John Paul O’Grodnick

SOLD Magazine Issue #2 Launches with Exhibit at Studio Kraut with: BD White, Raphael Gonzalez, City Kitty, CB23, JCorp, JPO, Joseph Meloy, Ramiro Davaro, Choice Royce and more

April 30, 2016

The second issue of SOLD Magazine — the magazine by artists for artists — was formally launched last night with an Affordable Art Show at Chelsea’s Studio Kraut. After checking out the art — that had already been installed when I came by — and perusing the magazine, I spoke to SOLD Magazine‘s publishing editor BD White.

Back in January, you, John Paul O’Grodnick and Greg Frederick first launched SOLD Magazine. How has the response to it been? What kind of feedback have you gotten?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People were eager to become involved with it. We had a steady stream of encouraging emails, text messages, phone calls and comments. It was the incredibly enthusiastic response to SOLD Magazine‘s first issue that has kept us going!

How did you go about distributing the premiere issue of your magazine?

We distributed over 3,000 copies — 20 at a time — by getting them anywhere and everywhere! We hit art stores, alternative spaces, cafes, bagel and muffin shops…just about any place that was open to receiving our magazine.

This second issue looks fantastic! There are revealing interviews with UR NEW YORK, City Kitty and Appleton, along with a range of intriguing feature articles. You even have a recipe for wheat paste, this issue’s theme! How was the experience of getting SOLD Magazine out different this time around?

It was easier! Most of the kinks had already been worked out. The actual layout took far less time. And because of the buzz that the first issue generated, artists approached us, as they were eager to be featured.

Did any unanticipated challenges come your way?

Because everyone who worked with us was so cooperative and accommodating, we were able to easily overcome any potential obstacles.

I like this venue. Even the setting for the artwork is perfect. How did Studio Kraut come your way?

Yes, it is great! The backdrop had already been painted and designed by Dripped On Productions, and Kwue Molly introduced us to this space.

What’s ahead for SOLD Magazine?

The next issue will focus on muralists. You are in for a surprise! And keep posted for news of our upcoming podcast In the Spray Room.

How can folks get hold of the magazine if it is not easily accessible to them?

They can subscribe. That is the one way they will be sure not to miss an issue!

Congratulations! I’m already looking forward to the next issue! I’m heading out now to read this one cover-to-cover!

Pictured above are:

1. Cover of SOLD Magazine Issue #2 featuring UR NEW YORK, Mike Baca aka 2esae and Ski; photo by John Paul O’Grodnick

2. BD White,

3. Raphael Gonzalez, City Kitty, CB23, JCorp, JPO, BD White and Joseph Meloy

4, Ramiro Davaro

5, Choice Royce

Photos of artworks and interview by Lois Stavsky

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Rebirth in Yonkers with Crash, JPO, Tats Cru, Daze and more

April 30, 2015

In celebration of Yonkers Arts Weekend beginning tomorrow, May 1, and continuing through Sunday, May 3, several new murals will grace Downtown Yonkers. Among these is the wonderfully vibrant one curated by Wall Works NY. Here are a few more images we captured on a brilliantly sunny day earlier this week:

John Paul O’Grodnick and Crash at work

Daze beneath his “eye” with Nicer, Tats Cru — to his left — at work

Nicer, BG183, Bio Tats Cru and Daze

Posing for a final shot

A perfect tribute to the revitalization of Downtown Yonkers, the mural is located at 45 Main Street near Getty Square and Broadway.

Note: Standing in the first photo are John Paul O’Grodnick, Crash and BR163

Photo credits: 1 & 4 Lois Stavsky; 2, 3 & 5 City-As-School intern Diana Davidova

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Cluster Wall to Launch Tomorrow with Exhibit and Party at 17 Frost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

January 16, 2015

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 Wal l, except for pic of Evan by Lois Stavsky

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Anna Matos on WallWorks NY — A New Gallery Space in the South Bronx

December 31, 2014

Founded by John Matos aka Crash and Robert Kantor and directed by Anna Matos, WallWorks NY is a wonderful new gallery space at 39 Bruckner Boulevard in the South Bronx. While visiting its current — and final — unofficial exhibit, Open Gallery, we had the opportunity to speak to Anna.

When did WallWorks NY open?

We had our first “unofficial” opening exhibition, First Taste, on September 12. Its focus was on promoting street art and graffiti as a viable art form within galleries and museums. Among the many local and international artists whose works were featured were: Daze, Futura, Nick Walker, Stash and TATS CRU members: Bio, Nicer and BG 183. This was followed by Point. Focus. Click. featuring photos – that had never been exhibited before — by such photographers as Henry Chalfant, Martha Cooper, Joe Conzo, David Gonzalez, Lisa Kahane, Francisco Reyes II and Ricky Flores.

This current exhibit, Open Gallery, introduces us to many new artists.

Yes. It’s our final show before our official opening next month. Along with works by emerging local artists in Open Gallery, are artworks in various media by artists from around the country – many of whom had never exhibited their works in a gallery setting before.

How have these “unofficial” openings gone?

The response has been great. And the success that we’ve achieved so far is more than we could have imagined!

Why did you choose to open a gallery in the South Bronx?

Why not the South Bronx? Its history is so rich, and hopefully we will encourage people to visit it.

What is WallWork’s NY’s mission?

In the experimental and explorative vein of Fashion MODA, we want to exhibit new and exciting work from both emerging and established artists.

How did this space come to be?

My father, Crash, had dreamed for a long time of opening a gallery, and I loved the idea of directing one. On our trips into the city, we repeatedly passed this empty space on Bruckner Boulevard – that we saw as a potential site for a gallery. After discussing it with an art dealer in Paris last summer, my father said, “Let’s do it!” And then a partnership with entrepreneur Robert Kantor made it possible for my father to realize his dream.

What experiences and skills do you bring to your position as gallery director?

I grew up around art. As a child, I regularly accompanied by father to his studio – where I would sit and draw. For a long time, in fact, I thought I would be an artist. But as a senior in high school, I discovered that I was more interested in the concepts behind the art than in creating art. I then majored in Art History with a double minor of Philosophy and Black Studies at Fairfield University, and after graduating from college, I studied Art Business at FIT. And in addition to several internships, including one as Special Project Manager the Jonathan LeVine Gallery, I served as a liaison for my father, assisting him in everything from creating a strong social media presence to installing and selling art. I see myself as someone who is committed to each artist’s personal development and financial success — as well as to the success of the gallery.

What’s ahead?

Our official launch takes place on next Saturday, January 10, with Ikonoklasts, featuring never-before-seen works by three legendary NYC artists: A-One, Dondi White and Rammallzee. Following Ikonoklasts will be our first solo show featuring works on canvas by Nicer of TATS CRU.

That sounds wonderful! We are looking forward!

Interview conducted by City-as-School intern Zachariah Messaoud and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos by Lois Stavsky

Photos

1. TATS CRU

2. Anna Matos, gallery director

3. Such Styles

4. Buz163

5. Funqest

6. John Paul O’Grodnick

7. Stephanie Burr

Note: Open Gallery continues until January 7 at 39 Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx.

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Downtown Brooklyn’s Grove Alley Transformed: Crisp, John Paul O’Grodnick, Praxis, JC, Sole Rebel and Stencil1

October 13, 2014

The Grove Alley Paint Nite, produced by the Gowanus Nite Market — in coordination with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership — took place last month, once again transforming Grove Alley into a intriguing open-air gallery. John Paul O’Grodnick, JC, Sole Rebel and Stencil1 were among the local artists joined by Bogota-based Praxis and Crisp for this year’s event in Downtown Brooklyn, off Fulton Mall. Here are some more photos captured soon after the event that had attracted close to 2,000 people:

Praxis

Crisp and John Paul O’Grodnick

JC and Sole Rebel

JC, close-up

Stencil1

And still there from last year’s event — See One and Rimx

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Up on the Roof of the 407 Bushwick with Fumero, Nicole Salgar and Chuck Berrett, Raquel Echanique, Gumshoe, Whisbe, Cruz, CAM, John Paul O’Grodnick, Elle & more

April 30, 2014

The rooftop of the 407 Bushwick, located at 407 Johnson Avenue, elevates the wonder and energy of street art. I recently had the chance to visit it and speak to its curator, Fumero.

You’ve transformed this rooftop into a vibrant canvas drenched with dazzling colors in an array of styles. How did this come about?

A friend of mine, dj and producer Onda Skillet, lives at the 407 Bushwick. He was looking to bring some color to the rooftop that was covered mostly with old throw-ups. And I saw this as a great opportunity to bring the energy of the streets up to the roof.

You invited such a wonderfully diverse group of artists to paint here. Can you tell us something about how that came about?

In curating this rooftop, I chose artists whom I’ve met — and often worked with — throughout the years in different settings. I asked them to bring their distinct iconography with them. Some had never painted on walls before.

You are consistently active on the streets. What is the appeal of the roof to you? I remember catching glimpses of your pieces up here from street level and feeling frustrated that I couldn’t see more of them!

That’s part of the appeal. It incites interest. The roof is kind of a secret society. We are free to invite whom we want and no haters are allowed!

Where would you rather paint – on the streets or on a rooftop?

I like them both. They are different experiences. When I paint on the streets, I can engage people. But the roof has a distinct energy that I love.

Your recent event Art in the Air, Music Underground, hosted by Aphotic, featured music, as well as art. Can you tell us something about that? How integral is music to what you are doing at the 407 Bushwick?

Its role is essential. The audio creations, performed by Onda Skillet with his Aerotropic label, were the perfect complement to the art. Opening rooftops to music and art is the next big thing! What’s happening here is a landmark. It is the future.

What about the location of the 407 Bushwick? Any thoughts about that?

The location couldn’t be more perfect. Bushwick is what the Lower East Side was 30 years ago. It’s the hub of cutting-edge art and music. The 407 Bushwick is the new CBGB.

What’s ahead?

More great energy, art and music! The second Art in the Air, Music Underground will take place this summer. The artists are already lined up, and we are now seeking sponsorship.

It all sounds wonderful! What a great outdoor gallery NYC is!

Photos: 1. Fumero; 2. Nicole Salgar & Chuck Berrett with Raquel Echanique on right; 3. Gumshoe and Whisbe; 4. Cruz; 5. CAM and segment of Cruz; 6. John Paul O’Grodnick; 7. Elle, and 8. Fumero

Interview with Fumero and photos by Lois Stavsky; also featured on the roof of the 407 Bushwick are new works by Joseph Meloy, AOM, NS/CB, The Cupcake Guy, Rafal Pisarczyk and Robyn Henderson.

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WALL WORKS: The Art of Graffiti at Great Neck’s Gold Coast Arts Center with Meres One, Zimad, Shiro, See TF, Kid Lew, Hunt Rodriguez, John Paul O’Grodnick and more

January 31, 2014

On exhibit through February at Great Neck’s Gold Coast Arts Center is WALL WORKS: The Art of Graffiti featuring works by 5Pointz (Rest in Power) curator and CEO Jonathan “Meres” Cohen and other artists who found a home at 5Pointz. Here’s a small sampling:

Meres

Shiro

See TF

Kid Lew

Hunt Rodriguez and daughter, close-up from sculpture, “Rest in Power, 5Pointz” (Click on link for video clip with full view)

John Paul O’Grodnick

Zimad

First image of Zimad and Meres, close-up from photo by Richard Alicia; all others by Lois Stavsky

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Carlos Pinto, Ken Hiratsuka, Linus Coraggio, Megan Kindsfather, John Paul O’Grodnick and more at Tribeca’s Elena Ab Gallery

December 28, 2013

Currently on view at the Elena Ab Gallery, 185 Church Street in Tribeca, the Collective Show celebrates a diversity of cultures, styles and techniques. Among those artists featured who have also shared their visions in public spaces are: Carlos Pinto, Ken Hiratsuka, Linus Coraggio, Megan Kindsfather and John Paul O’Grodnick. Here’s a sampling:

Another signature Carlos Pinto portrait

Internationally acclaimed sculptor Ken Hiratsuka, commissioned by Goldman Properties to create a huge granite sidewalk sculpture for 25 Bond Street

Celebrated metal sculptor Linus Coraggio, whose work is documented in Trespass by Carlo McCormick and Wooster Collective founders Marc and Sara Schiller

Megan Kindsfather, close-up

John Paul O’Grodnick

Among the other works on exhibit — of particular interest to us street art aficionados — is an early work attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Launched earlier this year by the painter Elena Ab as a meeting space for friends, artists and collectors, the Elena Ab Gallery is open daily from 12-8pm and by appointment.

First photo: Carlos Pinto, Keith Haring close-up by City-as-School intern Eduardo Dibone; all others by Lois Stavsky

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John Paul O’Grodnick

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