Street art fans may find themselves wanting to head to Bristol this summer, as an exhibition celebrating the genre will open at the M Shed museum in June.
Vanguard | Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement celebrates the role of Bristol’s creatives in the development of British street art, and addresses the development of the movement from the subcultural perspective of the city. It will include works from Henry Chalfant, Banksy and Beezer, right through to deep fake viral sensation Bill Posters and Conor Harrington. There will also be rare works by leading Bristolian, British and Irish artists of the genre, including seminal works from the late 1990s.
An additional focus on international artists beyond the UK will spotlight the growing relationship between art and sustainability. A selection of the works on display have not previously been seen and some have not been shown in public for over 20 years. The exhibition will also include the work of artist, musician and activist Robert Del Naja (3D), Bristol’s earliest street artist. It will explore the stylistic development of a selection of Bristol artists over the last three decades, including Nick Walker, Dicy, Paris, Mr Jago, Dale ‘Vermin’ Marshall, China Mike, Xenz, Will Barras, Rowdy, Jody, Cheo, Banksy, Inkie and Ekoe.
Vanguard is presented in association with the Bristol City Council culture team at M Shed and is curated by a collective of artists, specialists and collectors involved with the global street art movement. It is headed up by street art specialist, Mary McCarthy, who has worked within this field for the past 20 years. "Vanguard celebrates the unique environment that Bristol provided and its role in generating some of the world’s most notable names in music and art," she says. "Considering the ongoing evolution of the global movement, we recognise the importance of the city as the birthplace of British street art.”
Vanguard | Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement runs at M Shed, Bristol, from June 6 to November 1 2020. Further information can be found at the website here.
