Fusing symbols of Latino Catholicism with elements of a pop sensibility, the Holy Art Show showcases the works of over a dozen artists, including many whose works surface on our streets. Curated by Frankie Velez and Savior Elmundo, the exhibit remains on view at Williamsburg’s Cafe de la Esquina through Sunday. Here is a sampling of the intriguing works on exhibit:
Among the thoroughly engaging exhibits currently on view at the Bronx Museum of the Arts are two with special appeal to us street art and graffiti aficionados. Spotlight: John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres showcases a series of sculptures by the two artists, whose works continue to delight us on the streets of the Bronx. And Bronx Focus: Paintings by Valeri Larkofeatures stunningly realistic renditions of Bronx graffiti, including some of our favorite walls that no longer exist. While visiting the Museum last week, we had the opportunity to speak to Lauren Click, the Director of Community and Public Programs.
Thank you for reaching out to us. Can you tell us something about your role here?
As director of community and public programs, I organize public programs related to Museum exhibits and events. I also work with the Community Advisory Council (CAC) a volunteer group of local residents with the goal of raising awareness of the Museum and organizing programming in response to community needs.
What are some of the successful means that have been used to accomplish this?
I like to introduce folks to new experiences while mixing them with familiar ones. For example, on senior Thursdays we combine tea services with multimedia collaborative activities. We also have a weekly newsletter we send to subscribers informing them of all the events that take place. This is part of our effort to establish a large presence on social media. Our twitter page has over 38,000 followers. And since admission has become free, we have had four times as many visitors than we used to.
What are some of the challenges that you face?
The greatest challenge is fighting the stereotype of being located in the Bronx. People are not aware of how rich and varied the cultural opportunities are in this borough.
What would you like to see happen here at the Bronx Museum?
I would like to see it continue to evolve and engage increasingly diverse audiences.
Note: This Saturday — May 14, 2:00pm to 3:30pm — Valeri Larko will offer a free guided tour of her exhibit Bronx Focus: Paintings by Valeri Larko. The Museum is located at 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Images
1 Rigoberto Torres, Daze
2 John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres
3 Valeri Larko, Zerega Avenue
4Valeri Larko, Ferris Stahl Meyer Shipping
5 Valeri Larko, Power Ball
Photo credits: 1 Tara Murray; 2-5 City-as-Schoolintern Sol Raxlen; interview Lois Stavsky, Sol Raxlen and Tara Murray
Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.
Splendidly curated by Laura James and Eileen Walsh, Bronx Nowshowcases a wide range of artworks in different media by some of the best artists working in the Bronx. Among these are several whose works also enhance public spaces. While visiting the exhibit on Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak to both curators and pose a few questions to Laura James, the co-founder of BX200.
BX200 is a directory of 200 artists, all of whom live or work in the Bronx. It was officially launched at the Bronx Museum of the Arts in March 2015.
What is its mission? And what spurred you to launch it?
Its mission is to connect our borough’s best artists to as wide an audience as possible from curators to collectors to other artists. My initial incentive in launching it was to get to know other artists living and working in the Bronx.
You and Eileen Walsh have, obviously, accomplished so much working together. The directory looks great, and this exhibit is wonderful. How did you two initially meet?
Awhile back, Eileen had invited me to participate in an exhibit she was curating elsewhere. Then when she read about BX200, she was eager to partner with me.
The art here is spread across two rooms, and it all looks amazing. How did this great space come your way?
Eileen introduced me to it, and I thought it would be an ideal setting to introduce a selection of Bronx artists to folks who frequent Brooklyn spaces, particularly in Bushwick where so much is happening.
How did you decide which artists to include in Bronx Now? Some of the artists are quite young and relatively unknown, and others have established reputations and have exhibited in renowned museums.
We were interested in presenting a snapshot of the Bronx featuring works that we love — in a variety of styles and media — from a wide range of artists.
The exhibit opened with a reception Saturday evening How did theopening go?
It was fantastic! About 300 people came and we had Andre Trenier painting live
What are some of the other events we can look forward to this week?
This Thursday, May 5, there will be a Bronx Now Artist Talk from 6-8pm. Participants will include Tats Cru, John Ahearn, Rebecca Allan, Danny Peralta and Alicia Grullon. And this Saturday there will be a closing reception from 5-8pm with a performance by Paco Cao. From Wednesday through Saturday’s closing, the gallery — located at 119 Ingraham Street — opens at noon. Enter through Terra Firma.
Congratulations on BX200 and this wonderful exhibit! I’m looking forward to more.
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.
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 Kittyand 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.
With their luscious colors and seductive styles, Nepo‘s murals has been enhancing the streets of NYC since the talented artist arrived here from Puerto Rico over two years ago. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to catch up with him after he had finished installing his current exhibit, Fantasia Tropico, at Chelsea’s Wix Lounge.
This space is wonderful, and your work looks perfect here! How did this opportunity come your way?
I’ve known Kamilla Sun, the founder of the creative agency ST.ART, for over a year now. When she told me about Wix Lounge, a really special co-working, event and exhibit space in Chelsea, I loved the idea of exhibiting my recent series of works, Fantasia Tropico, there.
Can you tell us something about this specific series?
It references all that I love and miss most from my island, especially my nostalgia for the holidays. This body of works continues to evolve from an exhibit that I was invited to present earlier this year at the University of Wisconsin’s Aylward Gallery. The exhibit here at Wix Lounge, curated by Kamilla Sun, presents several new pieces.
How have the folks here at Wix Lounge responded to your installation?
The reaction has been so positive. People are interested in what I’m doing, and everyone’s been so helpful.
Have you collaborated with ST.ARTon any other projects?
Yes! I was commissioned to paint a mural on the Lower East Side last year.
You’ve been doing quite a bit of traveling. What has that been like?
It’s been great! I recently returned from Brazil where I participated in the Street of Styles Festival. It was an amazing experience, and introduced me to some of the best graffiti I’d seen anywhere. I also had the opportunity to paint a huge mural with Son and Spear Torres.
And you’ve also been to Dubai. What brought you there? And what was it like?
I was invited to participate in an exhibit during Art Dubai. It was my first time in that part of the world, and I loved experiencing Arab culture and discovering artists from the Middle East. I, also, got to return home with several commissions! It was a great feeling!
What’s ahead?
Painting a few murals! And in a few weeks, I will be assisting Rimx with a huge mural that he was commissioned to paint in Newark, New Jersey. I’m planning to visit L.A. in June. And in the fall, I’m hoping to visit Lebanon and Jordan and further explore Middle Eastern art. I especially love Arabic calligraphy.
That sounds great! Good luck with it all!
There will be an opening reception for Nepo‘s exhibit tonight, Friday, 6:30 – 9:30 PM at at Chelsea’s Wix Lounge, 235 West 23rd Street. The exhibit remains on view through May.
Photo credits: 1 Lois Stavsky 2 & 4 courtesy of Nepo and 3 Tara Murray; interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky
Note: Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.
In celebration of the captivating series Game of Thrones, HBO launched Art the Throne earlier this month with the release of visual dairies of CYRCLE, Tristan Eaton, Jeff Nishinaka, Marcos Chinand Pop Chart Lab reinterpreting key moments from the series. And last Wednesday evening the physical installations were displayed at New York City’s historical Angel Orensanz Foundation on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Here are a few more mages we captured at the event:
Featuring dozens of national and local artists whose work is inspired by the political landscape, the Artists for Bernie Sanders national touring exhibit, The Art of a Political Revolution, continues through 7:00 PM this evening at 312 Bowery. While visiting yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak to its principal curator, Tyler Gibney of HVW8 Gallery.
There is such a wonderful range of socially conscious art on exhibit here. While some of the artworks directly reference Bernie Sanders, others touch on an array of social, political and economic issues. How did this all happen?
Bernie Sanders has always been a strong supporter of the arts. And soon after he appointed Luis Calderin — with whom I’ve worked in the past — as Director of Arts and Culture, Luis and I started working on launching this exhibit.
How were you able to engage such a diverse group of outstanding artists — many working in different media?
Both Luis and I had worked with many of the same artists when Obama was first running for President. Several of these artists have also shown in my gallery. And in addition to the artists we both knew, many approached us — eager to participate.
So many artists — of all ages — are supportive of Bernie. Why do you suppose this is so?
Bernie can be counted on to advocate for funding of the arts in our cities, schools and public spaces. He clearly understands the importance of the arts and has a proven record of supporting the arts. Artists can also easily relate to his values. Bernie takes no corporate donations.
And how might you explain his appeal to so many young people?
Many young people are feeling the need for a political revolution in this country. They graduate school with thousands of dollars in debt. They witness a gross inequality of income. They see homeless people living on the streets in the richest country in the world. And with Bernie these issues come into the open.
How did the opening of this exhibit here in NYC go?
It was amazing! We knew that Bernie’s wife and son would be here. But we didn’t quite expect him. He’d just been visiting the Vatican hours earlier! And so when he arrived, we were thrilled!
And are you satisfied with the response the exhibit is getting here in NYC!
Absolutely!
The Art of A Political Revolution — produced by Bernie 2016, with support from HVW8 Gallery, CreativeCabal, The GoodLife! & Evolutionary Media Group — is open to the public today from 10:30am – 7pm.
Artist signings: Aaron Draplin from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Jermaine Rogers from 1:00 – 3:00 PM and Claw Money from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Photos by Lois Stavsky; interview conducted by Lois Stavsky with Houda Lazrak and edited by Lois Stavsky
Opening this evening from 6-9pm at World Trade Gallery is Off the Wall,an exhibit featuring artwork by some of our favorite artists. We recently had the opportunity to speak to its curator, Joshua B. Geyer.
What is the concept behind this exhibit?
I wanted to showcase in a gallery setting artworks by a diverse group of high-caliber artists who work in public spaces, as well as in their studios. My current job is just a few blocks away from the Top to Bottom Mural Project on 21st Street. I pass it every day, and I love it. I thought it would be a great idea to feature those artists, as they are among the best anywhere.
I first found out about the availability of the space three weeks ago. One of my friends who works in World Trade Gallery offered me the opportunity to curate an exhibit beginning in mid-March.
What was your greatest challenge in getting this together in such a short timespan?
My greatest challenge was selecting the artists. There was so much talent to choose from. Close to 50 outstanding artists have painted in the Top to Bottom Mural Project. I also wanted to take into consideration the input I was given from the team — James P Quinn and Geoff Kuffner — who implemented the project.
Do you feel that you have accomplished your mission?
Yes! The artworks in Off the Wallare representative of the diverse range of outstanding pieces that have surfaced at 43-01 21st Street in LIC since this past September. And this space couldn’t be more ideal!
We love your flyer. Did you design it?
It was a collaborative venture between See One and me. The photo is mine and the actual design is See One’s.
What’s ahead?
I’d love to build a relationship with World Trade Gallery, and I look forward to curating more exhibits featuring artists whose works are seen on our streets.
Launched and coordinated by the West Harlem Art Fund, Fusion NY presented a series of panels, tours, performances and pop-up exhibits earlier this week – Armory Week 2016 – in various venues throughout Harlem. Of special interest to us graffiti and street art aficionados were the panel discussion, Basquiat Still Fly @ 55, moderated by Jeffrey Deitch and the pop-up exhibit, Street Art Gone Fusion Crazy, curated by Lady K Fever and Savona Bailey. What follows are a few more images by artists — who also use the streets as their canvas — that we captured on our visit to Street Art Gone Fusion Crazy this past Wednesday.
Apostrophe began as a gallery and performance space in Bushwick in 2012, and it has since evolved into a series of pop-up exhibits and events. As a collective, it is designed to offer exposure to artists while sparking a creative energy that can be experienced by everyone. Our last exhibit, Subway Show, took place at the Kosciusko Street stop on the J train. The subway passengers, along with anyone else who came by, were treated to art, music, a comedic performance and refreshments!
Our concept came before the name. The name was inspired by the title of Frank Zappa’s eighteenth album Apostrophe’. It suggests an inclusive fusion of energies.
What is Apostrophe’s current mission?
The mission of our current project Base 12 is to highlight the art of twelve talented artists in a dozen diverse, unconventional settings, while making their art accessible to folks who might not otherwise see it. When art is shown exclusively in gallery settings, its audience can be limited.
What kinds of alternative settings are you referring to?
Of the nine upcoming pop-up shows here in NYC, three will take place on subway platforms, three in museums and three in parks. They will all engage passersby in non-traditional ways. Details will be announced the day of the event via Instagram and Facebook.
That sounds great! How did you select the artists?
Some had participated in exhibits in our former Bushwick space; others we met through friends. And some we discovered through our open call for submissions. We’ve all gotten to know one another, and we all work well together. Once a month we come together, and we critique each other’s artworks. We love not only the works of the artists we are showing, but their energy, as well!
Do you both have a formal art education?
We both went to art school, but neither of us finished. We grew up, though, in a family of artists and have always engaged in art-related projects here and abroad.
What’s ahead?
In addition to what will be happening here in NYC, we are planning three exhibits and events abroad: at Alan Istanbulin Turkey; at corretger5 in Barcelona, and at a gallery space — to be announced — in London.
It’s all very exciting! Lots of luck! We will definitely keep posted to your Instagram.
