Street Art NYC

Speaking with Sonni

May 24, 2013

Argentinian artist Sonni Adrian has been delighting us New Yorkers with his bold colors and playful themes since he moved here in 2011. We recently had the opportunity to visit his studio and speak to him.

When did you first begin creating art?

When I was about seven years old, my parents enrolled me in an afterschool art program. I loved it, and I spent hours there every day.

What about getting your artwork up in public spaces? When did that first happen? And where?

I started getting up about eight years ago in Buenos Aires. I began first with stickers, and then I moved on to paste-ups and wheatpastes.

What was your subject matter back then – when you first began?

It was mostly back and white icons of playful inanimate characters.

What inspired you to get up on the streets?

I was bored at my day job – where I spent all my time creating artwork for commercial purposes.

Have you any preferred spots or surfaces?

As I paint with acrylic, I prefer flat surfaces, rather than walls with bricks. But I love integrating windows into my pieces and I like interesting textures.

How do your parents feel about what you are doing?

At first they didn’t understand it. But now they appreciate it.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art these days?

Just about all of it!

What is the main source of your income as an artist?

I freelance as an art director for animation.

Have you a formal art education?

I studied graphic design for four years back in Argentina.

Have you any favorite artists? Influences?

I love Matisse. Among my influences are: Yoshitomo Nara, Japanese Kawaii style, and Disney’s first Mickey Mouse and Felix the Cat.

What about back in Argentina? Any favorite artists who paint in public spaces?

Tec, Chu, Ever, Kid Gaucho, Jaz, Gualicho, Parbo, Defi, BsAs Stencil, Pedro Perelman & run don’t walk are among my favorites.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

I love it all. All art that is on the street is “street art.”

How does the street art scene back in Buenos Aires compare to NYC’s?

There is much more freedom in Buenos Aires. You won’t go to jail there for painting on the streets. The atmosphere, in general, is more open and relaxed.

When you paint, do you work with a sketch in hand or just let it flow?

I always work with a sketch. My sketchbooks are my reference.

Are you generally satisfied with your final piece?

Never! I always feel I can do more.

You’ve had solo shows not only in Argentina, but in Miami and in NYC, and you’ve participated in group shows across the globe. Any thoughts about the move of street art into galleries?

It’s amazing! And a completely different experience. It’s quite a transition for any artist who is accustomed to painting on the streets.

What’s ahead?

I try not to think too much about that. But I know that I want to continue painting. I’m happiest when I’m painting, and I have quite a few exciting projects coming up. My long-term goal is to be able to do my own thing full time. And I would love to design a playground for children.

That sounds great! We’re certainly looking forward to that!

You can check out Sonni’s artwork tomorrow evening — as reMADE presents Sonni, Aaron Stewart, and Nile the Crocodile starting at 6pm at 469 DeKalb Ave.

Photos by Lenny Collado, Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Hellbent at Mighty Tanaka and on NYC Streets

May 22, 2013

Hellbent’s artworks — from his signature jawbone to his geometric abstracts – are among our favorites, both on the streets and in gallery settings. His current solo exhibit, Even Romantics Love Violence, at Mighty Tanaka, along with recent works that have surfaced on NYC streets, reflects his skillful use of colors and patterns.

Son of a Gun (The Vaselines), Spray Paint on Canvas — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Hellbent’s sculpted signature jawbone in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Benediction (Thurston Moore), 2013, Spray Paint on Raw Linen — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Treasure Hunters (Calvin Love) 2013, Spray Paint on Panel – in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

And on the streets — at the Bushwick Collective with See One

On Bushwick door

And on the Bowery for New Museum’s Ideas City Festival

Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of Hellbent’s newest work to grace the walls of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Semor

May 20, 2013

Germany’s masterful graffiti artist Semor returned to 5Pointz earlier this month, where he once again graced its walls with his outstanding skills. This time we has the opportunity to speak to him.

When did you first get up? And where was it?

I was 11 years old when I first hit a wall. It was in an abandoned area in the middle of nowhere. I grew up in a village near Cologne, Germany where there was no graffiti — or just about anything — on the walls.

Then — how did you get into graffiti?

As a young child, I destroyed my room with chalk. This started when I was about six. I always focused on letters. One day my sister said to me, “What you are doing is graffiti.” And she bought me a copy of Style Wars. That was it!

And you have been doing it ever since! What is it about graffiti that appeals to you?

I can put my all into it. I can express everything that is going on inside me and around me. I never sketch beforehand. Everything I do is freestyle. It’s what I feel at the moment. It doesn’t matter if it is a good day or bad day. I have graffiti.

How do your folks feel about what you do?

My mom loves it! And my dad admires what I’m doing, too. He is an architect.

Tell us something about your name. How did you get the name Semor?

I was always a big Simpsons’ fan and I particularly liked the character Seymour Skinner, the head of Bart Simpson’s elementary School. I just changed the spelling!

Have you any favorite surfaces?

I’ll paint on anything that is paintable, but I love big walls.

Have you ever been arrested?

Sure, but Germany actually provides us with graffiti lawyers. And you need to be caught in action in order for the police to arrest you.

Have you exhibited in galleries? And how do you feel about the move of graffiti into galleries?

Yes! It’s been a good experience. It’s good money. And it’s time for graffiti to be given the respect it deserves.

How do you feel about the divide between street art and graffiti?

Graffiti is graffiti and street art is street art. Street artists are more concerned with getting a message out to the public. And it often has political and social overtones. Graffiti is about style.

Any thoughts about today’s young writers?

They need to learn the importance of respect. They think getting up is cool, but too many young writers out there don’t have any knowledge of graffiti’s roots.

Any differences between the graffiti here in NYC and back home in Cologne?

There’s definitely a greater variety of styles back home. Writers there are more eager to experiment.

Have you any favorite writers?

The Schwarzmaler Crew, Sen2, Storm, Aroe MSK – among others.

How did you make contact with 5Pointz?

In 2005, I reached out to Meres via e-mail, and we’ve stayed in touch since.

Photos of Semor with Jimmy C and Semor & KKade by Lois Stavsky; Semor at work by Lenny Collado and Tara Murray

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Gorey and Paris’s PAL Crew on Lower East Side Streets and at Klughaus with Sunday Closing Party

May 17, 2013

The French NYC-based artist GOREY and Paris’s prolific PAL Crew, consisting of HORFE, CONY, TOMEK, SAEYO, MOSA, ESSO and SKUB, have brought their expressive aesthetic to the streets of the Lower East Side and to Klughaus’s pop-up location at 154 Stanton Street. A closing reception for the exhibit PALINGENESIS — that showcases the artists’ rebirth as evolving fine artists – will be held this Sunday, May 19 from 2-6pm.

On the streets — at Suffolk and Stanton

Close-up from huge mural on Attorney and Delancey

Gorey in the gallery

Photos from the streets by Lois Stavsky; image of Gorey in the gallery courtesy of Klughaus

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From Five Continents to 5Pointz: Onur, Wes21, Kkade, Semor, Vova Zomb, Toofly, eL Seed, Jaye, Meres, Funk, Zert, Stain, MiesOne & Article

May 16, 2013

Since 5Pointz began its 11th season earlier this month, its walls have served as a canvas for artists visiting NYC from across the globe. Here’s a sampling of what has surfaced in the past two weeks:

Onur, Wes21, Kkade from Switzerland and Semor from Germany

Semor and KKade

Vova Zomb from Moscow

Ecuadorian artist Toofly

French Tunisian artist eL Seed, Jaye from Paris and Meres

Funk from Montreal

Australian artists Zert and Stain

Indonesian artist MiesOne

Article from Houston, Texas

Photos by Lenny Collado, Dani Mozeson, Tara Murray & Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with BR1

May 14, 2013

Italian artist BR1 is committed to creating work that transmits a message and raises awareness. His artworks have not only made it onto public spaces in Italy and beyond, but increasingly into galleries, festivals and art fairs, as well. Intrigued by his images that surfaced in Bushwick during his recent visit here, we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet up with him and ask him a few questions.

When did you start getting up?

I was about 14 when I started tagging in my native town of Torino, Italy. Then I gradually moved from stickers to posters to full size images.

What motivates you to get up on the streets?

Everything about the streets inspires me. I’ve always been attracted to walls. Walls talk to you. And I like to raise questions.

Like what kinds of questions?

I’m particularly interested in the image of the veil and all that it represents, particularly the clash of cultures. I’m intrigued by paradoxes.

As someone from South Italy, how did you become interested in this theme?

My grandmother wears a black scarf. Her sensibility is similar to women who wear veils.

Where have you gotten up besides Italy?

I’ve gotten my work out in England, France, Turkey and Spain. And here in the U.S. — in Boston and New York City.

Any favorite cities?

I like Paris as its people are generally open-minded. Istanbul was my least favorite.

What are some of your other subjects besides the veil?

I’m interested in billboard intervention. Billboards are a natural spot and easy to work with.

Do you have a formal art education?

No. My degree is in Law and my thesis was on the veil.

Any favorite artists?

I’m particularly inspired by Iranian photographers. I find Shirin Neshat’s work especially strong.

How do you feel about the movement of street art into galleries?

At first I did not like it, but now I see it as an opportunity. But I prefer to work with nonprofits.

What’s ahead?

I want to return to the U.S. and spend some more time here. I’d also like to continue studying the veil and work on installations, particularly using found objects.

The first image featured was photographed by Tara Murray in NYC; all other images are courtesy of the artist.

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JR and José Parlá at Bryce Wolkowitz and on Chelsea Wall

May 13, 2013

We love JR and José Parlá’s The Wrinkles of the City, Havana not only for its exquisite beauty, but also for the artists’ mission. While in Cuba last year, JR and José Parlá’ interviewed dozens of senior citizens, whose portraits made their way onto Havana’s walls. Twelve of them featuring JR’s masterful photos fused with José Parlá’s stunning calligraphy can be seen through July 12 at Bryce Wolkowitz in Chelsea. Here are a few from this must-see exhibit:

Man with Can

Elio Milanés

Rafael Lorenzo and Obdulia Manzano

Alicia Adela Hernandez Fernández

And a close-up from huge outdoor mural featuring the regal Leda Antonia Machado

Also outstanding is a short, moving documentary on view at the gallery at 505 West 24th Street in Chelsea.

Photos of images by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Patch Whisky

May 9, 2013

Currently based in Charleston, South Carolina, Patch Whisky is best-known for his zany, wildly appealing characters that surface both on and off public spaces. We recently had the opportunity to speak to the wonderfully talented artist during his visit to New York City.

When did you first start getting up?

I tagged some in the late 90’s, but I wasn’t serious about it at the time. Then three years ago, when I moved from West Virginia to Charleston, I met Ishmael, and that changed things. I began painting in public spaces.

What inspires you to keep doing it?

The street is the most important canvas. It is for everybody; that’s the beauty of it.

How does your family feel about you’re doing?

At first, they said, “You need to get a real job.” Now they love it.

Have you exhibited?

I’ve shown work at the Museum of Sex in NYC, the Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina and galleries all over the country. I’ve shown in a range of places — from flea markets to street fairs. I once stumbled across one of my pieces at a yard sale. That’s when you know you’ve made it. Ha! Ha!

That is funny! How do the graffiti writers respond to what you do now on the streets?

Well, they haven’t tagged all over my stuff, so I take that as a good sign. Even though I don’t write, I definitely pay attention to what is going on with writers. We share the same love and mission, and some are my good friends.

With whom have you collaborated?

En Masse, Ishmael and Dustin Spagnola

How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all this?

It’s important. You do something in New York, and it can be seen all over the world in seconds. Having such a large audience keeps you on your toes!

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Da Vinci, Picasso, Jeremy Fish, Jeff Soto and Skinner.

Do you have a formal art education?

I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2004.

Any thoughts about art school. Was it worthwhile?

Definitely! It was great being with other artists and sharing ideas. Many of the artists I met back in art school became my close friends.

What is your main source of income these days?

I have been a full-time artist for about ten years now. I earn money through gallery sales and though commissions for both indoor and outdoor murals.

What’s your impression of New York City?

What a tasty little treat New York City is! It’s everything I could have dreamt of.

Where else have you painted?

I’ve painted all along the East Coast — from Miami to New york City.

What are some of your other interests?

I love to watch wrestling and play video games

What’s ahead?

Traveling and painting all over the world.

Photos by Tara Murray, Lois Stavsky and courtesy of the artist

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See One on Miru

May 8, 2013

For the past few years, See One’s dragon, Miru, has surfaced throughout NYC – on murals, on wheatpastes and on stickers. He even made an appearance this past fall at the Centre-fuge Public Art Project in the East Village. Now Miru is featured in See One’s first zine, Dragon Life. We recently had the opportunity to meet up with See One and find out a bit about the talented artist’s endearing creature.

Just who is Miru? And where does he live? Tell us something about him.

He is a small blue dragon that feeds on stars. In dragon years, he’s about three hundred years old. His current home is a two-family tree house with a separate entrance not far from here – on the Lower East Side.

Gee, he certainly gets around! When was Miru conceived?

He first surfaced in my sketchbook in 2005. I was riding the train from my home in Queens to my job in SoHo and drawing – as I almost always did on these travels. I thought about him for a while, but never did anything with him. And then about three years ago, I began wheat-pasting him onto walls.

How did you come up with the name Miru?

I typed the name “See” into a Japanese online translator and that’s what came up. It sounded weird and cool enough to work. He couldn’t have an ordinary name.

What inspired you to create a zine?

I love zines! I always thought that they were cool. So, one Saturday morning, I decided that I would create my own featuring Miru. A week later, three issues were completed, and the first one was just released.

What’s ahead for Miru?

A stop motion music video collabo with Motion Graff was just released a few weeks ago. It’s great to see Miru animated! Next, I’m working on a web-comic. I hope to release that by June 2013. After that, who knows? This guy is crafty!

See One’s zine, Dragon Life, featuring Miru, is available here.

Photo of See One painting Miru for Centre-fuge Public Art Project by Tara Murray; close-up of 2012 Bushwick mural with Miru & 2ESAE by Lois Stavsky

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Centre-fuge Public Art Project: Cycle 8 “Influx in Flux,” with Cruz, Elle, Mor, ND’A, Demer, Claw Money, Yuri Velez, Ray Smith, Sofia Maldonado, Cre8tive YouTH*ink & more

May 7, 2013

In partnership with the New Museum’s Ideas City Festival, Centre-fuge’s Cycle 8, Influx in Flux, expanded to include additional containers on East 1st Street, along with wide panels inside the First Street Green Park. Here are a few images captured this past week:

Italian artist Federico Massa aka Cruz at work

Brooklyn-based Elle at work

Brooklyn native Mor at work

Brooklyn-based ND’A

Simply signed “Exit”

Veteran graffiti master Demer at work

The legendary Claw Money at work

NYC-based painter and musician Yuri Velez at work

Noted painter and sculptor Ray Smith

Puerto Rican native Sofia Maldonado at work

The young, talented members of Cre8tive YouTH*ink at work

Recently cited in TimeOut New York as one of NYC’s Top Spots for Street Art, the Centre-fuge Public Art Project, under the curatorial vision of Pebbles Russell and Jonathan Neville, is committed to transforming transitional spaces and construction sites in New York City into public works of art. To assist the Centre-fuge Public Art Project with funds needed to continue and expand their project, check out its Indiegogo campaign.

Keep posted to our Facebook page for additional images of artwork by Sheryo, The Yok, Cram Concepts and more.

Photos by Lenny Collado, Dani Mozeson, Tara Murray & Lois Stavsky

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