Renowned street artists will live paint a series of large murals across Bristol at pop-up intervals over the summer months, including some of the biggest walls in the area at the Tobacco Factory and Redpoint Climbing Centre. Accompanying the pieces will be exclusive print releases from each artist, available online and at Upfest gallery.

Upfest Summer Editions kicks off with a week-long painting collaboration between previous festival artist My Dog Sighs who’ll be bringing his super realistic eyes and reflections, and Upfest newcomer Curtis Hylton, with his beautifully soft, nature inspired artwork. This 1,600 sq ft stunning collaboration will take place on the side of the Rising Sun, Windmill Hill, and is partially funded by the pub’s new management as a thankyou to the community which surrounds it.

Brazilian artist L7m, whose work currently adorns the walls of Zero Green and Bristol Flooring on North Street in Bedminster, will also join the artist line-up.  Upfest veteran, Dale Grimshaw, French stencil artist and Goin, and portrait painter Ant Carver will visit Bristol to paint huge murals. They will be joined by Some of Bristol’s most prolific street artists, including Gemma Compton, multi-style painter, Copyright, contemporary illustrator, Bex Glover, the multi-talented stencil and freehand artist Kindose87, artist and designer Jody and the bold and colourful, Zoe Power.

With further artists due to be announced in coming weeks, Upfest Summer Editions will offer Bristol’s street art fans and city visitors the chance to witness spectacular new works of art appear across Bedminster despite the festival not taking place this year.

Steve Hayles, founder of Upfest commented:

“While it's been important for the team to have a break from the main festival this year, we wanted to create an opportunity for invited artists to still bring new art to the streets of South Bristol and for the public to witness these world-renowned artists at work. With support from venues, Posca Pens and Mercure Hotels, we are able to refresh the artwork as though it was just a normal year for us.

 “Upfest Summer Editions allows us to do this, while spreading visitor numbers and giving the team more time to focus on the invited artists and plans for the festival in 2020. As the name might suggest, all invited artists will be releasing special edition prints of the murals later in the year supporting the preparations for Upfest 2020.”

Those keen to keep track of the Upfest Summer Editions should follow @Upfest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news and announcements as to when new artworks are being produced throughout the year.

Photographer Neil James Brain