Art / Upfest
Work set to begin on mural that will replace Greta on Tobacco Factory
A Bedminster mural that became the social media profile picture for one of the world’s most famous activists is set to be replaced.
The giant climate change artwork featuring Greta Thunberg on the side of the Tobacco Factory was created by Bristol artist Jody in 2019 and has gone on to become the most enduring piece to adorn the space, viewed by millions around the globe.
But the nature of the ever-changing south Bristol street canvas means work is now underway to blank out the mural to make way for new work by pioneering 3D muralist Insane 51 as part of Upfest’s 75 walls project.
is needed now More than ever
The Greek artist has participated in the festival before, creating the stunning 3D piece on Ashton Plate café, just down from the stadium. He specialises in double exposure murals that show multiple artworks with 3D Glasses and has quarantined in the UK especially to paint this landmark mural for Bristol.
Upfest festival itself was due to take place in August but has been rescheduled until May/June 2022 due to the continued uncertainty caused by the pandemic. But the 75 Walls project is in full swing, with 40 murals now unveiled across Bedminster.
Details of the new street art by Insane 51 are yet to be revealed but George Ferguson, the owner of the Tobacco Factory and former mayor, paid tribute to Jody’s mural, saying: “We have been honoured to be able to host Jody’s iconic mural of Greta Thunberg over the past two years – the most enduring of all the great work we have had on the Tobacco Factory wall.
“It has been hugely popular in Bristol, adopted by Greta on her social media and seen by tens of millions of people across the world, and it is very much in the spirit of street art, and Upfest in particular, that its artwork is transitory.
“It is great to be able to celebrate the vital work that Greta continues to do holding power to account. We now look forward to a new work that will continue the theme of our relationship with nature and the planet – in the knowledge that the Greta image and its message is now firmly imprinted on millions of minds.
“Thank you Upfest, thank you Jody, thank you Greta.”
The 75 Walls project features a 50/50 gender split for the artist lineup.
This street art on West Street by Acerone and Andy Council is part of Upfest’s 75 Walls project – photo courtesy of Plaster/Upfest
Carla James works on her piece as part of Upfest’s 75 Walls project – photo courtesy of Plaster/Upfest
Main photo by Martin Booth
Read more: Sculpture by renowned Kurdish/Iraqi artist Walid Siti installed in Bristol
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