Opening Friday evening are two concurrent exhibits curated by Icy and Sot. Artworks of 35 NYC street artists will be on exhibit in Tehran, while we New Yorkers will be treated to a gallery show of 10 Iranian artists at 58 South Sixth Street in Brooklyn through Monday. Here is a sampling from this groundbreaking cultural exchange:
El Sol 25 in Tehran
CK1 in NYC
Alice Mizrachi in Tehran
Mad in NYC
LNY in Tehran
FRZ in NYC
Images courtesy of Icy and Sot
{ 0 comments }
In celebration of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil, McDonald’s has reinvented its French fry packaging. Twelve artists from around the world — many who are active on the streets — were chosen to create the special new designs to celebrate the game.
Among those selected from the 500 artists who submitted designs was UK-based Ben Mosley, who descibes his piece, Fans of the World (close-up pictured above), as a homage to the World Cup. “I believe the World Cup brings people together in celebration from all walks of life and backgrounds,” he explains, “so calling my piece Fans Of The World makes sense to me because it represents everything that I believe to be good about the game.” And at McDonald’s World Cup Launch Party held last night in Midtown Manhattan, we had the opportunity to meet the talented artist and watch him paint.
Also on view at last night’s party were original designs, along with the final products, of the other 11 artists whose works were selected to package McDonald’s fries. Here’s a sampling of what was seen:
São Paulo-based artist Eduardo Kobra — whose wondrous aesthetic has graced Chelsea for the past two years
Hua Tunan, a graffiti artist and painter, based in Foshan, China
And representing the U.S., Tampa, Florida – based graphic designer and street artist Tes One
Other featured artists include: David Spencer, Australia; Mügluck, Canada; Skwak, France; Roman Klonek, Germany; Doppel, Japan; Egor Koshelev, Russia; Adele Bantjes, South Africa and Martin Satí, Spain.
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson
Note: This post was created in partnership with McDonald’s. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
{ 0 comments }
The walls along Meserole and Waterbury in Bushwick and on and near Borinquen Place in Williamsburg have become canvases for an extraordinary array of magical murals. They are among the highlights of the Juicy Brooklyn Art Festival launched by Exit Room. Here’s a sampling:
Chilean artist Dasic Fernández
Mexican artist Werc
Bogota-based Stinkfish
Argentinian artist Ever at work with Zio Ziegler
Close-up from huge collaborative mural by Puerto Rican artists Rimx, SON and Ricardo Cabret
Mexican artist Marka27, close-up
The Juicy Brooklyn Art Festival begins today, Thursday June 5, at 270 Meserole Street in Bushwick and continues through Saturday. Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of more magical murals that are surfacing along Meserole and Waterbury.
All photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson — except for Stinkfish by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
These past few days have been busy at the Bushwick Collective. New walls have been surfacing daily and the Collective has launched its first indoor exhibit. Here’s a bit of what we captured yesterday and Thursday:
Vexta‘s mural — as seen yesterday — and Vexta at work here
Adam Fu at work yesterday
Sexer‘s newly completed mural
Solus — in from Dublin — at work yesterday
Vers at work yesterday
FKDL — in from Paris — checks out his progress
FKDL inside the gallery
Jerkface begins
Jerkface inside the gallery
Also on view in the gallery — located at 426 Troutman Street — in the heart of the Bushwick Collective are works by: Blek le Rat, Solus, Rubin 415, Chris Stain, Dan Witz, Zimad, Joe Iurato, Sexer, Beau Stanton and Atom. And at tomorrow’s block party you can see and celebrate it all with live street art, bands, food trucks, a beer tent and giveaways.
Photos of Vexta, Adam Fu, Solus and Vers by Lois Stavsky; of FKDL, Sexer and Jerkface by Dani Reyes Mozeson; gallery images of FKDL and Jerkface by Houda Lazrak
{ 1 comment }
Celebrated for his tantalizing murals characterized by bold, primeval graphics, West Coast-based Zio Ziegler is one of our favorite artists. We’ve been huge fans since we discovered his distinct aesthetic on the streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn over a year ago. A self-described entrepreneur, as well as an amazing artist, Zio Ziegler recently worked with PBteen to design a collection of bedding, backpacks, murals and more. We were delighted to meet him this past Wednesday evening at I. S. 289 in Tribeca, where he had been working with students as a visiting artist. Zio’s newest installation that was created for Hudson River Middle School was on view, along with selections from his just-launched PBteen collaboration. City-as-School student/intern Michelle Natanzon also had the opportunity to ask Zio a few questions:
What inspires your art?
My art is my personal response to the world. It comes from my soul. Literature is also an influence. I am trying to be less linear and more natural in my expression. The children here are wonderful teachers!
How does working on a project for Pottery Barn differ from painting in your studio?
It is a matter of putting my art on a different kind of canvas. I need both experiences. I love working on projects.
What about companies? Have you any feelings about working with private businesses?
I don’t think of it in terms of “selling out.” It’s about using leverage with companies as a way to canvas the world. It gives me the opportunity to share my art with people who would not otherwise experience it. But I certainly would not change my style to fit the demands of any business.
What about the streets? Would you rather work in your studio or paint on the streets?
Both. I like them both. I try to achieve a balance.
What has the experience of working with Pottery Barn been like?
PBteen has been really great! (Excuse the shout-out!) It is an ideal partnership. Pottery Barn, itself, started from a garage and is now global.
Note: You can meet Zio Ziegler tomorrow — Saturday afternoon — from 3-5 at PBTeen-NYC, 1461 Second Avenue and 76th Street.
Photos 1, 3, and 5 courtesy of PBteen; photo 2 of Zio at Hudson River Middle School by Lois Stavsky; and photo 4 of Michelle interviewing Zio by Houda Lazrak
{ 0 comments }
Imagination in Space – a group of talented artists repurposing the use of city space as an alternative to traditional galleries – brought their vision to the East Village this past Tuesday. In partnership with London-based We Are Pop Up and NYC-based watchmaker Martenero, The Allies have launched their model of “borderless creativity” at 37 East First Street. Among the works featured are quite a few of interest to us street art aficionados. A small sampling follows:
UK graffiti pioneer Inkie
London-based Elmo Hood
Brooklyn-based Misha T
From the launch with noted culture critic Carlo McCormick in attendance (bottom, right)
And a close-up of the backyard — — transformed by Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture students — the setting of its daily morning yoga classes
Also on view and for sale are works by NYC-based photographer Joey L, illustrator Sam Spratt and multi-media artist Yazmany Arboleda, along with Martenero‘s customized automatic watches and selections from Heidi Gardner’s esoteric jewelry designs. Perceiving its space as an alternative to traditional galleries, The Allies aims to transform city spaces into pop-up galleries — more vibrant and accessible than traditional art-sales venues. You can visit the space through Tuesday at 37 East First Street.
Photos of Elmo and backyard by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all other courtesy of The Allies
{ 1 comment }
Following its hugely successful presence in last week’s Fridge Art Fair, The Sticker Social Club was invited to participate in this weekend’s LIC Arts Open. During the opening reception this past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak to Cosbe, an active member of the the club, along with one of its newer members, Fling.
Tell us something about the beginnings of the club. When and how did the idea of a sticker club begin?
Cosbe: It began about two years ago. This Is Awkward and I were looking for a way to involve more people in what we were doing, and we wanted a place where we could all meet up. Also, that was the year that Red Bull sponsored me to exhibit at the Scope Art Fair. And I wanted to have some fun with my friends before heading down to Miami for Art Basel.
DB Burkeman, the author of Stickers: Stuck-Up Piece of Crap: From Punk Rock to Contemporary Art, says that one aspect of the club that he loves is that “it’s like a swap club. Not everyone can draw!” And This Is Awkward, who loves “the idea of sharing, trading and creating art that can then go out to a broader public,” suggests that the Social Sticker Club “helps to facilitate our collective need to create.” What is the purpose of the club? Has it any one goal?
Cosbe: No, it doesn’t have any one specific purpose. It’s organic and always evolving.
Where do club members meet?
Cosbe: That varies. We’ve met at Governors Island, at Katz’s Deli, in Dumbo…
It was originally called the Secret Sticker Club? Why the name change?
Fling: The secret is out!
How did you find out about it, Fling?
Fling: I first met Cosbe and Wisher 914 when they were painting at Welling Court. We then ran into each other again at Comic Con.
What keeps you coming back?
Fling: I’ve met so many great people, and I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with artists such as Cosbe, CB 23, Roycer and Abe Lincoln, Jr.
About how many members does the club have?
Cosbe: Somewhere between 50-60.
What’s ahead?
Cosbe: More stickers, more shows and more interesting places to meet. We’re also working with Bomit to organize something on a large scale that involves other cities.
You guys have been quite a hit here in Long Island City – both at the Fridge Art Fair and at the launch of the LIC Arts Open. Your installation is amazing, and you’ve worked so hard. You are also so welcoming. Everyone is invited to create a sticker, share it and sell it. yungmoonshine, who met up with you guys at this space during the Fridge Art Fair last week, reports that she now has not only “a space and materials to make stickers,” but “also new friends to share materials and make stickers with.” What has this experience been like for the two of you?
Cosbe: It was more than I had expected. I’m grateful to StreetArtNYC for making it possible.
Fling: It’s been a great learning experience. I’ve learned so much – how to build walls, curate, install…
You can visit the Social Sticker Club today and tomorrow — from 12-6pm — at 525 46th Avenue off Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City.
Photos: 1. Kaijune by Rachel Fawn Alban; 2. SSC at “LIC Arts Open” reception by Rachel Fawn Alban; 3. Wisher 914 by Rachel Fawn Alban; 4. This Is Awkward by Lois Stavsky; 5. Fling by Lois Stavsky 6. Ryan Roi at LIC Arts Open reception by Lois Stavsky; 6. Abe Lincoln, Jr. by Lois Stavsky; 7. Baser collage by Lois Stavsky and 8. SSC at “LIC Arts Open” reception by Lois Stavsky
{ 1 comment }
Located at 5-25 46th Avenue in Long Island City — just minutes from Manhattan — the Fridge Art Fair has much to offer us street art aficionados. Here’s a sampling:
John Matos aka Crash presented by Dorian Grey Gallery
Cody and Youth Waste
Alone One with the The Sticker Social Club aka the Secret Sticker Club
The Sticker Social Club aka the Secret Sticker Club — under the curatorial direction of Cosbe
Conceived by Eric Ginsburg, whose portraits of pets are on display at the fair’s Dorfman Projects booth, the Fridge Art Fair — now in its second year — presents an eclectic array of art in all media and styles. It continues through Sunday with live art and performances throughout, as well as pets for adoption today and tomorrow!
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
This past weekend, the walls of Graffiti Universe — located at 2995 Boston Road in the Bronx — were transformed into an all-girls’ canvas. While up there on Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak to Scratch, who — along with Lady K Fever — organized the event.
This is a first for Graffiti Universe. How did it happen?
Lady K Fever and I had painted together earlier this year. We were eager to involve more female writers. I spoke to Dennis Stumpo, who manages Graffiti Universe, and he offered us nine walls!
Had you girls ever painted together before? How did you decide whom to invite?
Many of us had met and painted together at 5Pointz and a few of us recently did the wall on 207th Street in Inwood. We wanted to include girls who were serious about graff and who could have fun together. I’m from Sweden; Lady K is from Canada; Vic is from Poland; Erica is from Mexico. And graffiti brought us together. We’re all at different levels, but we respect one another and we each want to get better and better. It’s not about who’s the best.
And this seems like the perfect way to hone your skills! Are there any particular challenges that you, as female writers, face?
We have this sense that we always have to prove ourselves. We are often not taken seriously enough.
Have you any messages to the male writers out there?
We can do it without you! We can do it ourselves!
What’s ahead?
More graff And we’d like to do some production walls with characters and backgrounds. That’s the plan!
Good luck! We look forward to seeing them!
Photos: 1. From left to right — Scratch, Anji, Lady K Fever, Erica, Chare and Vik — shutter by Topaz who had to “beg the girls to paint.” 2. Scratch 3. Lady K Fever 4. Mrs 5. Vik
Photos by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
The finale of the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt began this past weekend and continues through Friday. Among the 260 egg sculptures on view at 30 Rockefeller Plaza are quite a few by artists with roots in the streets. Here’s a small sampling:
Enx
Friday marks the final day of the auction with all proceeds going to Studio in a School and to Elephant Family.
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson
{ 0 comments }
