Tag: Upfest

1012. Upfest 2017 (50)

Well, I have clocked up my first 50 Upfest 2017 pieces, and we are only in September – maybe I’ll get everything posted before next year’s festival, although I doubt it – there is just so much street/graffiti art happening in Bristol at the moment.

This was the brilliant official Upfest piece by Caro Pepe and Age Age, which was in the covered section of the Tobacco Factory car park, which given the weather over the three days was probably something of a blessing.

Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

These two artists have collaborated many times, and really seem to enjoy working together. At last year’s festival they had adjacent spots and created separate works, however it seems that since then they have worked together much more.

Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Working in soft mauves and browns, the two artists have combined the distinctive portraits of Caro Pepe with the elements of function and machinery that Age Age specialises in. The blend works well and I can see why they like to combine their styles. I am not sure, but I think the final version below was tampered with over the eye. It is possible that this was part of the original work, but Caro Pepe’s ‘blind’ eyes don’t usually have a patch like this.

Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Caro Pepe and Age Age, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

As well as this wonderful piece, the pair worked on another wall and a shutter during their short stay in Bristol, which is a real bonus. Both of these to follow.

1011. Upfest 2017 (49)

Mazzi C is an artist whose plain speaking and informative Upfest biography profile tells us that she is inspired by natural organic forms and Oriental art. Mazzie C, from Cornwall (my favourite place) goes on to say that she finds the juxtoposition of natural themes and street art using sprays and inks interesting. Her work is driven by dialetics of nature and urban culture. Well mine too – welcome to Natural Adventures.

Mazzie C, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mazzie C, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This small work is subtle and engaging (I want to use the word charming, but it always sounds so patronising). There are several things going on here – the beautiful bird set amongst triangles and stencilled flower patterns, the swirling folds are also really well crafted, almost as if the whole thing is made of cloth. Now I just need to see some of this work on walls!

1010. Upfest 2017 (48)

One of the truly outstanding and memorable pieces of Upfest 2017 was this extraordinary image of an infant holding a spray can. The artist, Mon Devane, comes from the city of Ourense in Galicia, Spain.

Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Taking a look at his website, you can see that he has  a strong and recognisable style, using a monochrome style on vibrant backgrounds. There is nothing subtle about his pieces, they are bold statements, and beautifully crafted.

Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mon Devane, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I do like it when street artists incorporate a spray can into their art, like the old masters including a paint pallette – the tools of their trade. I think that this might have been one of the most popular pieces from the Ashton Gate wall (although there were so many great pieces there), simply because of its instant impact.

1009. Upfest 2017 (47)

Life can be funny sometimes, and every now and again we are surprised.

Last year I wrote a post about a lovely piece by Beep Monkey at the Ashton Gate School site, and until the Summer, I had heard nothing more about the artist. Then, during a casual chat at work with one of my colleagues (of several years) we meandered onto the subject of street art. She was not aware that I blogged about street art in Bristol and I most certainly didn’t know that her husband was Beep Monkey. Curious how we navigate our way through life, and then occasionally have these serendipitous moments.

Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

So armed with new insight into Beep Monkey, I was able to seek out his piece in North Street Green and understand a little bit about what inspired it. I believe that his daughters might have given him a rather big steer for this piece – a prancing pink unicorn being the central character.

Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Of course, there is a slightly subversive element to this piece, again, I think a steer from children, which is that the unicorn is indeed farting a rainbow – but of course, didn’t you know that that is what pink unicorn farts look like?

Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Beep Monkey, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The Unicorn might have been the ‘commissioned’ element, but I am rather more attracted to the yellow character riding on its back and which was in last year’s piece. Is this the Beep Monkey? Fine stuff once again, and who knows, if he is here for Upfest 2018, I might just get even more insight.

1008. Upfest 2017 (46)

At Upfest, I am always rather fond of these small square boards that give artists the opportunity to showcase their work. I am guessing that they might also be able to sell these small pieces, but I am not sure. This witty piece is by Mr Bear, who produced this lovely Baloo work at last year’s festival.

Mr Bear, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Mr Bear, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

There are quite a few fun things going on here, although I really don’t know what the word ‘bacon’ is doing in the ‘Hello my name is’ badge. This is a really goos multi-layered stencil from that nice Mr Bear. Would be great to see him return again next time.

999. Upfest 2017 (45)

I can see that this abstract piece may or may not be to everyone’s taste, however since seeing his work last year at Upfest I am a fan of the artist Angerami. He had two pieces at Upfest 2016, a fish his official piece and an owl tucked away in an alleyway.

Angerami, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Angerami, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This abstract piece is what I would call ‘architectural’ although that might not be the correct term. It is a bold work that may have some hint of or not to the animal kingdom, but that might just be my interpretation.

Angerami, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Angerami, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Angerami has a thorough website, and one of the most extensive biographies I have seen for a street artist – he also keeps it up to date – well worth a visit. It would appear, from looking at his artwork series that this piece is one of a series ‘from inside to outside’.

Angerami, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Angerami, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I stopped for a quick chat with Angerami and told him how much I liked his pieces last year, which he appreciated. A gentle and quiet man who appears to be highly thoughtful and I would guess academic. Hope he returns next year for a hat trick.

998. Upfest 2017 (44)

One of the most striking and rather psychadelic pieces of this year’s Upfest was this portrait incorporating a glitched abstract background in the form of 3D colouring. The work is from the Brisish artist (Dan) Newso.

Newso, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Newso, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This is quite a difficult and busy piece to look at. Do you look at the face and get distracted (I do), or look at the abstract surround and get pulled into the face? Either way it is amost impossible to look at the whole. A very clever piece.

Newso, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Newso, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

On his website, Newso has published a biography, which reads:

‘Throughout 2016 Dan Newso developed his work combining figurative with abstract content in a glitch or implied collage style. This work is often painted on compressed cement board to give the feeling of a painting on a concrete wall.

Since 2008 he has been well known in Birmingham’s post-industrial creative quarter Digbeth, painting murals in public spaces. This work has largely been self funded and has been a process of getting to know the community to open up spaces to paint.

He paints commissioned artwork and murals in varied styles to suit clients needs; he has painted internationally with the latest project of 2016 being a residency in Perth, Western Australia.’

Newso, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Newso, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I like this piece, even though it confuses my ageing eyes. I hope he makes it back to Upfest next year.

 

 

997. Upfest 2017 (43)

Jay Sharples, a Manchester-based former graphic designer, produced this magnificent bold piece, which I guess is a gorilla or something similar for Upfest.  The simple use of only a few colours and thick black outlines makes for a memorable and eye-catchiing piece.

Jay Sharples, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Jay Sharples, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Jay is a leading figure in the Manchester street art community and has a close involvement with the Wellington House Art Jam events and the Outhouse Project.

996. Upfest 2017 (42)

I don’t know Hypo, but I’m sure that if I met him, I would like him. I say this because his Upfest profile reads: ‘Local Bedminster painter who really should know better…’ and that’s it. Short and sweet.

Hypo’s piece was one that developed in stages as Upfest progressed, and I would guess that this was due to the rain interruptions. It was good to be able to capture the piece at different times.

Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I am really rather fond of this piece, but I can’t quite pin down why. The haunting landscape in the letters looks like a window into another dimension. The shading on the letters is really clever and leads the eye to a vanishing point (you can even see the string attached to the VP in the picture above) and the dripping spheres offer a distraction. I can’t help finding my eyes moving over the piece constantly…it is difficult to kow where to settle.

Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Hypo, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I can’t think that I have knowingly seen any of his work on the streets of Bristol but will keep my eyes and ears open for any news about him.

995. Upfest 2017 (41)

One of the real gems from Upfest 2017 was this beautiful depiction of Frida Kahlo by the hugely talented artist Alexander Tadlock. Born in California, Tadlock was raised in Mexico which would explain the choice of subject for his Upfest piece.

Alexander Tadlock, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Alexander Tadlock, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

There is a wonderful short biography of the artist on the ‘Greatest Paka Photography’ Flickr account which provides some background to his education and inspirations.

Alexander Tadlock, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Alexander Tadlock, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

For me, and many others, this was a truly outstanding piece, for many reasons. Firstly, the artwork is highly accomplished, secondly, the subject of the piece is iconic and captivation and thirdly, the colours are vibrant and draw you to the piece. As I said, outstanding.

Alexander Tadlock, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Alexander Tadlock, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I came away from Upfest with a few ‘eyeworms’ (is there such a thing?) and this beauty from Tadlock was one of them.