From Banksy to Inkie, Bristol has a street art scene unlike anywhere else in the country. Walking through the city, there are works of art everywhere – often political, sometimes satirical, and generally amazing to look at. Here is a list of the very best examples of street art in the city, all of which are a must-see for anyone visiting or living in Bristol.
Culture Calling's guide to the best street art in Bristol
Conor Harrington’s ‘The Duel of Bristol’
This work of art is definitely not something to be missed - not least because it takes up the entire side of a building. Harrington’s painting is situated just off Broad Street and depicts two men fighting a duel. This piece served as Harrington’s entry for the See No Evil festival in Bristol (Britain’s largest street art project), but continues to be thought-provoking for those who visit it; raising questions about the levels of tolerance and peace in Bristol.
Image Credit: Bob Kelly
Banksy’s ‘Well Hung Lover’
This famous artwork by Banksy is one of the best-known pieces of street art in the city, and rightly so. Not only is it possible to see the meticulous skill that it took to create the piece, but it is also situated on Frogmore Street which overlooks the ever-busy Park Street. In fact, art by Bristol’s born-and-bred Banksy can be seen all over the city, with his other works such as ‘The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum’ and ‘Cat and Dog’ attracting hundreds of fans every year.
Image Credit: VisitBristol
Nelson Street
The art on Nelson Street alone goes to the very heart of Bristol’s cultural character. Works such as El Mac’s ‘Clothed with the Sun’ and Nick Walker’s painting of a man in a bowler hat pouring paint on Nelson Street continue to captivate students and citizens every day. Much like Conor Harrington, El Mac’s work was also conceived as an entry for the See No Evil festival, however, in the latter’s work we can see a deliberate return to Renaissance painting. Indeed, this is contrasted by Walker’s more sinister painting of a suited man pouring red paint over the cement of Bristol, however, given that this piece is a whopping twenty metres in length, it’s an artwork that cannot - and should not - be missed.
Image Credit: duncan c
Inkie’s piece on Thekla Boat
For those who have been to a club night at Thekla, you may not have been aware that the boat has a piece of art by Bristol’s very own artist, Inkie, painted onto the hull. The piece is very modernist in style, and despite its concealed location Inkie's trademark use of bright colours makes it possible to spot both day and night. In fact, Inkie’s artwork replaced Banksy’s ‘Grim Reaper’ to protect the painting from further erosion, but it is still possible for any fans to see this work on display in Bristol’s M-Shed museum.
Image Credit: Taphouse Photography
Stinkfish’s ‘Image Morgane Bigault’
For people visiting Stokes Croft, this work of art by Colombian street artist, Stinkfish, is impossible to miss. The piece takes up the entirety of a wall and follows Stinkfish’s usual style - a stencil of a person which is then embellished with various patterns or small, intricate details. But there are far more pieces to be found in Stokes Croft. This part of Bristol is teeming with a variety of artworks, including of course Banksy’s ‘Mild, Mild West’ which can be found next to The Canteen. The colourful graffiti here captures any visitor’s eyes and transforms the street into something to behold; a definite must-do for any street art fans.
Image Credit: Ungry Young Man
So there it is, your very own digital guide to the best of Bristol’s street art. From pieces taking up entire walls to much smaller - but equally captivating - artworks, Bristol’s street art scene has something for everyone. While Banksy continues to dominate the city’s street art, it is clear that there are many other talented artists working in Bristol, all of whom help shape the cultural indentity of the city, creating an urban space that is dynamic, expressive, and of course Â- unique.
If you are interested in taking a tour of Bristol’s street art visit this website.