News / Upfest 2022
Upfest returns for 2022
Weeks of work by artists from all around the world will culminate in a two-day festival taking over Greville Smyth Park and the streets of south Bristol.
Since the beginning of May, walls around Bedminster have been transformed for the return of Upfest, with more than 80 new murals and artworks created to mark the return of the internationally-renowned event for its 15th year.
The largest of its kind in Europe, the main festival weekend takes place on Saturday and Sunday where people can join the fun in Greville Smyth Park and wander the streets of south Bristol to see the latest pieces, some of which were finished as recently as Wednesday.
is needed now More than ever
Among them is Sophie Mess’ floral fantasy mural Wonder, which is the latest work to adorn the vast Tobacco Factory wall. The coveted spot has previously had portraits of John Lennon, Lisa Simpson, Greta Thunberg and – most recently – a 3D illusion piece of Greek goddess NYX by Insane 51.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd2eBf5I5_n/
Squirl kicked off the brand new murals with one of his signature Tree Friends pieces on the side of Pony Bistro on North Street and there’s a brand new piece by HazardOne – listed as one of the Guardian’s top five female graffiti artists in the UK – on the side of the Old Bookshop.
Karl Read has recently unveiled a portrait of President Zelensky depicted as Superman for his latest Upfest piece, while Goin created another statement piece called The Love Fighter in a Che Guevara-esque style.
…………………………………….
Read more: Upfest pays tribute to President Zelensky
…………………………………….
Speaking ahead of the main festival weekend, Steve Hayles, Upfest co-founder, said: “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.”
Aches, Kashink, Rosie Wood, FLX, Sabek, Zabou, Snub23, Kid Crayon, Teaone and many more have all contributed work as part of this year’s Upfest, which is supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Funding in 2022, as well as long term partner POSCA and Kobra providing materials to festival artists.
A tribute to Volodymyr Zelensky by Karl Read – photo: Martin Booth
Squirl’s ‘Tree Friends’ on the side of Pony Bistro is one of several new artworks for Upfest 2022 – photo: Plaster
Main photo: Martin Booth (artist: Giulio Rosk)
Read more: First look at Upfest 2022
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
