Upfest and Bedminster BID mark IWD2021 with update on landmark art project

Upfest and Bedminster BID mark IWD2021 with update on landmark art project

Posted on: 08 Mar 2021

The 'Six Sisters' mural is set to become the UK's largest designed and painted solely by female street artists.

 

Upfest and Bedminster BID have today (Monday 8 March, International Women's Day) provided an update on their 'Six Sisters' project, announcing plans to complete the huge mural in spring to mark the reopening of Bristol's retail streets.

 

Having gotten underway in 2016 with a mural from Bristol-based artist and designer Gemma Compton, 'Six Sisters' now spans four buildings on a Victorian terrace at the heart of North Street.

 

In the coming weeks, the row will be completed with two more pieces from esteemed local artists Lucas Antics and Ejits, making 'Six Sisters' the largest mural project in the UK produced entirely by female artists.

 

 

Currently situated above the Upfest Gallery, Zara's Chocolates, Like Sew Amazing and South West Upholstery in BS3, the new 'Six Sisters' additions will be painted above Oowee Diner and Peter Burrows & Co.

 

Once completed, the full mural will display the work of Gemma Compton, illustrator Zoe Power, abstract artist Bex Glover, expressive multi-disciplinary artist Sophie Long, prolific street artist Lucas Antics and long-standing Upfest collaborator Ejits.

 

Painting of the final two pieces of the mural will commence in late March, to be completed in late April, in time for the reopening of non-essential retail businesses in Bedminster's much-loved independent shopping district.


Speaking on the 'Six Sisters' update, Upfest founder and project lead Stephen Hayles said: “The Six Sisters is a truly unique opportunity to promote the strength of the female urban art scene in Bristol and inspire a future generation of female artists worldwide.

 

“Over the course of six years, we will have completed the six walls and it’s really special to announce the completion on International Women’s Day.

 

“This will be the largest series of permanent street art by female artists in the UK, maybe even the world and this just goes to show how lucky we are in Bristol to have these incredible artists and to have a scene that supports female artists.”

 

For more information on the 'Six Sisters' project, or to follow its progress in the coming weeks, find Upfest on Twitter and Instagram.

 

Main Image: Bristol-based artist Ejits alongside the 'Six Sisters' work-in-progress / Credit: Colin Moody

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.