Tag: Upfest

138. North Street, Workout (1)

ATM is something of a bird specialist, although I featured his wonderful bee near the entrance of @Bristol back in  July 2015. In that post I referred to ATM working on a piece for Upfest 2015. This is that piece.

ATM, North Street, Bristol, January 2015
ATM, North Street, Bristol, January 2015

ATM is a tireless campaigner for a better understanding of the plight of our wildlife and he has given several interviews about his work – here is a lovely one from Inspiring City.

ATM, North Street, Bristol, January 2015
ATM, North Street, Bristol, January 2015

This hand painted image of a hen harrier is typical of his work, and although most of his work is to be seen in London, there are several in Bristol…check out Leonard Lane, for example.

7.5/10

128. St Francis Road

I have seen this incredible piece many times during my wanderings up and down North Street. It is literally eye-catching and, in my view, the outstanding work from the Upfest 2015 event.

My Dog Sighs, St Francis Road, Bristol, January 2015
My Dog Sighs, St Francis Road, Bristol, January 2015

The artist’ ‘My Dog Sighs‘ comes from Portsmouth and has recently found much success with sell out solo exhibitions in the UK, the US and in Israel.

My Dog Sighs, postcard printed to accompany the piece in St Francis Road
My Dog Sighs, postcard printed to accompany the piece in St Francis Road

An additional part to this particular work is to complete the puzzle. This was achieved by marrying up a postcard with the other eye, to complete the whole. I am lucky enough to have been given one of the postcards (I missed Upfest 2015 because I was away…that won’t be happening again!).

My Dog Sighs, St Francis Road, Bristol, January 2015
My Dog Sighs, St Francis Road, Bristol, January 2015

9/10

117. Dean Lane (3)

On previous occasions when I have tried to photograph this Andy Council whale, there have been vehicles parked, on the grass, right up to it. I finally got a clear shot at it during a recent walk to Bedminster.

Andy Council, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2016
Andy Council, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2016

The style is unmistakable…a natural form created from architectural elements, usually recognisable Bristol landmarks.

Andy Council, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2016
Andy Council, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2016

This piece was painted during Upfest 2015 and is one of my favourites by Andy Council.

Andy Council, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2016
Andy Council, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2016

8/10

85. North Street, No. 74

This striking portrait was sprayed by N4T4 during the Upfest 2015 festival. N4T4 is an artist and illustrator from Nuneaton in the UK.

N4T4, North Street, Bristol, September 2015
N4T4, North Street, Bristol, September 2015

In the artist’s own words:

“I paint portraits using realism as a reference point for more abstract experimentation. The images are built in layers that become ambiguous and open to interpretation from the viewer. I am inspired by aboriginal art and graffiti; aesthetically and conceptually with their self evolved visual languages, dual meanings, temporal quality and its basis in culture, people and environment rather than just commerce.”

N4T4, North Street, Bristol, September 2015
N4T4, North Street, Bristol, September 2015

The more I examine this work the more I like it.

 

81. North Street hoarding (2)

I photographed this lovely Sepr work at the end of July this year, shortly after Upfest 2015. I particularly like this mural, probably because I rather like most of Sepr’s work.

Sepr, North Street, Bristol, July 2015
Sepr, North Street, Bristol, July 2015

It is similar to another piece he sprayed around the same time in Dighton Street. Grey shades and musical instruments.

Sepr, North Street, Bristol, July 2015
Sepr, North Street, Bristol, July 2015

8/10

46. Greville Road

Jodi, who painted this mural, lives in Brislington, Bristol. He is a direct contemporary of Banksy, and started as a graffiti artist in 1987 at the age of 15 at the Barton Hill Youth Club.

Jodi, Greville Road, Bristol, September 2015
Jodi, Greville Road, Bristol, September 2015

He left the graffiti behind him and studied design and is now an established designer and brand consultant. In 2008 he came out of ‘retirement’ and started working on street art commissions. This mural was completed for this year’s Upfest, and is a treat for those who like incredibly detailed and realistic work.

Jodi, Greville Road, Bristol, September 2015
Jodi, Greville Road, Bristol, September 2015

Jodi also took a commission in Millennium Square this year above the drinking water fountain, depicting the source of the water that the fountain is fed from. This commission was part of European Green Capital 2015.

 

42. North Street, Aldi car park

During this year’s Upfest 2015, arguably the premium wall was handed to Argentinian artist Martin Ron. This enormous mural is a picture of his girlfriend, her torso emerging from what looks like a tablecloth. I am very fond of the fish, but am not sure what it symbolises.

Martin Ron, North Street, Bristol, September 2015
Martin Ron, North Street, Bristol, September 2015

This mural has been painted over an earlier Upfest (2011) mural by German artist duo Herakut. You can see what it looked like in this post from zaqwsxcderfvbgtyhn.

Martin Ron, North Street, Bristol, September 2015
Martin Ron, North Street, Bristol, September 2015

As always, these things are ephemeral, and I’m sure that this mural will itself be over-painted in due course.

Martin Ron, North Street, Bristol, September 2015
Martin Ron, North Street, Bristol, September 2015

 

39. Church Road

Another fabulous mural created as part of Upfest 2105. This huge scene by DANK (Dan Kitchener) above the Salvation Army shop on the corner of Church Street and North Street is worth a trip to the area on its own. It reminds me of some of the street scenes from Blade Runner – and that is a good thing.

Dan Kitchener, Church Road, Bristol, September 2015
Dan Kitchener, Church Road, Bristol, September 2015

DANK, a London artist remains on the legal side of street art, and supports it through the large amount of commercial work that he does. He includes among his influences comics, science fiction films and black and white ’60s war films. There is a good interview with him from a couple of years ago here.

Dan Kitchener, Church Road, Bristol, September 2015
Dan Kitchener, Church Road, Bristol, September 2015

8/10

34. Raleigh Road

One of the most eye catching murals from this year’s Upfest must surely be this wonderful fox by artist Rob Wass.

Rob Wass, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015
Rob Wass, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015

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, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015
Rob Wass, Raleigh Road, Bristol, September 2015

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.

 

17. North Street, hoarding (1)

I have not come across Dice 67 before. He is an artist from Cheltenham who likes to use a mix of stencils and freehand.

Dice 67, North Street, Bristol, July 2015
Dice 67, North Street, Bristol, July 2015

This political anti-austerity piece is slightly hidden away from view, and I am not sure if it is typical of Dice 67’s work. This was created as part of Upfest 2015.

Dice 67, North Street, Bristol, July 2015
Dice 67, North Street, Bristol, July 2015

I will be looking out for more of his work in Bristol.

6.5/10