Tag: Splab Gang

899. Unity Street (6)

It has been a while since I posted anything by Thelochnessmonster, who in previous posts I had referred to as OHMS, because these were the letters he used in his pieces. Another feature of his pieces is mention of the ‘splab gang’ or ‘splab lads’. I don’t know if this is a crew who spray with him or whether he is simply referring to them.

Thelochnessmonster, Unity Street, Bristol, June 2017
Thelochnessmonster, Unity Street, Bristol, June 2017

Thelochnessmonster’s pieces are often very busy and unlike many of the Bristol (graphic) artists he specialises in wobbly lines and a distinct lack of clean finish.

Thelochnessmonster, Unity Street, Bristol, June 2017
Thelochnessmonster, Unity Street, Bristol, June 2017

In this piece, which looks to be a commentary on weapons and war, there are references to automatic rifles, to yin and yang, to peace and to love. definitely an interesting piece and also interesting selection of colours. Always unusual.

661. Dean Lane skate park (32)

Now that I know that OHMS is Thelocknessmonster what should I call him in my posts? I think I will continue with OHMS, just because that is what I am used to. This was a wonderful fresh piece down at Dean Lane a couple of weeks back. Distinctively OHMS, but this time no obvious lettering.

OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, February 2017
OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, February 2017

This is a colourful abstract piece that really stands out, probably because of the palette selection. I’m not sure what the references to Emz, Egotist and Eric are other than they might be other members of The Splab Gang crew. I’m still really enjoying his work.

643. Moon Street (21)

This piece is one from the archives going back to August last year and is by the enigmatic OHMS. I have had a major breakthrough recently in finding out a little more about the artist because I stumbled across his Instagram account @thelocknessmonster.

OHMS, Moon Street, Bristol, August 2016
OHMS, Moon Street, Bristol, August 2016

Now at the very least I will be able to see when he has created something new, and might even be able to work out where it is. I particularly like this piece because it has a marine theme and a rather nice feature lobster.

I get the feeling that OHMS or thelocknessmonster (what should I call him?) is in touch with his natural history side, because so many of his pieces feature wildlife. I do rather like his work.

559. St Werburghs tunnel (4)

I have really grown to like the work of OHMS as it is markedly different from anything else on the Bristol graffiti art scene. I still haven’t tracked down the artist or crew, but will find something before too long I hope.

OHMS, St Werberghs tunnel, Bristol, May 2016
OHMS, St Werburghs tunnel, Bristol, May 2016

The work of OHMS usually appears to have an artistic theme based around the letters OHMS. They range from a ‘jungle‘ theme to a ‘cartoon space‘ theme for exmple. Always the filling of the lettering is ornate and colourful, and often includes artistic motifs. In this work an ancient Egyptian theme runs through it.

OHMS, St Werberghs tunnel, Bristol, May 2016
OHMS, St Werburghs tunnel, Bristol, May 2016

As the pictures were taken in a tunnel, they don’t really convey the vibrancy of this piece, but is is very good. Looking forward to loads more from OHMS as 2017 unfolds.

529. Dean Lane skate park (29)

This is the third piece I have posted on this blog by OHMS, and one photographed way back in May. I am still none the wiser though about the artist, or group of artists that produce these fine works. Each piece is usually accompanied by a reference to the Splab Gang, which I guess is a crew. I’m sure someone will tell me more about OHMS eventually, but for now we will all be in the dark.

OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2016
OHMS, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2016

The pieces always feature the letters OHMS and fabulously unique filling in of the letters. What is different here is that most graffiti artists fill in the letters with solid shading to provide depth and perspective. Not OHMS…these seem to be filled in with elaborate decorations that have a flatter look to them, but are beautifully designed. There is still something mysterious about these pieces, and this is a fine example.