The highly anticipated return of Europe’s largest live street art festival, Upfest crafted by Posca, is days away, with the completion of over 80 brand new murals and artworks around Bedminster to mark the occasion. From 5 May until the 25 of May, leading artists have been transforming the streets of Bedminster once again, including landmark locations such as the Tobacco Factory in the run up to festival weekend on the 28 and 29 May.
Steve Hayles, Upfest co-founder, said this: “With the festival coming back after three years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to host these incredible artists as they created brand new murals for Upfest. Watching the brilliant work come to life before your eyes is just amazing as always and we’re proud to be hosting artists from all over the world as well as right here in Bristol.”
Squirl took the mantle of Festival Artist and was joined by fellow leading artists Aches, Kashink, Rosie Wood, Sophie Mess, HazardOne, FLX, Sabek, JDL, L7m plus many other talented artists from around the globe.
Squirl kicked off the brand new murals with one of his signature ‘Tree Friends’ pieces which was painted on the side of North Street restaurant, The Pony Bistro, and has brought some “countryside vibrancy” into the city of Bristol.
On the side of North Street News, you will find a brand new piece from Aches who painted a large-scale portrait in his classic rainbow-glitch style, whilst FLX created a colourful abstract mural opposite called ‘Present Tense’ with emulsion and spray paint.
Spanish artist, Sabek, brought a large serpent Bedminster with bold and vivid colours, creating a real stand out piece on Ashton Road. HazardOne has been noted as one of the Guardian’s Top 5 female graffiti artists, and was one of the first artists to paint for Upfest’s 75 Walls project. Her brand new mural on the Old Bookshop features female figures, something that Hazard is renowned for.
Sophie Mess was given the mammoth task of painting one of Bristol’s graffiti landmarks, the Tobacco Factory which has previously been home to portraits of John Lennon, Lisa Simpson, Greta Thunburg and a 3D illusion piece of Greek Goddess, NYX. Taking this huge wall in a new direction, Sophie’s piece is a floral fantasy with the word ‘Wonder’ written across.
On the tall wall at the Hen at Chicken, you will find a photo-realistic painting by French artist, Zabou, titled ‘Stuck” of their brother Clément. If you walk further along, you will find another brand new Snub23 futuristic mural, along with more street art from Kid Crayon and Teaone.
Showing his support for Ukraine, street artist Karl Read, unveiled a portrait of President Zelensky depicted as Superman for his latest Upfest piece, while Goin created another statement piece in Bedminster called ‘The Love Fighter’ in a Che Guevara-esque style.
The brand new Upfest murals were completed on the 25 May which is three days before the actual festival kicks off at 11am on Saturday 28 May.
To keep up to date with all information and announcements on festival plans, you can follow Upfest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Upfest is kindly supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Funding in 2022, as well as long term partner POSCA and Kobra paint, providing materials to festival artists.
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