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.
On view through tomorrow at 548 West 28th Street is Urban Reference, an engaging exhibit of works in a variety of media by Lorenzo Masnah,Alex Seel and Guillermo Perez. When I visited earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak to Lorenzo.
Just what is going on here?
When an opportunity to exhibit art in this space came our way, we decided to launch a show on the theme of urban life. It is what we know best!
There seem to be a few different motifs going on here.
Yes! Alex‘s photos were shot in Colombia’s capital city, Bogota. He spent several weeks there working on a documentary focusing on the city’s street life Highlights include: live bombing by APC members, including Stinkfish; an interview with Bogota’s legendary MC, Manny from the underground rap group, Crack Family and advice from assorted characters who dwell on the streets of Bogota.
Guillermo Perez was born in the Dominican Republic into a family of master painters. On exhibit are his small works referencing people he’s met in the urban sphere.
How did you all three meet?
A number of years back, we shared the same living space in Bushwick — before the neighborhood became so gentrified.
You are continuing your series of dancers and musicians here, along with new works with a distinct urban flair and outsider sensibility. What are your primary media?
I work with the “tools of the trade,” — Mean Streak markers and paints on a huge range of surfaces. And I find myself incorporating graffiti elements.
How did you get the word out about the exhibit — on such short notice?
Largely through Instagram and Facebook. And, of course, we let all our close friends know.
How can folks see the exhibit?
It will continue through tomorrow, Friday. We are on the third floor of 548 West 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.
Note: Lorenzo can be contacted at thirdwolrdpirate@gmail.com to confirm a visit
Images:
1. Lorenzo Masnah
2. Alex Seel
3.Guillermo Perez
4. Lorenzo Masnah, close-up
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky
Photo credits: 1 Lois Stavsky; 3 Dani Reyes Mozeson& 4 courtesy of Lorenzo Masnah
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.
This past Friday, we visited Fillin Global’s inaugural showing of curated art at Castle Fitzjohns on the Lower East Side. Featuring a diverse range of creative artworks by over two dozen artists in different media, the exhibit exudes a wonderfully expressive energy. Among the artists whose works we saw are many who also bring their talents to our city’s streets. While there, we had the opportunity we had the opportunity to speak to Thomas Feinstein — of Fillin Global — who curated the exhibit with co-curator Jackie Collins.
This exhibit is amazing! There are so many different styles and techniques represented here, and everything seems to work together. Just what is Fillin Global?
FILLIN is an artist agency, representing innovative artists from across the globe.
How did you get such a varied, talented group of artists together in one setting?
Many are friends. Some I’ve known from my childhood growing up in Long Island. Let’s just say I was a bad kid!
How long did it take you to get this exhibit together?
I began working two months ago for a February 19 launch. But during the final week, I barely slept at all.
What were some of the challenges that came your way in getting this all together?
The biggest challenge was working with such a wide range of styles and media and making it all flow.
How have folks responded to the exhibit?
They love it!
What’s ahead?
We are planning an event in a huge warehouse where artists will be able to paint directly on the walls. It will take place this summer.
That sounds great! Good luck and congratulations on this inaugural show.
Note: Today, Sunday, Feb 28, is the final day to check out the Fillin Global’s inaugural exhibit. The gallery — located at 98 Orchard Street — will remain open until 10pm.
And a range of tags — many, also, legendary — that surfaced on canvas opening night
Curated by 212 Arts director Marc Leader, Graffiti Legends remains on exhibit through next Tuesday at 240 East 4th Street. Hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and Sunday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
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.
The Newsstand, the underground zine and visual art space that ran inside the Lorimer L/G subway station from 2013 to 2014, has been recreated for MoMA‘s exhibit, Ocean of Images: New Photography 2015, And it is certain to delight not only fans of photography and zines, but graffiti and street art aficionados, as well! Here are a few images we captured on our visit:
Back in the day
With fire extinguisher in hand
Along the tracks
The Domino Sugar Factory and more
Lele Saveri‘s photos of commuters, tags on bills and more
Close-up
Produced in collaboration with Alldayeveryday, the installation remains on view through March 20th. Lele Saveri and other artists from The Newsstand and 8-Ball communities will present two free zine workshops for NYC high school students next month. You can check out the details here.
I recently stopped by 212 ARTS and had the opportunity to speak to Laura “Lulu” Reich who, along with Marc Leader, founded and directs the gallery.
I’ve heard great things about your current exhibit, Gumshoe: Red, White And Black, and I’m so glad I finally had the opportunity to visit this space! How long has 212 ARTS been here?
We’ve been here as 212 ARTS since this past October.
This space here at 240 East 4th Street is so perfect for a gallery. Why did you choose this particular neighborhood? And how were you so lucky to get this space?
I’m an East Village girl and I love everything about this neighborhood — its history, alternative culture and more. Yes, acquiring this space was mere luck! I had found out from the landlord that it was available.
It is togive exposure in a gallery setting to urban artists, particularly those who work on the streets, as well as in their studios. It is also to educate folks about the artists in this scene. There are stories to tell, as in this current exhibit, Gumshoe: Red, White And Black.
Can you tell us something about this current exhibit?
It is Gumshoe‘s first solo exhibit in NYC. We chose to present this exhibit because we love Gumshoe’s work and her distinct female energy! And it seemed like the perfect exhibit for Valentine’s Day.
And what about its title, Red, White and Black?
Most of the pieces in the exhibit are red, white and black. The title is a play, of course, on the colors of the American flag, presenting the darker side of the American dream.
And the gum that always makes it way onto those glorious red Louboutin heels? What is that all about?
As we strive for perfection and sometimes almost reach it, we meet inevitable disaster! The gum is the metaphor for that. We get stuck along the way!
Oh, yes! There is a story to tell! Until when will folks be able to see this exhibit?
We are open Tuesday through Saturday 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm and on Sunday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. You can also make an appointment to see it by contacting me at laura@212arts.com Gumshoe‘s exhibit closes on Wednesday, February 17th.
What’s next?
Opening on the 18th is an exhibit featuring artworks by NYC graffiti legends. Among those showing are: Crash, Skeme and T-Kid.
I’m certainly looking forward to that! Good luck!
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; all photos feature Gumshoe‘s work; photo 4 of Gumshoe‘s installation also features Jily Ballistic and Al Diaz; photo 5 of Gumshoe at work was captured awhile back on the Lower East Side.
After a brief hiatus, I was again riding the subway trains with Nic 707 as he continues to bring Old School writers, along with new artists, back to where it all began. Here are a few more images captured yesterday from another chapter in the Instafame Phantom Art movement:
SOLD Magazine is a free magazine by artists for artists and art lovers. Among its features are: artists interviewing each other, studio visits, artist and photographer profiles, a travel section and much more.
What motivated you thee to launch it?
A sense that artists need a new platform for exposure. Our mission is to provide that platform.
When did you guys first begin working on SOLD Magazine? And how did you fund it?
We began working on it at the beginning of October, and we funded it via a Kickstarter campaign.
It’s great that your campaign was so successful! What has been your greatest challenge in seeing this through?
Rounding up the artists whom we wanted to participate in our venture.
Was it an open call? How did you decide which artists to include?
No! It was artists we’ve known and worked with in the past. Some of them suggested others.
Best-known for his sharply dressed, bowler-hatted vandal, the legendary British stencil artist Nick Walker — the first ever artist-in-residence at the Quin Hotel — has returned! Curated by DK Johnston, a series of Walker’s new artworks, along with his classic iconic stencil works, remain on view at the Quin through February 18th. What follows are a few more images of his works on exhibit:
The vandal on 57th Street across from the Quin
The vandal gets busy
The vandal leaves his mark on a pair of Louboutins
And here are a few of his huge stencil works currently on the streets of Manhattan:
In Chelsea
On the Upper East Side
In Little Italy
The Quin Hotel is located at 101 West 57th Street at Sixth Avenue.
