This amazing combination piece by Stivs is something of a rarity in Bristol, and indeed in many towns and cities in the UK. I have mentioned it before that nudity, realistic or cartoon, tends to be avoided by most artists, which I find a bit strange, because the ‘edge’ that is associated with graffiti culture appears to be ‘missing in action’ in this respect. I think that there are probably two main reasons that we don’t see nude art on our streets; the first is that most street artists probably find it slightly embarrassing territory, the British reserve coming into play. Contrast that however with any art gallery where nudes are mainstream.
The second, and rather more practical reason is that nudes are almost instantly dogged by the ‘sensibility police’, who perceive that they are doing the wider public a service – personally I find that utterly bonkers, but it always happens, and nude pieces don’t last long in their original form. It took only a couple of days before this piece was daubed with black paint over the breasts. A more creative and skilled ‘protestor’ might have painted a bra or top, adding to the humour of the situation, but no… just cross it out with rage and anger.
‘Norks’ is slang for breasts and in this cartoon character, Stivs has opted for cheeky exaggeration. The character reminds me very much of those ‘saucy’ holiday postcards that filled the racks in trinket shops in seaside resorts up and down the country during the 1960s and 70s. These days, such things are no longer the norm, and definitely speak of a bygone era.
While some may find this combination piece by Stivs offensive, I do not. I like it and celebrate the boldness, taking us to a place that is both uneasy and challenging. Stivs’ artwork is outstanding, and this piece will be remembered for its difference from the mainstream – all part of the very rich diversity of the Bristol street art scene. If nothing else, the piece raised a few eyebrows.
Natural adventures 