tags

lady-k-Fever-with-graffiti-writers

Conceived and curated by Lady K FeverA Timeline of Handstyles: Signatures from the 1960’s to Present Day, presents an extraordinary array of writers’ signatures spanning three generations. While visiting the space — across from the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse — I had the opportunity to speak to Lady K.

I love this! There is so much history here. What prompted you to organize this?

When I first hit the streets, I did so as a tagger. And the first book I ever read on this culture, The Faith of Graffiti, alerted me to the significance of the tag. On a more personal level, this wall is also my way of paying homage to the old school writers who were so supportive of me when I first moved to NYC.

Charmin65-and-Swan3-Old-School-Writers-Time-line-of-handstyles

This wall serves as a canvas for early legends, as well as for some of the new artists on the scene. How did you get the word out?

I spoke to a number of writers from different generations, and asked them to invite others.

Stella-handstyle

Nicholai-Khan-handstyle

What were some of the challenges you faced in curating this?

Figuring out the logistics of it all, engaging younger writers, and dealing with the inevitable politics.

Dun-one-handstyle

Meek-hand-style

Were there any particular surprises?

Folks rumored to be dead suddenly surfaced! Seeing Swan 3 was, perhaps, the biggest surprise! What a pleasure that was! And I was surprised — and delighted — that so many folks were willing to travel here from afar to tag this wall.

Broham-380-handstyle

What’s next?

I’d love to curate a huge warehouse and engage far more people.

Handstyles-complete

Timeline-LadyK

The mural will remain on view through the end of this month — with a special public viewing on Sunday, June 28, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Note: Special thanks to Delicioso Coco Helado for providing the space and supporting the project.

Photos: 1-7 Lois Stavsky; 8 & 9 Lady K Fever

Note: Photo 2 features Charmin 65 and Swan 3; photo 3 Stella Isabella; photo 4 Nicholai Khan; photo 5 Dun One; photo 6 Meek; photo 7 Broham380

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The second in a series of blackbook posts features pages from the blackbook of the wonderfully talented Luis Zimad Lamboy, who began hitting the handball courts of the South Bronx over 30 years ago and is now getting ready — along with James Sexer Rodriguez — for his first Chelsea gallery exhibit.

zimad-graffiti-black-book

With tagged trains

grafiti-train-tracks-black-book

With old school character and Jesus Saves tag

Zimad-black-and-white-black-book-sketch

Art Junkie

zimad-graffit-art-junkiein-black-book

With Thor

zimad=graffiti-character-black-book

Homage to TD4

zimad-graffiti-in-black-book

All images from Zimad’s black book.

Zimad, along with James Sexer Rodriguez, will be exhibiting new pieces next Friday, October 25th, 6-10pm, at Rogue Gallery Chelsea, 526 West 26th Street. Info and interviews with both artists to soon follow.

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KR.ONE

The first in a series of “Blackbook Pieces and Tags” features the work of veteran writer  Louie Gasparro aka KR.ONE. Over 30 years ago, KR.ONE was hitting the trains; these days he continues to make his mark on a range of legal surfaces from black books to canvasses to huge buses. His work will be featured in the upcoming Flip the Script Book Release and Art Show at Reed Space at 151 Orchard Street on April 4 and in a solo exhibit at 5Pointz on Saturday, May 11.

KR.ONE writes Kashmir 172

KR.ONE

Forty Deuce

KR.ONE

The Lost Art of the Tag

KR.ONE

New York City Tag Style

KR.ONE

DoomVader

KR.ONE

2Mint

KR.ONE

All images courtesy of Louie “KR.ONE” Gasparro; the first image is KR.ONE for SAGE RTW

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