Events

The Blaze of Hackensack: Pase, Per One & Hef, Crash, Ces, Sade, Bio, Zimad, BG 183, Sonic and Part One

December 30, 2015

Produced by Sade TCM for Nasty, Neo FC, the Blaze of Hackensack has refashioned the always-brilliant graffiti walls in Hackensack, New Jersey’s famed open-air gallery. Here’s a sampling of what surfaced last month:

Bronx-based Pase

NYC artists Per One and Hef

Bronx-based John Matos aka Crash

Bronx-based Ces

The Blaze of Hackensack curator Sade TCM

Bronx-based Bio, Tats Cru

Bronx-based Zimad

Bronx-based BG 183, Tats Cru

Veteran graffiti writers Sonic and Part One, Dedicated to the Victims in Paris

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Houda Lazrak Curates NYU Abu Dhabi First Live Painting Event: Fats, Steffi Bow, SyaOne, Enforce1 and Just1

December 18, 2015

Earlier this month, five UAE-based street artists: Fathima Mohiuddin aka Fats, Gary Yong aka Enforce1, Justin MacMahon aka JustOne, Steffi Bow and SyaOne participated in NYU Abu Dhabi’s first Live Painting Event. Students, faculty members, staff and visitors were also invited to share their visions and talents with the NYU Abu Dhabi community . Curated by Houda Lazrak, an M.A. Candidate in Museum Studies at NYU, the Live Painting Event began at noon on December 7 and continued through 7pm.

Fathima Mohiuddin aka Fats

Steffi Bow in action

Steffi Bow, completed mural

SyaOne in action

SyaOne, completed mural

Enforce1 at work

Enforce1, completed mural

Just1 at work

Just1, completed mural

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRf_RB2H3M4&feature=youtu.be

Photos 1-3, 5, 6, 8-10 Michelle Loibner; 4 & 7 Houda Lazrak

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Lady K Fever Curates The Art of Peace at Al Iman Community Center with Rocko, BG183, Meres, Chris Riggs, Scratch, Lexi Bella and more

December 17, 2015

Curated by Lady K Fever and hosted by Aldo Perez, Ihe Art of Peace, an exhibit of mural and graffiti art celebrating peace, opens tonight at the Al Iman Community Center. I had the opportunity to speak to Lady K Fever while visiting the space at 2006 Westchester Avenue earlier this week.

Can you tell us something about the concept behind this exhibit?

It is an exploration of the notion of peace from the perspective of artists representing a range of ideologies, nationalities, religious backgrounds and ethnicities. The title is a take on The Art of War by Sun Tzu written in the 6th century B.C.

What inspired it?

It was inspired by Peace December, an organization started five years ago dedicating the month of December to celebrating peace. As Sheikh Musa Drammeh of Peace December contends, trillions of dollars are spent on defense and none are allocated to promoting peace.

As curator, how did you decide which artists to engage in this exhibit?

When Aldo Perez approached me to curate it, I sought artists from a range of backgrounds and communities. Many, in fact, had already been engaged in community-based projects promoting co-existence.

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

My main concern was that the imagry would not offend the community. I also had to keep the artists’ egos in check, reminding them that The Art of Peace’s principal mission is to promote peace. And I was working with a limited budget.

The exhibit opens this evening from 6-10pm. How might folks — who can’t make it this evening — see it?

Yes, there will be a reception tonight with DJ Prince Tafari, the artists and special guests — including Assemblyman Jose Rivera. There will also be select artworks for sale. Folks who won’t be able to attend can email artists4peacebx@gmail.com and arrange a time to visit The Art of Peace.

Images:

1. Rocko

2. BG183, Tats Cru with Lady K Fever and Aldo Perez posed in front

3. Meres One

4. Chris Riggs

5. Scratch and Lady K Fever

6. Lexi Bella

Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky

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Writers Block up in the Bronx: Rime, Mastro, Curve, Spot, Yes 1, Uncle Ro, Wen Cod, Rath, Danielle Mastrion, Lexi Bella, Ces and more

November 10, 2015

For the past several days, over two dozen artists — from writers to muralists — have been busily transforming a huge block along Boone Avenue at 174th Street. Here are a few more images that we captured these past two days from Writers Block organized by Wen Cod:

Mastro

Curve

Spot and Acne aka Young Socrates

Yes 1 at work

Nero aka Uncle Ro

Wen Cod, who organized the event, captured at work in the early stages yesterday morning

Rath at work

Danielle Mastrion, Lexi Bella, and Doc TC5 to the far right

Ces checks it out

Note: First image features Jersey Joe aka Rime

Photo credits: 1-4 & 6-9 Lois Stavsky; 5 & 10 Tara Murray

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Monument Art in East Harlem and the South Bronx: Cero with El Mac, Faith 47, Luis R Vidal, Roa, Sego, Viajero, Ever and 2Alas

October 25, 2015

Monument Art, an international mural festival — similar in scale and scope to Los Muros Hablan NYC that took place in 2013 in East Harlem and the South Bronx — was launched earlier this month. Curated by Celso Gonzalez and presented by the La Marqueta Retoña initiative, in collaboration with the City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, it features a stunning array of soulful, site-specific murals.

South African artist Faith 47, 103 St & Madison Ave

Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican photographer Luis R Vidal, 111 St & 1 Ave

Belgian artist Roa at work, 1o8 St & Lexington Ave

Roa‘s completed piece

Mexican artist Sego at work, 103 St & Madison Ave

Sego‘s completed mural

NYC-based Viajero at work, 113 St & 2 Ave

Viajero‘s completed mural

Argentine artist Ever at work on 99 St & 3 Ave

Ever‘s completed piece

Andrew Antonaccio and Filio Galvez of the Miami-based collective 2Alas, 138 St & Park Ave, South Bronx

The first image — a portrait of Puerto Rican novelist Nicholasa Mohr on 111 St and Lexington Ave — was painted by LA based El Mac in collaboration with Puerto Rican artists Celso Gonzalez and Roberto Biaggi, Cero.

Photo credits: 1 & 9 Lois Stavsky; 2, 3, 5-8 & 10-13 Tara Murray; 4. Dani Reyes Mozeson

Note: This blog will be on vacation through Nov. 1. You can follow us on our Facebook page and on Instagram.

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Con Artist Collective Readies for Slap 2: A Celebration of Sticker Culture

October 16, 2015

Opening next month on Wednesday, November 18th is round two of the Con Artist Collective‘s hugely successful ‘slap’ sticker show. While visiting its space at 119 Ludlow Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side earlier this week, I had the chance to speak to Con Artist Collective’s Brian Shevlin.

What prompted you to launch a second round of Slap?

We had gotten such an enthusiastic response to our first sticker art show two years ago. And folks kept on asking us, “When are you doing another Slap show?”

You, yourself, are quite a sticker aficionado. What is the appeal of sticker art to you?

With just a sharpie and a shipping label, anyone can become a street artist. And a handmade sticker is such an intimate object of art! I also love the way the sticker art culture brings together such a wide range of creative people from graffiti writers to fine artists, all of different backgrounds.

What would you say is the mission of Slap 2?

We are looking to involve a lot of the artists who didn’t participate in our first Slap show. And this exhibit is our way of celebrating and showing respect to the sticker culture.

How might this next sticker exhibit differ from your first one?

It will differ in scope and scale. We’ve put together an incredible team, with help from Robert Aloia of Outlaw Arts, Hugh Burckhardt and Paul Arbs from Urban Hooker. We are hoping to bring over 500 artists on board. And we will have sticker packs available for purchase.

How can folks submit stickers to Slap 2?

They are to fill out this form, and then drop off or mail their handmade stickers to: Con Artist Collective, 119 Ludlow Street, New York, New York. They can find additional information on our website.

What is the deadline for submissions?

They have until November 13th.

What’s ahead?

We will travel the world! Our first Slap exhibit has already traveled to Sri Lanka and is heading to Singapore and Bangkok. It will continue to travel with new submissions added. And we will, once again, publish a zine.

What a great opportunity for artists! This sounds wonderful!

Note: The exhibit will open on November 17th with an opening party and end on November 28th with a closing party.

Images of works submitted for Slap 2: 1. Edec1 2. Klops 3. Kenji Hirata 4. Whut

Interview by Lois Stavsky

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Station 16 Presents Dee Dee: The Day Is My Enemy at 2 Rivington

October 15, 2015

Opening this evening at 2 Rivington Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and continuing through Sunday is The Day Is My Enemy, street artist Dee Dee‘s first solo exhibit. Presented by Montreal-based Station 16, it features an intriguing array of distinctly curious collaged works. When I stopped by last night, I had the opportunity to speak to Adam Vieira and Emily Robertson of Station 16.

Just who is Dee Dee?

She is quite mysterious! But word is that the secretive artist is based in New York City and that she is Japanese.

Interesting! How did you discover her?

We first heard about her from Dain, whose work we’d exhibited at Station 16.

Yes! They share a similar aesthetic! What is it about Dee Dee‘s work that appeals to you?

We love that she creates her art from scraps of posters and assorted papers that she finds on the streets. And we like that she consistently gets up in a variety of spots. We are thrilled to be back in NYC to present her work in this space.

Can you tell us something about the concept behind The Day Is My Enemy?

Yes! It is Halloween-based, as it highlights themes of deception and destruction. The works on exhibit explore the contradictions and discrepancies between our private and public selves.

What can visitors to the opening reception expect — in addition to viewing first-hand all of this intriguing art?

There will be themed hostesses, lighting to complement the mood, a soundscape designed by Dee Dee and more!

It sounds great! Good luck!

Note: The Day Is My Enemy opens this evening from 6-9pm at 2 Rivington Street off the Bowery.

Interview and photos 1-4 by Lois Stavsky

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Street Level at Jersey City’s Shuaspace with: Ree, Snow, Sam Pullin, Mr. Mustart, Distort, Acro and more

October 13, 2015

Currently on view at Jersey City’s Shuaspace is Street Level, an exhibit featuring works by a range of artists from Old School graffiti writers to contemporary muralists. While visiting the space this past Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak with its curator, Allison Remy Hall.

What a fun exhibit! It’s such a wonderful mix of styles and genres. How did it all come about?

When the owners of Shuaspace, Joshua Bisset and Laura Quattrocch, met me at the previous show that I had curated, they invited me to curate in this space. I’d always wanted to curate a graffiti exhibit, and this seemed like the perfect venue and opportunity. I then contacted artists whom I knew, who put me in contact with other artists.

Why graffiti? What draws you to graffiti?

I’ve always loved its aesthetic. I love its rawness and spontaneity.

When and where were you first introduced to it?

My older siblings first introduced me to graffiti. I was about eight years old and living in New Haven at the time. Even as a child, I felt there was something bold and bad about it that appealed to me.

What — would you say — is the mission of Street Level?

It’s a celebration of the organic nature of neighborhoods. With gentrification so much of the aesthetics and social dynamics of neighborhoods have been lost.

What was the experience of curating your first graffiti exhibit like?

It was wonderful! Everyone was so supportive and helpful and generous with their time. It was the most fun of any show I’ve curated!

Note: You can visit Street Level, at Shuaspace this coming weekend from 1-6pm at 340 Summit Ave, a few blocks from Journal Square in Jersey City. You can also arrange a visit by contacting Alison at aremyh@gmail.com.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

1. Ree and Snow, painted on gallery wall interspersed with black and white photographs

2. Curator Allison Remy Hall at gallery space

3. Distort and Acro, painted on gallery wall interspersed with black and white photographs

4. Mr. Mustart

5. Sam Pullin aka Bedbugs, painted on gallery wall interspersed with black and white photographs

Photographers on exhibit: Andrew Blumenthal, Miguel Peralta and Giovani Santoro

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Eric Orr on His New Hunts Point Studio Space, His iconic Robothead, the Schomburg Center, the New York Comic Con and more

September 24, 2015

Best known for his iconic Robothead and his subway collaborations with Keith Haring, South Bronx native Eric Orr can now be found most days in his new Hunts Point studio. I recently had the opportunity to meet up with him there.

What a great space! When did you begin working here?

It’s been four months now. It couldn’t be more perfect, as it’s just a short ride from my house and convenient to just about everything.

How does working in a studio differ from working in your apartment?

It’s an entirely different experience. There’s a lot less traffic here. I can leave my paint on the floor and know that it will still be there when I return. I have the freedom to create without having to put things away. And my family is happy too! No more fumes and no more paint in their way!

How does having your own space impact your work as an artist?

Bigger thoughts and bigger pieces. I’m planning to design huge sculptures and paint on larger surfaces. Can you imagine what I’d be doing now if I had a space like this 40 years ago!

You are currently participating in Leave a Message, a group exhibit — curated by Tes One — at St. Petersburg’s Morean Arts Center. What’s next?

I’m showing in Unveiling Visions: The Alchemy of the Black Imagination, an art and design exhibit — curated by John Jennings and Reynaldo Anderson — at the Schomburg Center’s Latimer Edison Gallery. On exhibit are photos of the 1984 Eric Orr and Keith Haring subway drawings, along with an original 1986 cover of my Rappin Max Robot comic book. I will also be exhibiting five new Robothead masks recently created in the new studio space. Then later this year I will have a solo exhibit at WallWorks Gallery.

What about the upcoming New York Comic Con? Can we expect to see you there?

Yes! I will have hand-embellished mini posters of the cover of my Rappin Max Robot #1 comic book available for purchase. I will also be speaking on the Hip-Hop & Comics: Cultures Combining panel discussion with Depth of Field‘s, Patrick Reed on October 8, 2015 at 11 AM.

I am looking forward to it all!

Note: Unveiling Visions: The Alchemy of the Black Imagination opens tomorrow evening, Friday, September 25, at the Schomburg Center’s Latimer Edison Gallery, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem.

Photo credits: 1 & 3, courtesy of the artist; 2 & 4 Lois Stavsky; interview by Lois Stavsky

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Toofly on the Upcoming All-Women Warmi Paint Arts Festival in Quito

August 23, 2015

We miss Toofly when she isn’t in NYC, but we love what she’s up to in her native Quito. You can find out about her current project here:

Just what exactly is Warmi Paint?

Warmi Paint is an all-women arts and culture festival that will launch this fall in Quito, Ecuador.

What is Warmi Paint’s mission?

Its mission is to celebrate and empower Latin American women street artists with a focus on graffiti, street art and murals.

What does the name Warmi mean or represent?

Warmi means “woman” in Quechua. It is the name of the people of the Central Andes of South America. It is also the name of their language. Women of all ages from this part of the world will create a new vision of themselves, nurture their communities and reflect a powerful message.

What can visitors expect?

Special guests and 20 women artists will paint collaborative murals, host workshops, and present their work to the Ecuadorian community. We will have graffiti films, slideshow presentations, panels, youth workshops, pop-up shops and a concert! People of all ages will benefit from this unique cross-cultural exchange and community-building experience.

It sounds wonderful! Good luck with this!

Note: Your support will help artist/curator TOOFLY (NYC) and artist/curator HTM (Ecuador) realize their mission. Find out how you can help fund the project here.

Photos courtesy of Toofly

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