3227. St Werburghs tunnel (193)

This is one of two walls, that happen to be opposite each other at the entrance to St Werburghs tunnel, by Billy, while painting together with her buddy Morny. Billy’s pieces (she is called @billycolours on Instagram) are always brightly coloured and have a child-like simplicity to them.

Billy, St Werburghs, Bristol, September 2020
Billy, St Werburghs, Bristol, September 2020

This fabulous mural shows a figure in bed, presumably looking up at a mobile of planets, with a thought bubble and the words Wake Up! The piece tells a really simple story in a clean and clear way – Billy has a gift for this kinnd of story, and it shows tht you don’t need deep sophistication to get a message across. A bright and cheerful addition to the tunnel. Sadly this piece only lasted a few days before being bombed with rather inferior throw ups.

918. The Bearpit (80)

Another Bearpit piece from the effervescent J. Dior. His child-like style is one of the most recognisable in Bristol, and his work usually seems to tell a story, although the story is often somewhat difficult to unravel.

J. Dior, The Bearpit, Bristol, July 2017
J. Dior, The Bearpit, Bristol, July 2017

I understand the J. Dior is an Italian artist, or so I am told, and that he is rather absorbed in his own space. I have not yet met him, but given the frequency that both of us are in The Bearpit, it is just a matter of time.

I think that J. Dior divides opinion. Some see him as a rather poor artist taking up decent wall space, others see his work as innovative and fresh. For me, the jury is out for a while, but I am drawn to his story telling.