gallery

A specialized new online gallery certain to appeal to us street art aficionados, Cluster Wall launches tomorrow evening with an exhibit and party at 17 Frost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We recently had the opportunity to speak to Cluster Wall’s founder, Evan Tobias. 

Chris-RWK-Cluster-Wall

What is Cluster Wall? Why that name?

It is a term I respond to! As an art-lover and collector, I tend to cluster art of all colors and styles in our Brooklyn apartment. The results are vibrant, bold and kinetic, like New York City, itself!

What is your mission in launching Cluster Wall?

My mission is to provide art lovers with the opportunity to purchase first-rate, hand-embellished affordable art. There will not be any ink jet prints. All of the artworks will be signed and numbered, and editions will be limited. Prints will be released in a series of 100 or fewer. And, in addition, a small number of original works will also be made available.

"Evan Tobias"

What work experiences do you bring with you to your current position?

I was the founder and editor of Block Magazine, and founder of the Full Circle Bar in Williamsburg.

Most of the artists — whose works you will be exhibiting and selling — are active on the streets. Why the focus on street art?

I’m a big fan of street art. I’ve been living in Williamsburg since 2001, and I’ve seen how street art has enhanced my neighborhood. It has made it a better place to live. But Cluster Wall is not limited to street artists. I will be releasing artworks by other contemporary urban artists, as well.

the-drif

How did you decide which artists to work with?

I started off by contacting artists I know, and then I was connected to some others. I was specifically looking for artwork that I love that would also work well as prints.

Can you tell us something about this weekend’s exhibit? What can we expect to see?

We will be featuring prints and original artworks by Chris RWK, Joe Iurato, Rubin, ASVP, Elle, The Drif, London Kaye, Solus, Opie and ORYX, along with collaborative works by John Paul O’Grodnick and Jilly Ballistic, who will also be painting live.

Jilly-ballistic-and-j-p-o

What is Cluster Wall bringing to the art scene?

It provides art lovers with the opportunity to collect outstanding, innovative artwork at modest prices.

That all sounds great! Good luck!

Joe-Iurato-cluster-wall

Note: The launch begins at 7pm tomorrow — Saturday — at 17 Frost Street and will feature, along with dozens of artworks, music by DJ Nigel Rubirosa and refreshments provided by Lion Beer and Sea Grape Wines.

Interview conducted by City-as-School intern Zachariah Messaoud.

Photos

1. Chris RWK  

2. Cluster Wall founder Evan Tobias, seated in front of artwork by London Kaye 

3. The Drif

4. John Paul O’Grodnick and Jilly Ballistic

5.  Joe Iurato

All photos courtesy Cluster Wall, except for pic of Evan by Lois Stavsky

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kara-walker-sculpture-and-artwork

Elaborating on the creation and aftermath of Kara Walker‘s epic installation at the Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this past summer, Afterword, a solo exhibition of the artist’s recent work, remains on view at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. through this Saturday, January 17. Here are a few more images:

Stages of Sugar Production: Cutting, Grinding, Refining

kara-walker-black-and-white

Wide view of gallery

kara-walker-sculptures-art

Checking it out

kara-walker-artwork

The Legend among the Cane Cutters

kara-walker-paper

And here are two close-ups from Kara Walker’s installation at the Domino Sugar Refinery — as captured in its final days.

Kara-Walker-at-Domino

Kara-walker

Sikkema Jenkins is located at 530 West 22nd Street in Chelsea.

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Pablo-Power-City-Bird-Gallery

Co-owned by artists Sarah Wang and Shaina YangCity Bird is a creative space recently launched on the Lower East Side. While visiting its current exhibit Natural High yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak to Shaina Yang and find out a bit about the gallery and its mission.

I love the eclectic mix of art in this exhibit. Can you tell us something about City Bird’s mission?

We see ourselves as a unique space in which we are free to unleash our creativity in a playful manner.  There is no one to tell us what to create or how to create it. It is up to us — the artists!

"Chris Mendoza"

When was City Bird born? 

Our inaugural exhibit opened on November 7. It was curated by the Under1roof Project.

"Lady Millard"

Many of the artists on exhibit – such as KingbeeWizard Skull and Dek 2DX— are also active on the streets. How did you meet each other?

Many of us know each other from the collective, Con Artist, and many of Con Artist’s members also get up on the streets.  Lady Millard’s Under1roof Project also brought us together in a collaborative manner. Basically, it was friends and friends of friends!

Kingbee

"Wizard Skull"

Dek2DX

I’d imagine that renting and maintaining a space like this on the Lower East Side could be expensive. How do you raise the money to do this?

When there are no exhibits here, we rent out the space to pop-up shows, poetry readings and a range of creative events.

"copie rodriguez"

What’s ahead?

A mix of imaginative exhibits featuring work by a range of artists, including street artists. We are already booked through the spring. You are in for some surprises!

Smurfo

City Bird is located at 191 Henry Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. 

Images:

1. Pablo Power

2. Chris Mendoza, close-up

3. Lady Millard, close-up

4. Kingbee

5. Wizard Skull

6, Dek 2DX

7. Copie Rodriguez

8. Smurfo Udirty

First image courtesy of the gallery; all others photographed by Lois Stavsky

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"Joe Iurato"

Intrigued by the small artworks that surface unexpectedly thoughout New York City, Amy Young has curated a delightful exhibit featuring small works by over a dozen artists.  Here’s a sampling:

Another cut-out by Joe Iurato

"Joe Iurato cut-out"

Elbow-Toe, close-up

"Elbow Toe"

Cake

Cake

Hellbent

Hellbent

Jaye Moon

"Jaye Moon"

Other featured artists include: Jilly Ballistic, C215, Clown Soldier, Enzo and Nio, Gilf!, Jay Shells, Shin Shin and Wing.  A closing party will take place tomorrow, April 4, from 5-9pm. The works will remain on exhibit through Sunday at R. Jampol Projects, 191 Henry Street between Clinton and Jefferson on the Lower East Side.

Photos: 1. courtesy of  the gallery; 2. 3. & 5.  Sara Mozeson; 4 & 6, City-as-School intern Dea Sumrall

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DAIN

Whether seen on gritty city streets or in formal gallery settings, DAIN’s masterfully conceived artworks always intrigue. And those in his upcoming exhibit at Dumbo’s Folioleaf are among his most dazzling to date. While previewing a few of his new collaged portraits at the Folioleaf gallery space at 111 Front Street, we had the chance to ask him a few questions:

What is it about these particular women’s faces that you find so alluring?

I’m drawn to their eyes. The way they stare at us. And like the women in the old Hollywood movies that I love, these women are naturally beautiful.

DAIN

We are wondering why so many of these women’s faces are attached to men’s bodies. What is the significance of this? Is there a message here?

There is beauty beyond the physical. Everything doesn’t have to hang out. Women need to leave something to the imagination.

DAIN

This is quite an impressive body of work. Your distinct aesthetic continues to evolve. Have you any thoughts on this?

I hope it’s getting better. I actually think this is my best work so far.  I’m just starting to scratch the surface.

DAIN

How long did it take you to prepare for this exhibit?

I began working on it in my head many months ago. The final pieces came together in the last few weeks.

DAIN

 Are you satisfied with the results?

So far, yes! If I am not satisfied with a piece, you will not see it in this show.

The public opening of DAIN’s new work will take place tomorrow, Thursday, April 3, 6-9pm, at Folioleaf, 111 Front Street, #226,  in Dumbo. The exhibit continues through Saturday, May 17.

Questions for DAIN by City-as-School intern Anna Louka; photos of DAIN’s works by Lois Stavsky and City-as-School intern Dea Sumrall.

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"Outdoor Gallery NYC"

Currently on view at 17 Frost is an exhibit of artwork by artists featured in Yoav Litvin’s remarkable book, Outdoor Gallery NYC. While visiting the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, we had the opportunity to speak to Yoav: 

This exhibit is in many ways a reflection of your book. It is wonderfully eclectic.

Yes, like the book Outdoor Gallery NYC, it celebrates the diversity of the incredible range of street art that surfaces in NYC’s public spaces.

"Enzo and Nio"

How did you connect with all of these artists – whose works are featured in your book and in this Outdoor Gallery NYC exhibit?

I initially met most of them through encountering their works on our streets. I further connected with them via Facebook or Instagram.

Cern

Can you tell us something about the process from the time you had your resources – your photos and interviews — to the actual production of the book?

Working with the designer, Steve Mosier, I created a template for a book. I then presented my concept to about 30 publishers. In late summer, I signed a contract with Gingko Press, my first choice.  The first copies of the book became available last week.

Billy Mode

The book looks wonderful, and your book launch party was quite remarkable. We’ve heard that folks waited on line for hours to get in.

Yes, that was quite humbling. And I feel grateful to everyone.

"Alice Mizrachi"

To what do you attribute the incredible success of the book launch?

My sense is that folks appreciate my particular approach. I have deep respect for all of the artists who share their works with us in public spaces. I admire their visions and their skills. I particularly love the way they challenge conventions.

"Chris Stain"

You are a scientist, as well as a photographer and street art documentarian. Has your background as a scientist affected the way you approach street art?

I suppose it has. It is essential that my research and findings remain “clean” and unbiased. I am interested in presenting something that is important not only on a local level, but on a global one, as well.

Bishop203

In what ways has this project impacted you?

I feel that I’ve developed a distinct personal style and approach to documenting street art.

"Icy and Sot"

If you had the opportunity to spend time in another city and work on a similar “Outdoor Gallery” project, which city would you choose to visit?

I’d probably choose São Paulo, Brazil.

NewMerica

The exhibit, curated by Yoav Litvin with Royce Bannon, continues through March 8 at 17 Frost Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Yoav can be contacted at yoavlitvin@gmail.com; for updates, visit the book’s Facebook page.

Interview with Yoav Litvin conducted at 17 Frost by City-as-School intern Anna Loucka with Lois Stavsky; photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky. 1. Exterior of 17 Frost painted by Bishop203, elsol25 and Royce Bannon; 2 .Enzo & Nio, Retro Bomba; 3. Cern, Jardim Electrico; 4. Billy Mode, Love; 5. Alice Mizrachi, Queen, close-up; 6. Chris Stain, Up in the Bronx; 7. Bishop203, Jesus Christ Superstar;  8. Icy and Sot, Race and 9. ÑEWMERICA, small segment of collaborative mural 

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"John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres"

A stunningly evocative selection of life-like sculptures by John Ahearn, made in collaboration with Rigoberto Torres, is currently on exhibit at Alexander and Bonin at 132 10th Avenue in Chelsea.  Fashioned between 1981 through 1991, the works on display are an ode to the spirit and soul of the folks who called the South Bronx home during that decade.

Raymond

"John Ahearn"

Luis and Virginia Arroyo

"John Ahearn"

Lazaro

"John Ahearn"

Freddy with Cigarette

"John Ahearn"

Kate

"John Ahearn"

Titi in the Window

"John Ahearn"

The exhibit continues through February 22 at 132 Tenth Avenue in Chelsea.

Photos of images by Dani Reyes Mozeson; the first sculpture pictured here, Double Dutch, can be seen at Intervale Avenue and Kelly Street in the South Bronx.

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Chris Ellis aka Daze

Back in the 70’s, Daze’s main canvasses were subway trains and walls. Recognized as a master of his genre, Brooklyn native Chris “Daze” Ellis was soon showing his work in galleries. Since, he has exhibited in museums and galleries across the globe, while continuing to share his talents with us on the streets.  Through next Sunday, January 19th, a selection of Daze’s new paintings, sculptures and prints are on exhibit at TT-Underground, 91 Second Avenue, in the East Village. Here are a few more images from Indigo Dreams:

The Dark Night, the Big Boss

"Chris Ellis aka Daze"

Sculpture

"Chris Elis aka Daze"

View of 161st Street

"Chris Elis aka Daze"

Big Bill

"Chris Ellis aka Daze"

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Kaws

Few artists who began hitting walls in the 90’s have achieved the commercial success — as well as recognition from the “art world” — that Jersey City-native KAWS has.  Through Saturday, you can check out some of his newest works in two spaces here in NYC.  Pass the Blame, KAWS’s exhibit in Madison Avenue’s Galerie Perrotin is — at first glance — a collection of huge, colorful, iconic cartoon characters.  But on closer inspection, there’s an entire world within each character — from gumdrops to a range of body parts and shapes, including eyes and mouths, to characters within characters. And when seen as a whole, the figures appear to be interacting — some pointing, some glaring and, as the title suggests, passing the blame in this colorful commentary on human behavior. Here are a few more images from KAWS’s uptown exhibit:

Should I Be Attacking?

Kaws-charater-on-canvas

Pass the Blame

KAWS

Take the Cure and Point of Disorder, on the right

KAWS-art-on-Canvas

And at the Mary Boone Gallery in Chelsea, two huge impressive sculptural works are on view, as well:

Along the Way

KAWS sculpture

At This Time

KAWS

 Close-up

Kaws-sculpture-close-up

Written by City-as-School intern Annie Loucka with Lois Stavsky; photos of KAWS’s pieces at Galerie Perrotin by Annie Loucka and Lois Stavsky; of KAWS’s sculptures at Mary Boone by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Last month, Girls on Top aka GOT, UK’s all female crew established in 2000, visited NYC.  Along with some of NYC’s finest female graffiti artists, they hit up a huge wall on Boone Avenue in the Bronx on one of the rainiest days of the season. Here are some images captured this past week from the historic My Thuggy Pony All-Girlz Jam.

Manchester-based graffiti artist and educator Chock and founder of G.O.T

Chock

London-based active G.O.T. member Pixie

Pixie

Bronx-based artist, educator and leader Miss 163

Miss 163

 Queens-native visual artist Abby — with 1980’s graffiti roots

Abby

Passionate Bronx-based graffiti artist and jam facilitator Erotica 67

Erotica

NYC-based designer and graffiti writer extraordinaire, Queen Andrea

Queen Andrea

And Neks

Neks

A range of art works by members of G.O.T can be seen and purchased through this weekend at an exhibit curated by Jessica Pabon at bOb Gallery at 235 Eldridge Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Here are two of the many on view:

Syrup

Syrup

Lyns, Da Crew, 2013

G.O.T Crew

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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