The streets of Toronto — particularly on and off Queens Street West — teem with curious characters. The image pictured above was painted by Canadian native Troy Lovegates. Several more follow:
Celebrated for his captivating characters that have surfaced throughout the globe, Buff Monster forever delights us with his playful imagination and creative energy. In addition to painting murals across the world, the wildly talented and prolific artist has fashioned a wide array of artworks from prints and stickers to vinyl toys. He has also collaborated with numerous brands. Curious about this collaborative process, I recently caught up with him where he had just finished painting a mural in partnership with Miller Lite at Dobbins Street and Norman Avenue — where Williamsburg meets Greenpoint.
You were born in Hawaii and lived on the West Coast for several years. What brought you to NYC?
I’ve been to all 50 states, but I’ve only lived in states with good weather. I lived in LA for 15 years, and I grew tired of the same climate all the time. I needed a change. I wanted to be somewhere where there are seasons. I was looking for something different — personally and professionally.
And has NY met your expectations?
Absolutely! I love it! NYC has brought me new opportunities and projects. And snow is amazing! But you wouldn’t catch me painting outdoors in the winter!
You’ve created dozens of murals on the streets and an incredible range of your own products. You’ve worked, as well, with many brands. Among them are: Disney, Converse, Hello Kitty, Samsung, Nike, Coca-Cola and here with Miller Lite. What are some of the challenges that working with brands imposes?
The challenge is to make it work for everyone — for me, for the company I’ve teamed up with and for its intended viewers. Any collaboration I take on has to be consistent with my brand, and it has to make sense! A successful collaboration forces me to think. And I like to think! I like challenges!
What about this particular project — this collaboration with Miller Lite? What’s happening here?
This blank canvas was donated to me by Miller Lite as the first installation of its Our Can, Your Canvas project, a program aimed at celebrating the character and soul of iconic neighborhoods. My challenge was to capture the distinct spirit of Brooklyn — its energy and integrity. And so I came up with symbols that represent Brooklyn as I see it.
You studied Business Administration and Fine Art at The University of Southern California. How has your education in business administration impacted your art career?
It made my art career. If you don’t make money from what you do, it is just a hobby.
We love your characters. Your Melty Misfits are so much fun. What are some of your influences?
Among them are: Heavy Metal, Pop Art, ice cream, Japanese culture and graffiti.
Since 2013, Montreal has been hosting MURAL, an annual public art festival featuring a wonderful array of murals by both local and international artists. Here is a small sampling of what we saw while wandering on and off Boulevard Saint-Laurent this past week:
Connecting artists and businesses, the 100 Gates public art project continues to transform dozens of metal store shutters on the Lower East Side and in Chinatown into intriguing outdoor canvases. What follows are just a few:
A huge fan of Lord K2’s photography and his outstanding book, Street Art Santiago, I was delighted to discover that Lord K2 has also been photographing NYC’s street art and graffiti. During his most recent stopover in NYC, I had the opportunity to speak to him.
Why NYC?
Because it is the epicenter of it all. It is where graffiti was born, and where the best artists from across the globe come to paint.
Any distinct standouts?
Os Gemeos immediately comes to mind. But just about every artist who has painted on the famed Bowery wall is extraordinary. And the L.I.S.A Project, too, has brought so many first-rate artists to Manhattan. My initial focus was just Manhattan because the borough attracts so many outstanding artists.
But you had begun to photograph beyond Manhattan.
Yes. I decided that I did not want to limit myself. And among the sites I’ve photographed outside of Manhattan are the Welling Court Mural Project in Astoria, Queens and the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn.
Many of your photos are in black and white. Why is that?
Too much color in a book can oversaturate the senses. And when I capture the artists in action, I find that limiting the image to black and white often creates a more satisfying overall portrait.
Any particular inspirations among the photographers out there?
I was definitely inspired by Martha Cooper’s work. And the late Garry Winogrand’s photos of Manhattan have influenced my approach to street photography.
How have the artists you’ve photographed responded to you?
They’ve all been welcoming and warm.
How long have you been working on this project?
I began two years ago Taking my time allows me to photograph the new art works that arise which, in turn, allows me to curate from a larger selection.
You spent a considerable amount of time in South America. What are some of the most striking differences between the street art scene here in NYC and what you experienced there?
I found that in South America the artists generally paint for the love of it. And making a living out of art is a bigger challenge in South America than it is here. In NYC, financial considerations come more into play, as many of the artists have more opportunities to get the attention of gallerists and collectors. Also, in South America lines are blurred between what is legal and what is illegal. There’s a general leniency towards unsanctioned art, while here in NYC painting illegally is quite problematic.
Absolutely! And accessing legal walls can be quite challenging! When can we expect to see you back in NYC?
Earlier this month, the LoMan Art Festival brought not only live art by a wonderfully diverse range of artists to Downtown Manhattan, but also a series of workshops, performances and events. And even though the festival has officially ended, mammoth murals continue to surface on our streets. Here are a few scenes from it all:
JPO and B.D. White, one of many collaborations spotted along Mulberry Street
Leon Reid, alongside murals by Team Crash — John Matos, Ananda Nahu and Izolag — and Team BIO — Bio, Nicer and Binho — for the Secret Walls Illustration Battle
Keep posted to the StreetArtNYC Facebook page for more images of the works that have surfaced and continue to do so in Downtown Manhattan through the efforts of the LISA Project.
Photo credits: 1, 3, 5, 6 & 9 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2 & 4 TaraMurray; 7 Rey Rosa Photography / The LoMan Art Festival and 8 Lois Stavsky
Featuring over two dozen beautifully-executed murals representing a diverse range of artistic styles, Coney Art Walls is a cause for celebration. Here are a few images captured this weekend.
Curated by Jeffrey Deitch, Coney Art Walls is located at 1320 Bowery Street off Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island. And on Sundays — through September 6 — a curated summer music series and dance party happening takes place from 5pm – 11pm.
Yesterday was another busy day at the Bushwick Collective, as a range of local and global artists prepared for today’s block party. Here’s a glimpse of the action, which continues today:
Note: And for background information about the Bushwick Collective and its founder Joe Ficalora, be sure to check out this this short video, produced for the Tribeca Film Festival, if you haven’t already.
