Art / Upfest
7 things not to miss at Upfest 2018
Ten years on since a group of Bristol street artists got together, Upfest now attracts tens of thousands of visitors to BS3. This year the crowds, who come from all over Europe and beyond to watch the live painting, will get to see the work of 400 artists unfold live between July 28 and 30.
Here are just some of the highlights to look out for:
1. The Simpsons
is needed now More than ever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoO0s1ukcqQ
It’s hard to ignore a certain yellow family. The Simpsons are a global phenomenon and it’s a sign of the times that their creator Matt Groening wanted to partner with Upfest. He has handpicked three artists (Bao, Soker and Nomad Clan) to bring Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie to life in their own styles. Look out for their work on the side of the Tobacco Factory, at the Spotted Cow and the Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room.
2. Paris
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVHr27dlxQk
Bristol-based artist Graham Dews, also known as Paris, is famous the world over for his huge artwork which has featured at Glastonbury Festival and the London 2012 Olympics to name just two. You’ll have also seen his work on the cover of Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto album and from their live sets. Catch him painting at The Old Bookshop on North Street.
3. Insane51
Insane51’s pieces come to life with 3D glasses
Inspired by the huge murals of Athens, Insane51 began his own street art quest just over a decade ago. In the intervening years has developed a unique style which offers something truly different. He uses spectacular overlays to place two murals on the same survey which can be enjoyed with the use of 3D glasses.
4. The London Police
Another collective who don’t mind taking on the bigger surfaces of the world’s cities, The London Police paint huge, distinctive characters with precision and style. You can see Chaz Barrisson and Chinny Bond painting their signature artwork on the side of Royston Garden News on North Street next to Natwest.
5. Deeds not Words
Nomad Clan will be painting a tribute to women at this year’s Upfest
With 2018 marking 100 years of women’s suffrage, Upfest and Bristol Women’s Voice have teamed up to celebrate the achievements of the decades since 1918. Three artists have been chosen to portray what suffrage means to them. Nomad Clan, one of the best-known female duos in the world of street art, Zoe Power and Caro Pepe’s tribute to their fellow women will be seen at the Tobacco Factory wall, the Bristol Beer Factory tap room and the South Road garages.
6. L7m
The fact that much of the Upfest art disappears after a year is often a source of sadness. The huge parrot on the side of the Masonic was many people’s favourite piece of its time, and those folk can rejoice as the artist who made it, Sao Paulo’s L7m, will be producing something special at Bristol Flooring.
7. Over-50s tour
A new tour is taking place this year which will show you are never too old to fall in love with street art. At 11am on the Monday after the main weekend, Upfest have teamed up with charity Bristol Ageing Better and award-winning graffiti tour Where the Wall to offer a tour that caters exclusively for the over-50s. To book your place, email agefriendly@ageukbristol.org.uk or call 0117 928 1539.
For a full list of artists, information and updates on Upfest 2018, visit www.upfest.co.uk
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