The Conservative party in Bristol seem to enjoy taking it turns to criticise the council’s support of graffiti art, so expect a few more jibes as we approach the second outing of See No Evil next week, which this year is part of the London 2012 Festival.
Nelson Street will again be the focus, with other events at Brunel’s Old Station with the Mails, Maps & Motion audiovisual extravaganza and a gallery in the Paintworks featuring original pieces from many of the artists taking part in See No Evil, and which you can win tickets to the opening by scrolling down to the end of this post.
The See No Evil message was yesterday spread further afield with Bristol artist Acerone giving a masterclass in graffiti to youngsters at Knowle West Media Centre (right).
It was here that I took the opportunity to question Acerone, also known as Luke Palmer, as to the ethics of teaching children how to paint on walls.
He said that before the spray cans were even produced, he told the group of mostly 11-year-olds what happens when you are the graffiti artist on the wrong side of the law, as opposed to taking part in See No Evil, a completely legal event.
“This has been a great opportunity to give some young people the fun element of graffiti, something that can seem at times to be a bit exclusive,” said Palmer, now so much part of the established Bristol art scene that he has designed the current Bristol University prospectus.
“It’s about achievement, it’s getting young people involved in a creative activity. This has not just been about letting them loose.”
Two of the young artists involved had both clearly been inspired. During the photo call, they could barely put down their spray cans, and excitedly pointed out their own sections of the mural.
Lewis Neale, 11, formally at Ashton Park Primary School and soon to join Parson Street, said: “I’m always at home doing art and graffiti and that, and I’ve learnt a lot today. Because I had an ‘s’ I put it as a snake, an evil bendy snake with teeth and colours.”
Mitchell Sully, also 11, who has just left New Oak Primary and will be going to the Oasis Academy in September, added: “I have enjoyed making lots of new friends and learning different skills. My ‘e’ is a Union Jack because I was thinking about the Olympics.”
We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away to the VIP launch of the See No Evil gallery at the Paintworks on Thursday, August 16. To win, email gallery@seenoevilbristol.co.uk. It’s first come first served, so be quick. If not successful, be sure to check out the gallery’s public opening times at www.seenoevilbristol.co.uk/gallery.
