol, March 2021
Laic217, River Avon, Bristol, March 2021

Carrying the words ‘cans ‘n roses’, this is an obvious nod to the hard rock band and the piece has a hard rock feel to it. Is this where Laic217 gets some of his inspiration from? I guess it is less important where it comes from, instead it is what he does as a result of inspiration, and this is an absolute gem of a piece.

Laic217, River Avon, Bristol, March 2021
Laic217, River Avon, Bristol, March 2021

As I already mentioned the surface of the wall gives the piece a kind of matt finish which is so unusual. The can and roses motif is beautifully conceived and executed, Laic217 is an artist who just seems to go from strength to strength.

Laic217, River Avon, Bristol, March 2021
Laic217, River Avon, Bristol, March 2021

Of course, a little bit like Nightwayss and his monkeys, no Laic217 piece is complete without a skull or skeletal character and here he doesn’t disappoint. Another triumph from an artist who is having another busy patch.

3446. M32 Cycle path (103)

There is no doubt about it, Rosalita is on a roll, and I can’t help thinking that her friend 3F Fino has had something to do with encouraging her to get out and paint more, because they have recently collaborated and their pieces are appearing in the same places at the same times. This is all good news as far as I am concerned.

Rosalita, M32 cycle path, Bristol, January 2021
Rosalita, M32 cycle path, Bristol, January 2021

Rosalita has a very interesting style, full of bright colour and carnival themes, with a strong focus on life and death. In this piece Rosalita has painted a representation of Mictecacihuatl, the ‘lady of the dead’ from Aztec mythology. This piece would sit very neatly with the Day of this Dead celebrations in November… something to look forward to later on this year? Rosalita has painted a beautiful skull, a difficult thing to do, and the flowers around the outside are stunning. I love this piece and look forward to more.

3420. Cumberland Basin

It has been way, way too long since I last saw a piece from Laic217. He had a burst of activity during our first lockdown, but after that has been fairly invisible on the streets, which is a pity. Somehow he epitomises the Bristol scene with his irreverent skull pieces. Edgy but also brilliantly painted, together with a range of textures and subjects helps Laic217 stand out from the crowd routinely.

Laic217, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, Jnuarty 2021
Laic217, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, Jnuarty 2021

This monster piece, on the long wall in Cumberland Basin, features a hoodie-wearing skeleton using a flame-bearing spray can, a theme regularly used by the artist. Simple colours and a sketch-like quality belie the skill in this piece. The bubble writing in the background belongs to this piece and spells out PAD, the crew which includes Cort, whose piece was adjacent to this one. Hurrah!