Hi Everyone

It's manic here at Upfest towers, getting ready for the festival.

We've made a map for you to find where all of the artists are painting 

Download it here 

Upfest is very pleased to announce....

'Deconstruction'
18th of May - 10th of June

A new body of work from Infamous Last Words members EPOK and SMUG.

Genuinely two of the best artists in their field, if you've not heard of them, a) where have you been? b) check this s**t out (and yes it's all with a spray can!)...

EPOK

Residing in Bristol EPOK represents ASKTF and Infamous Last Words crews. Pushing the limits of style and form for the last 15 years, he is known for his other worldly graffiti style. Influence is drawn from the universe around him, nature, architecture, science and cider all play a part in the creating of his twisting, turbulent letterform. Always experimenting and using new mediums, his indoor work challenges the format of the traditional graffiti canvas, working within a confined space to 
create a part of the bigger picture.

SMUG

Smug is a Glasgow based artist specialising in characters and photo-realistic graffiti. Since discovering graffiti 15 years ago in his small hometown in Australia his work quickly grew into a perfectionist's obsession with heavy line-work, letters and characters which have developed into a more photo-realistic 
style that has been exhibited widely. Smug's paintings are meticulously rendered works which draw upon an eclectic range of influences, often using humour or making uncomfortable subjects into stunning pieces on walls, canvas and in industrial and abandoned settings.

Launch Night - Friday 18th May - 7pm - Upfest Gallery, 198 North St. Bristol

Europe’s largest urban art festival Upfest has announced the impressive international line up for its fifth year and has unveiled plans to take over the cultural home of UK graffiti, Bristol. The event takes place over Jubilee weekend 2nd – 4th June. 

This year Upfest has attracted over 250 of the most groundbreaking graffiti artists the world has to offer. Descending onto Southville, Bristol they will consume over two miles of the city to paint live for three days and create over 20,000 square foot of artwork. 

A selection of the biggest names in international graffiti culture will be taking to the streets of Bristol from a total of 18 countries. The international line up includes artists such as Ches (Russia), Aske (Russia), Deuz (France), Frode (Italy), Guy Denning (France) and Mr OneTeas (Monaco). Over 50 international artists will be arriving from other countries such as Colombia, USA, Spain, Norway, Germany, South Africa and Holland. 

2012 will be its biggest yet and festival organisers have revealed that a wide programme of events will close off the surrounding streets for the hours of the festival, entertaining visitors across the Jubilee weekend. The Graffiti Academy will be running 90 graffiti tutorials for those who wish to turn their hand at painting. 

The festival helps raise funds and more importantly awareness for the Bristol based charity NACOA, who work to address the problems children have growing up in families where one or both parents suffer from alcoholism. Celebrity patrons such as Elle MacPherson, Geraldine James OBE and Fergal Keane OBE are proud supporters of the only organisation in the UK which offers these services. Upfest is a completely volunteer led festival and has so far raised £15,000 for the charity.

Headline artists announcement will be coming soon....!!!

The Upfest Gallery is very pleased to announce the opening of UNION

‘Union’ brings together a series of collaborative works by contemporary street artist Copyright and his partner, painter Gemma Compton in a celebration of their forthcoming marriage later this year. Both artists in their own right, this is the first time the couple have endeavoured to work together producing a collection of all new unique work as a duo.

Each piece at the show celebrates two distinctive styles. Some of the paintings showcase each painter’s unique portraiture styling, whilst other pieces in the exhibition explore how two individual ideas on similar subject matter can be fused together.

Two distinctive artist works, together united. 

Private View Thursday 1st of March 7 - 9pm RSVP Gallery@upfest.co.uk
Show runs from 2nd - 18th of March

From artists liaison, planning & construction to marketing asssitants there are loads of exciting opportunities and experiences to had in helping to organise Europe's largest street art festival.

To volunteer at Upfest Bristol 2012 please email emma@upfest.co.uk for more details.

THE URBAN PAINT FESTIVAL
2nd-4th June 2012 . Bristol . UK