Colombian American artist Felix Morelo is increasingly engaging and provoking passersby with his intriguing ephemeral chalk spots that surface in some of New York City’s most trafficked sites. We were delighted to recently have the opportunity to pose a few questions to the artist.

When and where did you first hit NYC streets with your spirited chalk spots?

I began in the summer of 2009 with a “Good Luck Spot” in Union Square.

What spurred you to do so?

I was originally painting thousands of faces – mostly of children — on the city’s sidewalks. I thought of these faces as a community of spiritual seeds. An artist friend suggested that I take my concept further. I then came up with the idea of chalk spots that would directly engage the community.

And why did you continue working with this concept?

I felt that what I was doing was unique. I loved that people began interacting with my public art and with each other. And I liked the recognition I was getting!

Were there any responses to your street art that particularly stand out?

For the most part, people embraced and enjoyed the “Good Luck Spots.” I began experiencing negative feedback after I started drawing “Bad Luck Spots.” What stood out were the threatening email messages that I received from people who wanted to harm me.

Yes. We are curious about both your “Bad Luck Spots” and your “Suicide Spots.” What prompted you to create your first “Bad Luck Spot?”

At the time I was drawing “Good Luck Spots,” I myself was having a lot of bad luck. I was dealing with homelessness, joblessness and the loss of a partner. Creating “Bad Luck Spots” was cathartic for me, as it helped me get these bad feelings out of my system. Drawing both “Good Luck Spots” and “Bad Luck” ones reflect life itself – its yin and yang.

What about your “Suicide Spots?” They seem to have spurred quite a bit of controversy.

It’s a matter of free speech. Chalk isn’t permanent. I like the way these controversial spots stir debate and reflection. People’s reactions to them give me insight into human psychology.

Have you ever felt unsafe while drawing your spots on the streets?

I sometimes feel unsafe when I’m looking down. The worst thing that happened, though, was when someone threw water on me and then got in my face.

Besides the wide variety of spots you presently create, do you do anything differently now from when you first started using the street as a canvas?

When I began, I worked only with skinny white chalk. Three years ago, I tried drawing with thick colored chalk, and I liked the results. The colors spice up the message and more readily capture people’s attention.

How do you choose the sites for your spots?

I look for places where I can attract the most people and a certain type of people — those who are eager to engage and are open to new experiences.

Where else – besides New York City – have you drawn your spots?

I’ve drawn these spots in many places. Among them Colombia, Ecuador, Miami, Indianapolis. Cincinnati and Kentucky. I’d like to bring them to London.

What’s ahead?

I’ve participated in dozens of group exhibitions in a wide range of spaces, but I’m ready now for a solo exhibition in a gallery setting. I’m also in the process of collaborating with 10 different artists, and I would like to see those pieces exhibited together. And, of course, I’ll still be active on the streets conjuring new “spots,” to be drawn alongside the original “Good Luck Spots.”

Good luck with it all! We are looking forward to seeing your artwork both on the streets and in galleries. We love viewing it here on East 23 Street — both inside and outside Epiphany Library NYPL.

Interview conducted by Lois Stavsky and Tara Murray

Photo credits: 1-3, 5 & 6 Lois Stavsky and 4 Tara Murray

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Founded and curated by Miki Mu and Frankie Velez, the BedStuy Walls Mural Festival has for the third consecutive year transformed Lexington Avenue between Stuyvesant and Lewis Streets and beyond into a vibrant, brighly-hued wonderland, while actively engaging the local community. The mural featured above was painted by New Jersey-based veteran writer Raul Rubio aka Sue Works and style master Aesop. Several more images of murals — painted by local, national and international artists — follow.

San Franciso-based Matley Hurd

Thrive Collective Mural Arts Director Marissa Molina

Milan, Italy native Federico Massa aka Iena Cruz

5Pointz founder and artist Meres One at work

French artist Otom

NJ-based Will Power, tribute to the late Combat Jack painted for his son, Chi Ossé

Haitian-American, Brooklyn-based Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin, tribute to the late Shirley Chisholm

West Coast-based multidisciplinary artist Agana

Note: Keep posted to the Street Art NYC Instagram and Threads for more images from this year’s BedStuy Walls.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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We are back to Queens for this long overdue “PUSHING IT FORWARD” post featuring some of our favorite illicit urban interventions. Featured above are: the itinerant Imar, Angr LNE, Zoot KYS and Gour. Several more images of Queens-based markings follow:

BRS and Kider

Des

Muk 907

Sage One

Spider

Mer

Mile

Photos by the “PUSHING IT FORWARD” Collective

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Built from 1904–1906 by the New York Central Railroad to provide electricity for its tracks heading north from Grand Central, the Glenwood Power Plant was sold in 1936 to Con Edison. Since its 1963 closure, it has evolved into a wonderland of gritty graffiti, ephemeral artworks and more. Last week, we had the opportunity to speak to the wonderfully talented painter Valeri Larko who has been recreating segments of this distinctive urban treasure — nicknamed “The Gates of Hell” — on canvas and metal with oil paint.

This place is phenomenal. When did you first begin painting here? And how often are you here?

I started painting here in September 2023. I’m here as often as six or seven days a week for about eight hours a day. It’s been a blast! So many interesting, creative people pass through. Since I started coming here, I’ve met filmmakers, video producers, photographers and all sorts of urban explorers drawn to its remarkable cathedral-like architectural presence.

How did you discover it?

An urban explorer, Brandon Parsons, whom I’d first met on Instagram, introduced me to this plant.  When he visited NYC from his Ohio hometown, he suggested that we check out the Glenwood Power Plant. And he showed me the portal to enter.

We became instant fans after viewing Bronx Focus: Paintings by Valeri Larko at the Bronx Museum of the Arts back in 2016. We love how you immortalize our favorite medium of visual expression. What drew you to graffiti?

The urban landscape — particularly abandoned spaces — has always fascinated me. When I was living in New Jersey, I began exploring industrial plants and found myself especially drawn to big sculptural tanks and bridges. But when I moved to New Rochelle, I started driving into the Bronx. My earliest discovery in that borough was of an abandoned gas station filled with graffiti. I’d always been interested in urban signage, and I loved the colors and playfulness of the graffiti that I discovered. It was great fun!

Can you tell us something about your process?

Generally during the winter months, I drive around exploring different neighborhoods. When I discover some site that interests me, I return when the weather is warmer. I then do a quick color story, and I think about the composition and the canvas-size that will work for it. I order stretchers and bars, and after I stretch my canvas and return with my color story, I begin to paint. I always paint on site.

How long does it generally take you to complete a painting?

Anywhere from several weeks to several months — depending on its size.

Can you tell us something about your personal mission?

I am always striving to be a better painter as I document the ephemeral. My mission is to capture pieces of history before they are gone.

What’s ahead?

I don’t think about “what’s ahead” while I’m working on a project. But once I’m close to completion, I begin thinking of the ideal venue to exhibit it. I’d love to exhibit these works in a museum.

That would be great! And how ideal it would be to see these paintings in the almost adjacent Hudson River Museum!

Images:

1. “Glenwood Power Plant, Turbine Room I,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2023

2. Valeri Larko on site

3. “Glenwood Power Plant, Turbine Room III,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2023

4. “Glenwood Power Plant, Rotary Building,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2024

5. “Glenwood Power Plant, Gates of Hell,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2024

Interview by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

Photo Credits: 1 & 3 Edward Fausty, courtesy of  Valeri Larko; 2 Sara C. Mozeson 4 & 5 Tara Murray 

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STUDENTEACHER, the most recent exhibition curated by Chip Love and Seb Gorey and presented by Nemo’s Beer Shop in Forest Hills, Queens is a stylish and striking celebration of the lifelong, constantly evolving relationships that transpire between students and teachers. The delightfully playful image featured above was fashioned with ink on paper by the prolific Queens-based artist Belowkey. Several more images of artworks that will remain on view through STUDENTEACHER‘s closing party at the end of this month follow:

Queens-born multidisciplinary artist Cern, “Cernimals #2,” 2024, Acrylic on canvas

MAYHEM crew menber Kemos, “Untitled,” 2023, Spray paint and marker

The legendary TDS member Part One, “Mean Green,” 2024, Acrylic and paint marker

Queens-based veteran graffiti writer Mike 79, “79/131,” 2024, Marker tags on spray painted canvas

Graffiti writer and painter Python, “P Is for Pupil,” 2024, Designer markers, watercolor, ink and brush on canvas

New Jersey-based Hest aka Halfguy 2024,”Untitled,” Mixed media on wood panel

Located at 110-64 Queens Blvd in Forest Hills, Nemo’s Beer Shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 2PM – 11PM, Saturday, 2PM – 12AM and Sunday, 12PM – 6PM.

Photos of artworks: Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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This past May, a wonderfully diverse group of artists brought their skills to South Street Seaport, marking the third year that the You Are Not Alone community-based art project curated a huge 160 ft long wall in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. These murals’ message of hope is particularly timely this month, September — National Suicide Prevention Month. Featured above is the work of the Washington Heights-based graphic designer and illustrator Yuma York. Several more images from this year’s You Are Not Alone Murals Project 2024 at the Seaport follow:

Detroit-based designer and hand lettering artist Lauren Hom

Local street artist and animator Sara Lynne Leo

 NYC-based multi-disciplinary artist, designer and typographer Juan Carlos Pagan

Sydney, Australia-born, NYC-based multidisciplinary artist Vexta

New Jersey-based hand-lettering artist and muralist Olga Muzician 

 Brooklyn-based muralist, teaching artist and illustrator Peach Tao

British multi-disciplinary artist David Puck

Launched in 2019,You Are Not Alone Murals was founded by multimedia artist and art director Annica Lydenberg aka Dirty Bandits and Samantha Schutz, mental health advocate and the author of the highly acclaimed memoir I Don’t Want to Be Crazy.

And do remember, “You are not alone!” If you or someone you care about is in need of support or information, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., ET. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Note: Find out here about You Are Not Alone Murals’ first annual t-shirt collaboration and fundraiser!

Photos of artworks, Lois Stavsky

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On the occasion of Boone Avenue Walls‘ tenth anniversary, dozens of artists brought their remarkable skills and styles to the Bronx neighborhoods of West Farms and Hunts Point. This is Part II of our two-part series documenting this year’s extraordinary Boone Avenue Walls Annual Festival, founded and curated by veteran Bronx writer WEN COD. The image featured above was painted by Brooklyn writer Minus One. Several more images — all captured by street art/graffiti aficionada Kristy Calabro — follow:

Bronx-based artist and educator Lola Lovenotes

OTM Graff Crew member Image

The legendary Bronx-based artist John Matos aka Crash.

West Coast-based artist and curator Espy

Bronx-born writer and textile artist MRS

Florida-based muralist and writer Ric One

Brooklyn-based stylemaster Roachi

Photos: Kristy Calabro

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On the occasion of Boone Avenue Walls‘ tenth anniversary, dozens of local, national, and international artists brought their remarkable skills and diverse styles to the Bronx neighborhoods of West Farms and Hunts Point. The image featured above was painted by the legendary Bronx-born graffiti pioneer Chris “Daze” Ellis. Several more images of the completed murals — all captured by street art/graffiti aficionada Kristy Calabro — follow in this first of a two-part series documenting this year’s extraordinary Boone Avenue Walls,

Bronx-bred artist El Souls 

Canada-born, Bronx-based artist, curator and arts educator Lady K Fever

London-based veteran writer Corze

The inventive 3Modes aka Professor M

Queens native graffiti writer and fashion designer Claw Money

Queens-born and based artist Belowkey,

The remarkable, ever-expanding Boone Avenue Walls was founded and is curated by the veteran Bronx writer WEN COD.

Photos: Kristy Calabro

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On Thursday, August 22nd, First Street Green Art Park once again hosted a Landmark Festival event under the curatorial direction of the indefatigable Kath Storch. Murals by established artists who had painted on huge canvases earlier in the month were once again displayed, while artists painted alongside them. The vibrant mural featured above was crafted by the wildly talented Lower East Side-based artist Doves. What follows are several more images captured during the event by photographer Ana Candelaria.

French artist Jaek El Diablo at work

Jaek El Diablo, Mural on canvas

Veteran graffiti pioneer and designer Stash with Shiro‘s characters to the right and left

Queens legends Jerms and Topaz paint the renowned rapper/producer Large Professor 

NYC-based, Japanese hip-hop culture enthusiast and artist Shiro

Bronx-born and bred Andre Trenier 

Photos: Ana Candelaria

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Dozens of first-rate writers and muralists from NYC and beyond brought their tantalizing talents to East Harlem’s 44th annual Graffiti Hall of Fame this past weekend. Walls and cubes fashioned in a wide range of styles graced the now-lengendary schoolyard on 106th Street and Park Avenue. The dynamic production pictured above was painted by graff masters Delta, Syerok, Taste One, Blaze and Part One,   Several more images of artworks captured this past Sunday afternoon follow:

Graffiti veteran Skeme also known as 3 Yard King

BedStuy Walls co-founder and curator Miki Mu 

The wonderfully talented NJ-based Will Power does the late Nic 707

NYC-based, Japan-born hip-hop culture enthusiast and artist Shiro

East Harlem-based, Sweden-born graffiti writer and graphic designer Scratch

Harlem-based Brazilian American multidisciplinary artist Phes at work

The masterly Queens-based artist Chris Cortes

The prolific Bronx-born graffiti writer Cope 2 in collaboration with French artist Jaek El Diablo

Note: Keep posted to the Street Art NYC Instagram and Threads for more images of artworks that surfaced in this year’s Graffiti Hall of Fame.

Photo credits: 1-6 & 9, Sara C Mozeson; 7 & 8, Ana Candelaria

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