Exhibits

Dariel MTZ on Bushwick’s New York Street Gallery

November 9, 2013

The founder of New York Street Gallery, a collective of international artists working together in NYC, Dariel MTZ is committed to providing outdoor canvases to a global network of street art and graffiti artists.

Tell us a bit about New York Street Gallery.

I started this project with my girlfriend, Daniela Croci aka Zoe, in January, 2013. We wanted to provide a platform for street artists to collaborate with those artists who may have never used the streets as a canvas.

How did it all begin?

We started by painting the exterior walls of my father’s tire shop in Bushwick. The response was so positive that we expanded to other walls, including some in Williamsburg.

Who are some of the artists involved in your project?

Among the many talents are: Nepo, Don Rimx, Iena Cruz, Vato, Alex Seel, Pixel Pancho, LNY, Guillermo Perez III, David Rothman and Kike Seba.

How has this project impacted you personally?

This project was an invitation to the culture. It has given me the opportunity to learn first-hand about street art and graffiti.

What about Zoe? What is her role?

She is the official filmmaker of this project. She has documented all that has happened so far.

What’s ahead?

This coming Friday, November 15, we will be showcasing the works of a group of extraordinarily talented artists at The Well on 272 Meserole Street in Bushwick.

Where would you like to see your project in five years?

I’d like to see us manage a gallery space, organize festivals and provide opportunities for artists to do big productions. It’s all about creating opportunities for the artists. You can follow us on Intagram @nystgallery.

Good luck! It all sounds great.

Interview by Lenny Collado; photos of Nepo, Pixel Pancho and LNY by Tara Murray

Editor’s note: Our blog will be on vacation through Monday, November 25. You can follow us on Facebook and on Google+. And be sure to keep posted to The Aqueduct Murals. Organized by the always-wonderful Joe Iurato, this meeting of street art and horse racing features an amazing array of artists including Logan Hicks, Chris Stain, Zed1, Faith47 and Rubin 415. It opens to the public at noon on Saturday, November 23 followed by a reception from 6-10pm, with an opportunity to meet the artists, along with the jockeys and trainers of New York racing. Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

“Write of Passage” to Explore History and Impact of American Graffiti Art

October 14, 2013

A six-week long educational program that explores the impact of American graffiti art on global culture, Write of Passage opens to the public with a historic exhibition this coming Saturday, October 19. Curated by Sacha Jenkins, a noted graffiti historian and editorial director of Mass Appeal, the exhibition at Red Bull Studios New York, 218 West 18th Street serves as a centerpiece to Write of Passage’s educational program.

Several installations, rare canvasses, photos, sketches, vintage apparel and over 100 original graffiti artifacts document the evolution of graffiti art, celebrating its local origins and global influences.

Among the four installations that bring graffiti to life are a subway train & tunnel installation and a tattoo parlor installation from noted graffiti artist/tattooist Mr. Kaves.

Artists whose works are featured include: Daze, Futura, Haze, David “Chino” Villorente, Alan Bortman, Chris Pape, Easy, Miss 17, Freedom, Cycle, Fargo, Greg “SP” Lamarche, Krink, Mare 139, Cost, CES, Jay “J.SON” Edlin, Keo, Mark Ali Awfe, False, Tommy Rebel, A-ONE, Dondi White, Serve, Ed “Metal Man” Walker, Kaves, Trap IF, False, VFR, , Cope 2, Daze, Harley Spiller, Haze, Henry Chalfant, Louie KR.ONE Gasparro, YES 2, Samuel Kleiman, Sharp, Todd “Reas” James and Wane COD.

Write of Passage will be open to the public every Saturday from 1-5 p.m. through November 23.

All photos courtesy Write of Passage/Red Bull New York: 1. photo, Alexander Richter; 2. jacket, Serve; 3. strap hanger sculpture, Mare 139; 4. Kaves, Brooklyn tattoo parlor 5. photo, Henry Chalfant

{ 0 comments }

“October Surprise” at 17 Frost with Billi Kid, Abe Lincoln. Jr., Cake, Jason Mamarella, stikman, WC Bevan and more

October 5, 2013

On view this evening from 7-11pm at 17 Frost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is October Surprise. Curated by Jason Mamarella, aka d.w. krsna, it features works by some of our favorite artists who are active both on the streets and in their studios. Here’s a brief sampling:

Billi Kid

Abe Lincoln, Jr.

Cake

Jason Mamarella, aka d.w. krsna, close-up (look carefully!)

stikman

And here’s a close-up from WC Bevan — who works with ink he creates on paper recycled from abandoned spaces

Photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

Leila Heller Gallery Hosts “Calligraffiti: 1984-2013” and Artist Talk

September 28, 2013

East meets West, and calligraphy meets graffiti at the Leila Heller Gallery in Calligraffiti: 1984-2013. And this past Thursday’s panel discussion, moderated by Leila Heller, provided an intimate glimpse into the disparate worlds that initially converged in a gallery setting in the exhibit that Ms. Heller and Jeffrey Deitch curated 30 years ago. After Leila Heller began the talk by sharing her personal and professional history, the five participants — Ayad Alkadhi, eL Seed, Fab Five Freddy, LA2 and Rostarr presented their distinct experiences and observations. Following are a selection of images from the exhibit and from Thursday’s panel discussion.

South Korean native Rostarr

Rostarr shares a bit of his history

Paris-based eL Seed

eL Seed to the left of Fab Five Freddy who spoke of his early determination to get graffiti the recognition it deserved

NYC-based LA2, whose tag has been part of the Lower East Side’s visual landscape for over 35 years

And an early collaboration with Keith Haring

The exhibit continues through October 5th at the Leila Heller Gallery, 568 West 25th Street.

Photos and reportage by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 0 comments }

Mana Contemporary to present “A Golden Mean,” an outdoor exhibit of Carole Feuerman’s lifelike sculptures

September 26, 2013

Among the six remarkable exhibits opening this Sunday, September 29, at Jersey City’s wondrous cultural venue, Mana Contemporary, is an outdoor installation of Carole Feuerman’s extraordinary lifelike sculptures. Included is the debut of her newest work — a sculpture of Olympic gold medalist Lauren Perdue floating in a pool.

Close-up of Olympic gold medalist Lauren Perdue

And here’s a sampling of Carole Feuerman’s other sculptures — all part of a series of swimmers and bathers — displayed on Mana Contemporary’s exterior grounds:

Grande Catalina, 2005-2011

Survival of Serena, 2012

Monumental Shower, 2010

Quan, 2012

And greeting us as we enter the grounds of Mana Contemporary is The Golden Mean, a 16-foot male diver as he readies to do a back dive.

Also opening Sunday of particular interest to those of us who love public art is POP CULTURE: SELECTIONS FROM THE FREDERICK R. WEISMAN ART FOUNDATION. Among the artists featured with a strong presence on the streets are: John Matos aka Crash, Retna, Keith Haring and LA2. Located at 888 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, Mana Contemporary is a short ride from downtown Manhattan. This Sunday shuttle buses to Mana Contemporary are available every half hour starting at 12:30 pm from Milk Gallery at 450 West 15th Street.

All photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 0 comments }

For Louie “KR.ONE” Gasparro, It’s Graffiti & Rock ‘n Roll

September 13, 2013

While graffiti is largely identified with hip-hop, for Louie “KR.ONE” Gasparro graffiti has been synonymous with rock and roll. “Art transcends any fixed style stereotypes,” comments Louie, in reference to his two greatest passions: graffiti and rock music.

Tomorrow evening the Queens-based master hand-stylist – whose artworks have been featured this past spring in Christian P. Acker’s Flip the Script Book Release and Art Show at Reed Space and in a solo exhibit at 5Pointz — celebrates his love of art and music and his talents for creating them both.

Along with showcasing new works on paper and canvas, Louie will perform in a musical ensemble with several of his musician friends.

“Celebrating creativity,” Louie explains, “is a celebration of life.”

Photos courtesy of the artist

{ 0 comments }

Speaking with Bisco Smith

August 25, 2013

Currently based in both LA and NYC, Bisco Smith is celebrated for his graffiti on walls, as well as for his audio and visual work within hip-hop culture. WORLD UPSIDE DOWN, a recent collection of this talented artist’s works, is on view at Low Brow Artique, 143 Central Avenue in Bushwick, through September 7^th. We spoke with Bisco soon after his hugely successful opening:

When and why did you start getting up?

I was about 12 or 13 years old when I started writing.

Any particular inspirations at the time?

I grew up skateboarding, and we were all into writing. Just about everyone in my school had a black book. We also avidly followed Chino’s Graf Flix section in the Source. This was sometime in the mid-90’s.

What was your preferred surface – back then?

Abandoned buildings. I grew up spending day after day inside of a huge dead factory. We could paint anything and everything in there.

Any early graffiti memories that stand out?

The first time I got taken down to the train tracks, a party got broken up by the police and on our escape, we ended up under a bridge filled with burners.

What is the riskiest thing you ever did?

Train tunnels and some less-than-solid rooftops. I remember getting caught between two trains, coming on opposite sides, while I was standing between two third rails. That experience will make you appreciate life all over again.

Why were you willing to take that risk?

I ask myself the same question now.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art these days?

Just about all of it. Both visual arts and music.

Do you have a day job? What is the main source of your income these days?

I work as a graphic designer and I mentor kids. I have a strong moral compass, and just about 98% of the work that I do is for the right cause. I’m involved with various community-based organizations including ARTS By the People, based in New York and New Jersey.

Have you any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

Graffiti has a code, street rules, that “street art” doesn’t have – and that’s one of the reasons for the tensions between the two. But I don’t think there’s enough respect on either side.

How do you feel about the movement of graffiti and street art into galleries?

I think it’s great when people can make a living doing what they love – and also impact others.

Would you rather work alone or collaborate with others?

When I’m working on walls, I prefer to collaborate. More often than not, I paint with my friends and crew mates: Leias, Bishop203 or Meres

Is there anyone in particular with whom you would like to collaborate?

Jackson Pollock – if he were alive.

Any favorite graff artists?

Ces. Since Videograf 8 dropped, that whole 90’s era in the Bronx really was my favorite.

Do you have a formal art education?

Yes. I studied communication design at Pratt.

Was it worthwhile?

Very much so. It taught me a trade. There’s work in graphic design.

How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all this?

Both positive and negative. I love the connections and opportunities, but miss when style was localized

What inspires you these days?

Lately, I have been heavy on instagram and tumblr checking out other artists, working artists.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?

Hip-hop culture for sure.

Do you work with a sketch-in-hand or just let it flow?

I let it flow.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

For the most part, but in the end — for me — it’s more about the day and the moment. The end result is a bonus.

How has your work evolved through the years?

Although I continue to work on the streets, I no longer need its framework to create. I think my artwork is more focused these days – especially if I know it’s headed to a gallery.

What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

Balance out the mundane, as well as make people think.

What about the role of the photographer? The blogger?

It is important to document what’s out there and happening. I think its essential to any movement.

Any thoughts about sanctioned vs. unsanctioned art?

I like them both. I think both are needed and both allow for their own outcomes and impacts.

The Europeans seem to appreciate and respect graffiti far more than we do here in the States? Any thoughts about that?

If it doesn’t make money here, society seems to not appreciate it.

What’s ahead?

More visual explorations, socially engaged work, and gallery exhibits.

Interview by Lois Stavsky. Photos: 1. Bisco on exterior of Low Brow Artique, photo by Lois Stavsky; 2. & 3. Bisco in WORLD UPSIDE DOWN, photos courtesy of the artist; 4. Bisco, Meres, Bishop203 & Leias at 5Pointz, photo by Lois Stavsky; 5. Bisco & Leias on exterior of Low Brow Artique, photo by Tara Murray and 6. Bisco in Watts, photo courtesy of the artist

{ 0 comments }

Royce Bannon on Curating, SPECTRUM, and Gallery Brooklyn

August 13, 2013

One of NYC’s most prolific street artists, Royce Bannon aka Choice Royce is also a first-rate curator. His most recent venture, SPECTRUM, is on view at Gallery Brooklyn through August 31.

Your iconic monsters surface throughout the boroughs – both on the streets and in galleries – and you also have curated some of NYC’s most impressive street art shows. What got you into curating?

Back in 2005, my sister and her husband ran a gallery space in Harlem. I loved the idea of organizing an exhibit that would showcase my friends’ work. And since I had access to a space, I did just that.

Who were some of the artists in your first exhibit?

They were mostly members of my crew, the Endless Love Crew. Guys like Abe Lincoln, Jr., Infinity, GoreB, Anera…

I remember seeing Work to Do at 112 Greene Street a few years back in SoHo. It was amazing! How did it come to be?

In 2009, Steve Loeb and John Robie offered me their 4000 square foot studio space to curate an exhibit. With help from my friends, we organized an exhibit with 50 — 60 artists. Work was installed just about everywhere in every manner possible. The response was wonderful and it whet my appetite to curate more exhibits.

What about other spaces? Where else have you curated?

I’ve curated shows at 17 Frost and at the Mishka Store in Williamsburg and at the Woodward Gallery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. My current exhibit, SPECTRUM, is at Gallery Brooklyn here in Red Hook.

Tell us a bit about your process of curating? How does it begin?

It begins with a concept. And once I have the concept, I contact the artists I’d like to feature and, then – sometimes — I have to begin searching for a space.

What about SPECTRUM? What is the concept behind SPECTRUM?

The concept for this show was actually See One’s. He suggested that I curate an exhibit featuring abstract graffiti with works by Col, Rubin and Hellbent and him. I added EKG.

It’s certainly a great selection of artists – all five are active on the streets, as well as in their studios. How did you hook up with Gallery Brooklyn?

I began contacting various spaces and Gallery Brooklyn – that had hosted Geometrics last year — was welcoming and enthusiastic. It was the perfect match.

And the installation is flawless!

Thanks! I couldn’t be more satisfied. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and the results are beyond my expectations! The works all complement one another.

How did the opening go?

It was fantastic. The response was all positive and it sold well.

What’s ahead?

More curating. More art. More writing. And more interviews for the Source.

Have you any new concepts for exhibits?

I’d like to curate an exhibit on the theme of characters.

That sounds great! I am already looking forward to it!

Interview by Lois Stavsky; photos of EKG and Royce collab, See One, Rubin and Hellbent — in that order — by Lois Stavsky; final photo of Col courtesy of Royce.

{ 0 comments }

Speaking with Miss 163

July 24, 2013

A graduate of Cooper Union and a Fulbright scholar, Bronx native Sharon de la Cruz aka Miss 163 is a passionate artist and activist. Her first solo exhibit, Wild Thing, can be seen through August 11th at bOb’s at 235 Eldridge Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Her most recent public mural surfaced last month on Boone Avenue in the Bronx.

When and where did you start getting up?

I was 17 and living in Florida. Life was dull. My mom bought me my first spray can and told me I could paint a landscape on the back fence.

How did that turn out?

It was terrible. I hated the way it looked. I was instantly discouraged and started bombing.

What, then, inspired you to start painting in public spaces?

During my junior year in college, I went to Amsterdam. I saw amazing — different — graff there, and I began to think of graffiti as art.

It seems that Europeans, in general, tend to respect graffiti as an art form far more than we do here in the States. Why do you suppose this is so?

Here — from early on — it was regarded as a symbol of chaos and vandalism.

We’ve seen your artwork in Brooklyn, in the Bronx and at 5Pointz. Where else have you gotten up?

I’ve painted all over Lima, Peru.

Did you paint alone in Lima or were you with a crew?

I painted with Maripussy Crew. There were six of us – five graffiti artists and one rapper. It was wonderful!

What is the riskiest thing you’ve done?

Painting way up high in Lima while standing on a rickety, wobbling ladder. It was not a good feeling!

Do you prefer to work on legal walls or on unsanctioned spaces?

I try to achieve a balance. It depends on the setting. But legal walls don’t have to be done in a rush and in the dark. And that’s an advantage.

Any thoughts about the movement of street art and graffiti into galleries?

It’s a different experience than painting on the streets. But I’d expect it to feel different. And that’s okay!

You designed a limited edition perfume bottle for Calvin Klein’s CK One Shock Street Edition For Her. How do you feel about the merchandizing or branding of graffiti?

It’s okay. In the past, it helped me pay off loans.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

When I’m not doing it, I’m thinking about it.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

I think it’s silly. And as graffiti continues to evolve, the lines between the two continue to blur.

Why do you suppose the “art world” remains reluctant to accept graffiti as a legitimate art form?

Because it’s participatory, political and immediate, it is seen as a threat.

How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all of this?

I love it. One of my early inspirations was the Art Crimes web site.

Have you a formal art education?

Yes, I studied at LaGuardia High School, Dreyfoos School of The Arts and at Cooper Union.

Was your formal art education useful?

Absolutely. It encouraged me to evolve and explore. There’s nothing like being around people who believe in you and feel excited about what you are doing.

What inspires you these days?

I’m inspired by animation, cartoon characters and color. In terms of themes, I’m concerned with “sister strength.” Raising and answering the question, “What does it mean to be a strong woman?”

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?

Brazilian, Peruvian and Old School Graffiti

Do you work with a sketch-in-hand or just let it flow?

My basic idea comes from a sketch, and from there it flows.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

Barely. I’m never satisfied.

How has your work evolved through the years?

I’m more willing to experiment, and my artwork is more detailed.

Any favorite artists?

Among them are: Inti, Nunca, Kano, Anarkia, Miss Van and my crew, Maripussy.

What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

A main role is to highlight issues and create a space for solutions.

Interview and final photo by Lois Stavsky; all other photos courtesy of the artist.

{ 0 comments }

The Girls Up on Boone Avenue: UK Girls on Top (G.O.T) Join Local Writers for “My Thuggy Pony All-Girlz Jam”

June 26, 2013

Last month, Girls on Top aka GOT, UK’s all female crew established in 2000, visited NYC. Along with some of NYC’s finest female graffiti artists, they hit up a huge wall on Boone Avenue in the Bronx on one of the rainiest days of the season. Here are some images captured this past week from the historic My Thuggy Pony All-Girlz Jam.

Manchester-based graffiti artist and educator Chock and founder of G.O.T

London-based active G.O.T. member Pixie

Bronx-based artist, educator and leader Miss 163

Queens-native visual artist Abby — with 1980’s graffiti roots

Passionate Bronx-based graffiti artist and jam facilitator Erotica 67

NYC-based designer and graffiti writer extraordinaire, Queen Andrea

And Neks

A range of art works by members of G.O.T can be seen and purchased through this weekend at an exhibit curated by Jessica Pabon at bOb Gallery at 235 Eldridge Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Here are two of the many on view:

Syrup

Lyns, Da Crew, 2013

Photos by Lois Stavsky

{ 1 comment }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →

Exhibits

Categories