The exhibition will explore street art in the city from the past four decades.
Museums and galleries are back! With their return comes new and exciting exhibitions and this eye-catching one by Vanguard focusing on street art is worth adding to your list. The exhibition will explore the instrumental role of Bristol’s creatives in the development of British street art, from the 1980s to the present day.
Set to open from June 26 at M Shed, Vanguard Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement will bring together one of the largest collections of original graffiti and memorabilia ever seen in the The exhibition will feature new and original works from artists including Andy Council, China Mike, Filthy Luker, Inkie, Mr Jago, Paris, Rowdy, Sickboy, Swoon, Will Barras and Xenz.
Vanguard, a collective of artists, specialists and collectors involved in the global street art movement, said the exhibition will show “seminal works, notable moments, key events and extraordinary artists belonging to Bristol’s dynamic history.” It will also examine “the creative response of the city’s pioneering underground scene throughout the UK’s turbulent social and political history and considers the drive for social change underpinning the work of many of today’s street artists”.
The Vanguard Bristol Street Art exhibition will also feature a life-size bronze sculpture of an old favourite from Nick Walker; iconic photographs of the 1980s by Beezer; and a bespoke seven-minute film by filmmaker Doug Gillen with an original score by DJ Krust. Plus, visitors can witness rare and unseen works including ones by Matthew Smith of the 90s during the time of rave and the Criminal Justice Bill, alongside legendary photographer Henry Chalfant’s unseen photographs of his time in Bristol for Spraycan Art.
As part of the exhibition, Vanguard will also launch a series of exclusive releases from some of Bristol’s finest creatives, including an accompanying book featuring worldwide academics, film directors, writers, artists, creatives and specialists reflecting on the evolving momentum of the movement. Plus, the organisers have launched an exclusive album featuring some of the tracks which formed the roots of the world-famous Bristol Sound and artist led merchandise from various artists featured in the exhibition.
Outside of the exhibition, Vanguard has partnered with Vans to launch a citywide outreach programme running throughout the duration of the exhibition, which will include art activations, workshops, panels and film screenings. Vanguard Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement will be at M Shed from June 26 to October 31. For tickets and more information, visit their website here.