A gallery of creative writing from Spanish graffiti artist, Varo.
Instagram: @varo_conspiracy
All Photographs by Scooj
Varo
Tag: Urban
6959. Brunel Way (396)
I think it is safe to say that Subtle is back, as this is the second of three recent pieces, although I have yet to locate the third. Seeing his large letters, which are anything but subtle, is like greeting an old friend, resuming the conversation where it was last cut off.
It is a welcome thing indeed, after so many brown shades dominating so many pieces recently, to see the good old bedfellows pink and light blue featured here. Subtle’s large blue letters, with modest decorations, are augmented perfectly with pink circles and spots surrounding. Set on a black-buffed wall, this is a splendid announcement of ‘I’m back’.
6958. Wharf Street, Leeds
There is something very comforting about wandering around a place that I don’t know very well, and stumbling across the familiar artist, in this case, not just familiar, but Bristol’s fabulous Mr Penfold.
Mr Penfold has had a great deal of success with his commissions, and being invited to decorate this large building in the heart of Leeds must have been a real feather in his cap. It is interesting that alongside his colourful designs there is a lot of ‘white space’ which acts as a perfect counterbalance to his shapes and patterns. The building could risk looking too busy if all of it was ‘pimped’ a la Monsieur Penfold.
I felt very much at home in my ancestral city, in the company of artwork from a Bristol artist, and the sun was shining. What’s not to like about such an occasion?
6957. Cumberland Basin
Lis (Le Imposter Design) continues on her street art journey, developing new ideas and techniques along the way. Imagination and creativity seem to come quite easily to her and every new piece is distinct and quite different from the last.
Described as a ‘silly one’ by Lis, this looks like an alien piece, with the words ‘They’re coming’ in rather nice neon-style writing at the top. The character shows some development, and although perhaps not the greatest piece of art in the world, it demonstrates her desire to push boundaries and try out new ideas and styles. I am so much enjoying her journey.
6956. Peel Street Green (42)
There are a few graffiti writers emerging in Bristol, some that may have been around a while, whose work is straightforward and down to earth, such as Short, Maes and in this instance Mage. While they haven’t yet reached the top division of writers, their presence is an important component of the graffiti scene in the city.
I only really became conscious of Mage’s work in the last six months or so, and this is the first piece I have listed on Natural Adventures. This is a nice tidy chrome piece with an attractive red drop shadow set on a white wall and blue backdrop. A lovely finishing touch of blue plasma rounds the piece off nicely.
6955. St Werburghs tunnel (502)
One of the earliest pieces I ever wrote about was a PWA collaboration in Wilder Street that I think Sikoh had been a part of, although his name might have been mentioned in dispatches. Sikoh might not be the most productive artist in Bristol, but he is certainly one of the most talented, able to create characters, scenes and superb anamorphic writing.
I would like to think that this extraordinary piece spells SIKOH, but I can’t quite make it out myself. The way that he has managed to create such enormous depth in these letters is remarkable, and the steel blue colours give the illusion of the piece being made out of hard metal or rock. The red highlight boxes elevate the piece to the next level. Bravo Sikoh!
6954. Dean Lane skate park (836)
Although the style and composition are familiar from Mr Draws in this piece in Dean Lane, the words are rather refreshing and different. Italian, the language of love, is just so good to listen to, and who can say the phrase ‘Bella Ciao’ or more commonly ‘Ciao Bella’ without doing so in a charming Italian accent?
The colour scheme is a curious one, especially as the top horizontal slice matches the background dark tone. Typically unpretentious and unfussy, this is a a nice piece from Mr Draws that occupies this long space rather well.
6953. Cheltenham Road
The Prince of Wales is my local pub, although broadly speaking I don’t go to the pub very often these days. For as long as I can remember, there has always been a mural on the pub, which changes every few years. This most recent incarnation is by the wonderful Hazard.
Hazard, Harriet Wood, used to live in Bristol and has featured on the pages of Natural Adventures many times. She has been elevated to superstar status, which is totally deserved, and paints a lot of commissions around the country. This piece is a wonderful nature scene – utterly uplifting in the bustle of the Cheltenham Road.
Floral scenes are a speciality in Hazard’s repertoire, but the eye is immediately drawn to the outstanding hummingbird in the centre of the mural. This is a truly stunning piece, showcasing Hazard’s awesome talent. Oh, and by the way, there is a secret beer patio round the back.
6952. Stokes Croft
I’m beginning to regret ever having said that, unlike other street art hubs in the country, Bristol is rather light on paste ups. Ever since I first made that comment, I seem to have found wheatpastes all over the place. Whether I am just seeing more because I am looking more or whether there has been an influx, I cannot say, either way, it is good news.
This is a stunning portrait piece by Mauro Goblin, an artist I believe from Valparaiso, Chile, featuring Beth Gibbons from local band Portishead. The stencil piece is sprayed on to paper which is then pasted up, hence the sharp edge around the portrait. A little bit of orange spray paint behind the piece significantly adds to the impact. What a privilege to have this piece in Bristol.
6951. M32 roundabout J3 (685)
Hypo continues in his rich vein of form and is working his colours really hard at the moment, but not in a chaotic or random way, but rather in a considered and thoughtful manifestation.
Each of the letters HYPO are given an individual colour scheme with blended tones beautifully worked. The letters are afforded a chunky 3D effect, thanks to the skilfully placed white highlight lines that deceive our eyes. Another fabulous piece in an outstanding and lengthy series of graffiti writing.
Natural adventures 