See No Evil: Who's Lenny film captures Bristol’s street art explosion

04/01/2012

Categories: Official press releases

The popularity of Bristol’s ‘See No Evil’ street art project unveiled in August has been given a further boost following the launch of a short film by Bristol-based company, Hurricane Media called, See No Evil: Who's Lenny?

The video documents the making of ‘See No Evil’, Europe’s largest street art event which brought together 72 international artists using over 13,000 spray cans. Their explosion of art on 10-storey high buildings has rejuvenated Nelson Street in the city centre, transforming a once non-descript thoroughfare into a colourful and inspiring environment. Featuring interviews with some of the artists involved including Inkie, Tats Cru, El Mac, Nick Walker, Shoe, Xenz, China Mike and Paris, the video explores how street art has a natural home in Bristol. Since the video launched on 4 October, it has received over 10,000 views on YouTube.

A new world-class attraction

The ‘See No Evil’ project is a permanent addition to Bristol’s cultural offering for visitors from around the world, escalating the city’s reputation on the street art scene made famous internationally by Bristol-born Banksy, whose work is featured across the city.

In addition to documenting the project, the 'See No Evil: Who's Lenny' video explains how once outlawed graffiti artists have now come to critical acclaim, and how one group in particular were invited to paint the courts of law in which they were once convicted for their art. The video aims to present street art as a vibrant and contemporary high-art form, capable of injecting life back into long-neglected or drab cityscapes.

‘See No Evil’ was an £80,000 regeneration project led by Bristol City Council. Hurricane Media was appointed sponsor by the Council and set out to create a film that would take ‘See No Evil’ to an international audience. The film was made using a range of techniques including wirecam technology – a first in a UK urban environment - as well as time-lapse photography and 24-hour live coverage.

More about See No Evil

Since the See No Evil event took place on 20 August, Bristol's Nelson Street is now one of the world's largest outdoor art exhibitions and a new, free attraction for all who visit this cultural gem from around the world.

Event organisers hope that the success will mirror that of Melbourne, Australia's street art initiative which attracts an estimated 450,000 visitors per year. See No Evil is an inspiring masterpiece and a legacy for the city of Bristol.

International acclaim

Organisers of the launch event in August welcomed famous artists such as New York based muralists, Tats Cru whose aerosol based work is dubbed to have ‘changed the perception of graffiti as art’ and LA artist El Mac whose work is prolific across every continent. These graffiti legends joined artists from Holland, Spain, Poland, Italy, France, Germany, the UK, and Brazil, each bringing their completely unique styles to Bristol. 

The initiative is a collaboration between street artist Inkie, who emerged out of Bristol’s 80’s graffiti scene alongside Banksy, and Bristol music promoters Team Love and is in association with Bristol City Council’s place making director, Mike Bennett.

Street Art in Bristol

Bristol has long been known for its street art movement in the UK, being the home to the Stokes Croft graffiti scene and a host of famous artists including Bristol-born Banksy and now ‘See No Evil’. Visitors can enjoy an online tour of Banksy's best work on the Visit Bristol website and now the See No Evil: Who's Lenny? video.

For more information about visiting Bristol, contact the official Bristol Tourist Information Centre on 0906 711 2191 (calls charged at 50p per minute) or email ticharbourside@destinationbristol.co.uk.

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Visit Bristol - Hotels for art lovers

• Hotel du Vin- This magnificently restored Sugar House, previously a collection of Grade II-listed warehouses from the 1700s oozes character and charm and is ideally located for visiting Bristol’s art galleries. Rates from £145
• Number 38 Clifton- Bristol’s newest and brightest star is this stylish townhouse accommodation overlooking the Downs. Artworks on the walls of the public areas include Anthony Frost and David Hockney. Doubles with breakfast from £100
• Radisson BLU Hotel Bristol- This iconic hotel offers relaxed, contemporary and stylish surroundings in the heart of Bristol’s cosmopolitan city centre. Rates from £90.00
• Brooks Guesthouse- New, independent guesthouse in the heart of Bristol’s city centre adjacent to the charming and culturally creative St Nicholas Market. Rates from £70
• Berkeley Square- With its boutique style and eclectic collection of art throughout, Bristol first art Hotel, the Berkeley Square, is the epitome of contemporary sophistication and minutes from several stunning art galleries, in the heart of Clifton. Rates from £60

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