I always feel like I am a little bit behind the curve when it comes to Stivs. He has only really come onto my radar over the last twelve months or so, and I have struggled to post as many of his outstanding pieces as I would like.
Stivs, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021
This is a real beauty, tucked away on the M32 roundabout. Unlike some of his more formal caligraffiti, this piece uses his calligraphic principals and blends them into some wildstyle writing. The colours work really well together and Stivs has worked in some incredibly detailed fills and patterns. This is a mighty piece.
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’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.
It is a funny thing, but I think that this is the first time I have seen this wall painted with a single piece. It is a long wall with quite a few challenges, such as the notice board and the telegraph poles, but Molly Hawkins has done a splendid job, creating this wonderful mural for Upfest’s 75 walls in 75 days initiative.
Molly Hawkins, Greville Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21
I have not come across Molly Hawkins before but I understand, from doing a little research, that she is a Bristol-based mural artist and illustrator. I believe she has other murals in Stokes Croft and Bedminster that I am going to have to track down at some point.
In this piece she has concealed a female figure holding a triangle that contained a whole lot of symbolism for the artist. She explains this on her Instagram account as follows:
I read up on the symbolism of a triangle, and found a meaning that resonated with me, and inspired the design for this piece:
‘A triangle represents manifestation, enlightenment, revelation and a higher perspective. It is often used to mark the cycles of growth that lead to a higher state of being. Spiritually, it represents a path towards enlightenment or connection to an omnipresent being.’
A very nice mural and addition to the Upfest event
I always feel a little anxious visiting this spot, because I get these ridiculous images of falling into the river, and need to be extra vigilant. The anxiety is more than worth it in terms of the reward of some seriously excellent graffiti art. This lively piece is by Lewse.
Lewse, Frome side, Bristol, June 2021
The format is a common one for Lewse, with letters in her own font, beautifully filled and book-ended with a lovely Yogi Bear cartoon character. Lewse has definitely got these writing/cartoon character combos down to a tee. Always good to see her work.
Conrico is an artist who seems to do most of his painting in The Easton area, and so I assume he lives locally. As well as painting some of the regular spots, he also sprays in places I don’t know about in Easton, so I have a job to do, when I have time, to hunt some of these down. Thankfully recent piece is on a column in the M32 Spot and was easy to find.
Conrico, M32 Spot, Bristol, June 2021
Conrico has a fairly unique style that often looks more like illustration than street art… it is something to do with his ‘brush strokes’ and compositions that makes his work unique. On this fine column piece Conrico features a smiley set on a background of multicoloured Smokey vapours. An unusual and rather likeable piece.
This was a rather nice little quick collaboration from Face 1st, Soap and Zake that rather predictably didn’t last very long. Turbo Island is a funny spot. Sometimes a piece can last for weeks there, but more often anything that is painted gets tagged within 24 hours and then it is up to someone else to pick up the batton.
Face 1st, Soap and Zake, Turbo Island, Bristol, June 2021
Of course, we know that PWA boys Face 1st and Soap are regular painting buddies, but it is great to see Zake join them in this collaboration. Face 1st and Soap have merged their pieces in red with their trademark face and mouth/skull respectively. To the right, the Zake face reminds me very much of a ‘man in the moon’ type character, and has so much expression, looking over at the other two.
I first met Eman in almost this exact spot back in November 2020, and I would say that since then he is an artist who has had a significant impact on the Bristol street art scene. He is a prolific artist, and he is totally open to pushing his boundaries, equally at home with his writing or his character pieces. I cannot think of a more versatile artist in the city at the moment.
Eman, M32 cycle path, Bristol, June 2021
This rather attractive pink and grey combination of writing with a character is bright and cheerful and skilfully painted. The character, a gecko, is one that Eman has taken a liking to and is appearing all over the place. Great to see so much artwork coming from this really decent bloke who seems to enjoy what he does.
This is an absolute gem of a collaboration from a little while ago by Hemper and Benjimagnetic, who will often be seen side by side painting Bristol walls, having said that, I still have yet to meet Benjimagnetic.
Hemper, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021
On the left is is a gorgeous gloopy, fluid piece of writing from Hemper with some outstanding fills and drips adorning the letters (HEMS). The piece is finished off with a little mist of green yellow around the boundary providing a bit of movement and depth. A very nice piece of writing indeed from this master of the craft.
Benjimagnetic, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021
To the right of the Hemper writing is a very tidy piece for graffiti from Benjimagnetic, spelling out BEN (I assume). In recent months, Benjimagnetic has reined in his work a little from the rather busy style he has, into something calmer and easier on the eye. Personally I like this new direction and find it easier to engage with his newer work. The geometric patterns are still there, but with out too much fuss. Another fine collaboration from this pair.
An artist, who perhaps never quite gets the recognition he deserves, is Corupt, who also writes Stick. I think that for every piece I have published, there are two or three in my files, which somehow feels unfair, but actually with only two posts a day, I am never ever going to be able to do justice to all the artists in Bristol.
Corupt, M32 roundabout, Bristol, June 2021
This piece of writing is truly magnificent and has been widely amplified on social media. A beautiful combination of letters each with its own style with the O and U being part of a worm leave this graffiti writing with a rather horticultural feel to it, and I am all in favour of that. This is an accomplished piece which really captures the imagination.
What an absolute beauty from Irony. I want this post to be about the outstanding art and not the difficult light conditions, so I will get my apology in early. The sun was bright and behind the wall, so the artwork is a little on the dark side. This wall needs to be photographed on a dull day probably to get the full weight and beauty of the piece.
Irony, Greville Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21
Irony is known for his incredibly detailed high-end murals and has appeared at many festivals around the UK, but he also paints walls all over London and he is far from a ‘pop star’ celebrity, preferring to keep his anonymity as far as that is possible. He is a modest talent.
Irony, Greville Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21
These giant rooftop pigeons, painted on the rear wall of The Hen and Chicken, are close to perfect. Their fluffed up ruffles so accurately portrayed and their general demeanour is so life-like. Irony has gifted Bristol yet another classic piece. But one that you have to look out for as it could easily be missed.
Irony, Greville Street, Bristol, June 2021, Upfest 21
Upfest has definitely triumphed this year with its 75×75 event, and this is only the eighth one I have posted… so much more to come.
Natural adventures 