One of the most eye catching murals from this year’s Upfest must surely be this wonderful fox by artist Rob Wass.
The urban fox has become part of the furniture in Bristol, and has been studied over many years by Bristol University. It has become something of an emblem for the city.
Rob Wass, who lives and works in London creates some wonderful colourful works, but I think that these large scale murals are something of a slight departure.
There can be few things
in life more frivolous than
chasing your own tail.
by Scooj
She loves him, it’s true,
though her dark purpose prevents
an eternal love.
by Scooj
He loves her so much,
his proclamation is clear
for all to witness.
by Scooj
This mural is one of several tribute walls in Bristol dedicated to Matt Hibbert known locally as ‘Mibsy’.
Mibsy had opened a spray paint shop (King of Paint) that supplied many of the local street artists, and he was much loved within the graffiti community.
His untimely death in July 2014, he was only 39, sparked a large number of tribute works, in particular in the Stokes Croft area.
This work, I believe, was a collaboration between Jon5, Silent Hobo, Sepr (see 19 and 22), Deamze and Dotcom, all Bristol artists.
The site is an interesting one. The once magnificent building dating back to 1868 was an ironmongery and hardware store but has fallen on hard times and is now derelict.
There is also a further interesting feature that accompanies the mural. On the left hand side is a statement that has been over-painted, but can be seen in relief, which reads ‘hate is foolish’. Layer upon layer.
6.5/10
On a wall opposite the Phlegm mural, previously featured, is a beautiful stencil of a tabby cat.
The cat, by Beastie, an artist from Gloucester, has left its blue paw prints behind. This is a lovely and somewhat understated work.
Beastie has been nicknamed the Banksy of Gloucester by the local media, and he would appear to be both prolific and popular.
7/10
This is a rather topical stencil which is by Stewy, whose dodo can also be found in Leonard Lane.
Stewy’s work includes stencils of iconic figures, and this one is of a well known celebrity in Bristol. DJ Derek is a 73 year-old disc jockey who plays sets in pubs and clubs in the Bristol area, and has also played at Glastonbury.
He went missing on 23 July this year, and has still not been found. Many fear the worst.
This stencil was produced before DJ Derek went missing, and the added graffiti makes sense when you understand the back-story.
7/10
With consummate ease,
walking on water is like
a stroll in the park.
by Scooj
Delicate whisper
of Autumn’s steady advance;
time to button up.
by Scooj
With many thanks to a friend who told me about this tiny ‘shock wave’ by JPS, that is missed by most who walk this street. The pictures may give you some idea of scale.
In Weston-super-Mare, where JPS comes from, there is a full scale version of the same work on the side of a shop.
Weston-super-Mare is of course also playing host to Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition.
More JPS here and here, and also take a look at a great JPS post from Street Art Rat.
8.5/10
Natural adventures 