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.
The style is unmistakable…a natural form created from architectural elements, usually recognisable Bristol landmarks.
This piece was painted during Upfest 2015 and is one of my favourites by Andy Council.
8/10
This striking portrait was sprayed by N4T4 during the Upfest 2015 festival. N4T4 is an artist and illustrator from Nuneaton in the UK.
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.”
The more I examine this work the more I like it.
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.
It is similar to another piece he sprayed around the same time in Dighton Street. Grey shades and musical instruments.
8/10
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
As always, these things are ephemeral, and I’m sure that this mural will itself be over-painted in due course.
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.
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.
8/10
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.
I have not come across Dice 67 before. He is an artist from Cheltenham who likes to use a mix of stencils and freehand.
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.
I will be looking out for more of his work in Bristol.
6.5/10
This self-portrait? by Brave One AKA Scotty-B is another Upfest 2015 artwork (I think).
I have not seen any of his work before, but I guess this is the joy of Upfest, which brings so many artists to one place, and allows us to enjoy their work, often for the first time.
Brave One is a UK based graffiti artist who has been spraying since the late ’80s. He runs a creative business that offers spray can art/graffiti art. He does private or public commissions and also runs teaching workshops and events.
I rather like this, but especially like the setting.
7/10
This is the first post from North Street, the home of Upfest 2015. There will be dozens more to come.
This wonderful and humorous conflation of Minions and Pulp Fiction is really striking, and is an extension of the original Banksy Pulp Fiction piece.
It is by another Bristol artist, Angus, who has only been creating works on the street for about a year. He is known for bringing well-known characters and objects into his work.
I really like this.
Banana!
8/10
Natural adventures 