Art / News
Mixed reaction to new artwork on Centre
Wednesday was the first market day on the Centre since its new lick of paint, with traders under strict instructions to be as careful as possible, including setting up their stalls on matting.
But some traders need to drive their vehicles over the artwork and elsewhere along the 700sq m piece, there are already skid marks from other wheeled contraptions.
The colourful artwork that almost glowed at its unveiling on Monday morning will only degrade over time and this is what one of Bristol’s most well-known street artists has warned.
is needed now More than ever
“It’s beautiful but will last a couple of weeks before it deteriorates!” Inkie wrote as a comment underneath Bristol24/7’s story on the unveiling of Our Common Ground by Oshii.
“Any paint hard wearing or not will become dirty and lose its beauty in a short time. Remember how quickly that rainbow crossing deteriorated?”
The new artwork aims to “celebrate diverse heritage and vibrant communities” – photo: Under the Wing
On Facebook, Flo Johnson-Marshall wrote: “Absolutely love it, such a great way to brighten the usually grey surfaces in a creative way!”
Robyn Coetzee said: “Wow looks amazing. Something to brighten a very dull/grey area of Bristol.”
Shirley Dawson added: “Certainly in keeping with the graffiti city theme it looks great!
“Will be easier to maintain than the awful fountains that were an eyesore and usually full of broken glass.
“Thanks to the council and the Bristol business and industry development agency for attempting to bring investment and new jobs to the city by presenting it as a vibrant and exciting place to be rather than some rundown backwater!”
The artwork by Oshii is called ‘Our Common Ground’ – photo: Martin Booth
But the artwork certainly has its detractors.
sledgy77 on Instagram said: “This City really has gone to the dogs, more wasted money by this dreadful embarrassment of a council.”
On X, former cabinet member Mhairi Threlfall wrote: “Gosh it’s horrible!”
And Sam tweeted: “I’m not saying it’s bad – it actually looks quite nice
“But between this, the huge abandoned building on the corner of Castle Park, and the boarded up shops of Bedminster, it’d be nice if Bristol had a plan for urban regeneration that wasn’t just ‘painting over it'”
The new artwork now takes pride of place on the Centre – photo: Under the Wing
Main photo: Martin Booth
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