An Urban Art Hunt

Having recently read an article in the EasyJet inflight magazine about the city of Bristol, famed for its street art and recent completion of the See No Evil project on Nelson Street, we decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity for a short day-trip outside of London, all in the name of art. Unfortunately, Bryan had to work all weekend, so I hopped on the train to Bristol solo, and went on an urban art hunt (and for those of you who know me well, you know this is right up my alley, and an excursion I had no trouble enjoying on my own!)...

Despite being quite cold, the sun was shining bright, the skies were clear and blue, and the art and culture of Bristol did not disappoint. Nelson Street was absolutely brilliant, an entire street of building facades largely covered in quite impressive graffiti, as part of an internationally-acclaimed project that took place last summer in Bristol, involving street artists from all over the world, who met in Bristol to beautify an otherwise rather drab street. I just love the idea of giving street artists an opportunity to legally express their creativity and incredible talent, in a university town booming with culture and diversity, on a permanent project supported by the city (!!!), designed specifically for the beautification of a local street. It really just screams progression, passion, and appreciation of the arts. The photos below don't really do the project justice, given how difficult it is to capture the incredible size of this street art...but here are a few of my favorites:

Following my tour down Nelson Street, I browsed a small antiques market in the Old City, perused dozens of vintage fashion shops, street market tables, and pop-up art galleries (galleries literally thrown together in a vacant space, accepting cash only, and boasting the artistic and creative works of local residents and artists) in various pockets of the city, from the central high streets to the harborside. I meandered through the Arnolfini contemporary arts center, currently dedicated to the exploration of the importance of museums in modern society. Bristol is a fascinating mecca of young and old, clearly dedicated to all the things art, from theater, to graffiti, to handmade jewelery and baked goods, boasting buyers and sellers from many walks of life, meeting in a flourishing university town. It's both vintage and fresh, a tribute to young minds, individual expression, and local community, bolstered by an exceptional university, a grand cathedral, and a history shaped by its proximity to the sea. Very, very unique indeed. I finished the day with a short bus ride to Clifton Village, to hike up the hillside for a view of the city and the incredible Avon Gorge, connected by the vast Clifton Suspension Bridge, sparkling in the crisp February sun light.

Went on an art hunt, definitely caught a big one...around the streets, over the river, up the hill, through the old city, back on the train...aaaand home.

-B

“Nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful people with talent, leave the house before you find something worth staying in for. ” — Banksy, Bristol-based street artist