Graffiti

Posted on | August 30, 2012 | 7 Comments

This photo shows some new graffiti which has popped up on my route from Bristol Templemeads to chambers. I have already had several near collisions as I’ve been gawping at it whilst walking, half awake and straining to identify the symbolism and allegories whilst rushing for court. I think it’s worth sharing, especially since it features the legal profession.

It’s a bit difficult taking a photo whilst navigating a pedestrian crossing in rush hour with a suitcase in tow, so this is the best I could do (excuse photo stitching).

The mural appeared by Templemeads station at the time of the See No Evil street art event earlier this month, although I can’t find any information about it on the site. It’s somewhere between graffiti and Diego Rivera, who also made political paintings in an urban context.

I’m not sure how well the pic will display on my current blog template (click on it to get full size) but in summary : the scene shows a sort of roulette last supper scene with the devil as the croupier in the centre, surrounded by the dogs of war, a gangsta gorilla, two religious icons (a praying mantis and a Dr Who style bishop), a fat cat banker, the police (depicted as a corpulent pig with teeny helmet balancing on head), a snake from the city, a carrion eating raven with legal wig, and rodent like paparazzi / journalists. All are engaged in a game of institutional roulette, and in the centre of the roulette wheel, is an atomic mushroom cloud. All pretty self explanatory imagery and a great visual reminder of all the current and political issues of the day – from Leveson to the banking crisis and beyond. All the powerful players are at the table, all part of the same dangerous power game. To articulate it like this sort of takes the magic away, but I wanted to point out the legal link. I never thought my profession would feature in grafitti, especially not wiv gangstas innit.

A prize* for anyone who can tell me about the background to this? I love it.

*NB prize will be rubbish and possibly non-existent.

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