Exhibits

Bortusk Leer Brings his Lovable Monsters to NYC

June 19, 2013

NYC became a bit more colorful and joyful these past few weeks, as Bortusk Leer’s lovable monsters found their way here — both on the streets and at CULTUREfix on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

When did you first start getting your artworks up in public spaces? And where?

In 2006 in London.

What inspired you at the time?

I was working at the Leonard Street Gallery, where I became friendly with lots of street artists. And both Sweet Toof and Cyclops said to me, “Why don’t you just put your work out on the streets?” And so I did. I began stenciling pigeons onto newspaper and cardboard and stuck them up. The monsters came somewhat later.

Your monsters are quite joyful!

Yes. I was seeking an antidote to all the negative images that I passed daily on the streets. I wanted to get something out there that would cheer folks up.

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

Most of it. Between commissions and art sales, I’ve been earning enough money to be a full-time artist.

Have you a formal art education?

Yes. I studied art in a formal setting for six years. First at Canterbury Tech and then at the Falmouth College of Arts.

Any thoughts about the move of street art into galleries?

In my case, I was exhibiting artwork in galleries long before I shared it on the streets. It’s a different experience. I certainly don’t have a problem with street artists selling their work in galleries.

Any favorite cities?

Amsterdam – where I’m based these days. It has everything a big city has – without its madness.

How has your work evolved in recent years?

It’s become more stylized. I’m actually trying to loosen up a bit.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

Generally, yes!

How would you describe your ideal work environment?

Lots of music, space and light!

What inspires you these days?

Everything! I can’t stop drawing.

Are these any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?

I love the primitiveness of ancient cultures. And I’ve also been influenced by cartoons!

Any favorite artists?

I love Picasso. And I’ve been particularly inspired by the members of the CoBrA Movement and the works of one of its founders, the Dutch painter, Karel Appel.

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

It’s a good tool for networking and a great way to find out what’s happening.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide? Is it apparent to you?

There is a divide, but it doesn’t really affect me. Graffiti, I feel, demands greater technical expertise. And I can understand why graffiti writers might resent street artists who gain acceptance more easily. But I do feel that both forms will eventually merge into one.

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

Many roles! But mine is to cheer people up.

Bortusk Leer’s lovable monsters remain on exhibit at CULTUREfix through Sunday.

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Stay High 149 Memorial Show at White Rabbit

June 8, 2013

A visual ode to the late Wayne Roberts aka the legendary Stay High can be seen for the next four days at White Rabbit on East Houston Street. Presented by James Top Productions and Frank 151, The Stay High Memorial Show brings together an extraordinary array of artists from Stay High’s contemporaries to those for whom he paved the way.

Here are a few more images:

Duro

Slone

The Royal Kingbee, close-up

Flint 707

Portrait of Stay High by Danielle Mastrion; photos by Daniel Mozeson and Lois Stavsky

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Crasty and his Characters on NYC Streets and at NBKC

May 31, 2013

Crasty is just about everywhere here in NYC — from the footpath of the Williamsburg Bridge to way up high in Bed-Stuy. And — along with his variations — he can be found fashioned onto stickers throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. We recently caught up with him at the North Brooklyn Collective aka NBKC at 121 Knickerbocker Ave., where he’s been busy at work.

When did you first hit the streets?

Back in 2000, when I was eighteen.

Have you any preferred surfaces?

I love getting up everywhere and anywhere.

We see your characters everywhere. What keeps you so active on the streets?

I love getting up. I want to see my characters everywhere, and I feel I have a duty to keep graffiti alive.

Much of what you do is illegal. Have you ever been arrested?

Yes, a couple of times. But I’ve learned how to run fast.

Do you prefer working legally or illegally?

I enjoy both, but there is more fun and satisfaction from doing it illegally.

What percentage of your time is devoted to the streets?

I can’t measure it in hours. It’s my life style.

What was the riskiest thing you ever did?

Getting up on elevated trains as they were going by.

And why were you willing to take that risk?

The sense of adventure.

How does your family feel about what you are doing?

My mother worries.

How do you feel about graffiti and street art moving into galleries and commercial spaces?

It’s good. It gives me an opportunity to earn money from my art. And artists need to make money to do what they do.

Where have you exhibited?

I showed my work in Bed-Stuy at the Meat Market. I also exhibited along with Sucklord and Kosby in Chinatown. And I’m now here at the NBKC.

Any thoughts on the street art/graffiti divide?

I appreciate them both. I have somewhat of a preference for graffiti, but I see my work as blurring the line between both.

We see your stickers everywhere. Have you any favorite sticker artists?

Kosby, MQ, Kech, OC, Ader, Baser, Desa, 23145 and Pez from the coast.

Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

I usually work alone, but I love collaborating with artists I like.

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

It’s good and bad. It’s good because it allows people to see fresh graffiti. But it’s bad because it can make somebody famous who doesn’t get up much, and it encourages snitches.

What are some of the sites you follow?

I follow different tumblrs, 12oz Prophet, Fresh Paint and StreetArtNYC.

How has your work evolved through the years?

I began with one character and added three more. So there’s Crasty, Kami-kun, Money Cloud, and Joint-Kun. And my skills get better all the time.

What are some of your other interests?

Hip hop music. I’m a big fan of Big L, A Tribe Called Quest, Pro Era, Biggie, Smif-N-Wessun, J-Dilla, Wu-Tang and J-Billion. I love taking photos and making zines and videos.

What’s ahead?

More Crasty on the streets. Crasty toys and Crasty jewelry.

That sounds great! Good luck!

You can check out Crasty’s work, along with art by Vato, Kosby, Tone Tank, Wizard Skull and Trice this weekend at BBKC at 121 Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, alongside other openings in conjunction with Bushwick Open Studios. You can soon find more of Crasty’s work here and over at Making Deals. And Crasty sticker packs will be available for purchase this weekend.

Photos by Dani Mozeson and Lois Stavsky

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Hellbent at Mighty Tanaka and on NYC Streets

May 22, 2013

Hellbent’s artworks — from his signature jawbone to his geometric abstracts – are among our favorites, both on the streets and in gallery settings. His current solo exhibit, Even Romantics Love Violence, at Mighty Tanaka, along with recent works that have surfaced on NYC streets, reflects his skillful use of colors and patterns.

Son of a Gun (The Vaselines), Spray Paint on Canvas — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Hellbent’s sculpted signature jawbone in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Benediction (Thurston Moore), 2013, Spray Paint on Raw Linen — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Treasure Hunters (Calvin Love) 2013, Spray Paint on Panel — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

And on the streets — at the Bushwick Collective with See One

On Bushwick door

And on the Bowery for New Museum’s Ideas City Festival

Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of Hellbent’s newest work to grace the walls of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Gorey and Paris’s PAL Crew on Lower East Side Streets and at Klughaus with Sunday Closing Party

May 17, 2013

The French NYC-based artist GOREY and Paris’s prolific PAL Crew, consisting of HORFE, CONY, TOMEK, SAEYO, MOSA, ESSO and SKUB, have brought their expressive aesthetic to the streets of the Lower East Side and to Klughaus’s pop-up location at 154 Stanton Street. A closing reception for the exhibit PALINGENESIS — that showcases the artists’ rebirth as evolving fine artists — will be held this Sunday, May 19 from 2-6pm.

On the streets — at Suffolk and Stanton

Close-up from huge mural on Attorney and Delancey

Gorey in the gallery

Photos from the streets by Lois Stavsky; image of Gorey in the gallery courtesy of Klughaus

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JR and José Parlá at Bryce Wolkowitz and on Chelsea Wall

May 13, 2013

We love JR and José Parlá’s The Wrinkles of the City, Havana not only for its exquisite beauty, but also for the artists’ mission. While in Cuba last year, JR and José Parlá’ interviewed dozens of senior citizens, whose portraits made their way onto Havana’s walls. Twelve of them featuring JR’s masterful photos fused with José Parlá’s stunning calligraphy can be seen through July 12 at Bryce Wolkowitz in Chelsea. Here are a few from this must-see exhibit:

Man with Can

Elio Milanés

Rafael Lorenzo and Obdulia Manzano

Alicia Adela Hernandez Fernández

And a close-up from huge outdoor mural featuring the regal Leda Antonia Machado

Also outstanding is a short, moving documentary on view at the gallery at 505 West 24th Street in Chelsea.

Photos of images by Lois Stavsky

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6X6: A Group Art Exhibition @ Harlem’s Heath Gallery with Royce Bannon, TMNK, BlusterOne, Jenevieve, Joseph Meloy & more

May 5, 2013

A diverse range of work from dozens of artists is currently on view at Heath, a gem of a gallery housed in a landmark townhouse at 24 West 120th Street in Harlem. Among the artworks — all 6 inches by 6 inches — are many by artists who also share their works in public spaces. Here is a sampling:

Harlem-based artist and curator Royce Bannon — whose iconic monsters can be found just about everywhere in NYC

NYC-based TMNK who maintains an active presence both on NYC streets and galleries world-wide

Lower East Side-based graphic designer and painter BlusterOne

One of Jenevieve’s intriguing urban landscapes

And another cityscape — this one by the prolific Joseph Meloy

Curated by Mike McManus, the exhibit continues through May 10.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Saber

May 2, 2013

Back in 1997, Saber achieved legendary status as a writer when he completed the largest graffiti piece ever created. On the bank of the Los Angeles River, it was almost the size of a professional football field. Since, he has achieved great acclaim for the works that he has also created indoors – his mesmeric paintings that fuse his extraordinary calligraffiti techniques with his fine art painting skills. While visiting his current exhibit at Opera Gallery the day after it opened, we had the opportunity to speak to Saber.

When did you first get up in a public space?

I was around ten years old when I tagged a bench in Glendale, my home town. I got scared and I wiped it off. I did this about ten times.

What inspired you at the time?

The first time I saw Belmont tunnel, I was blown away by its complex wild styles.

What about shows? When did you first exhibit your work?

Back in the late 90’s in a terrible t-shirt store.

You’ve sure have come a long way. How did you hook up with Opera Gallery?

Through Ron English. We’ve been good friends for about ten years.

Do you have a formal art education?

I tried art school briefly and soon realized what a waste of time, money and energy it was. It’s a scam. I got a crash course in art doing graffiti. Graffiti informed me. And my parents are artists. I was always painting.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/ street art divide?

I love it all. Street art is more accessible and graffiti is about style and getting up. Your signature is the essence of your life, as it lives on long after you do. Wild style is the true heart of street art. “Street art” is just a general term.

What is the riskiest thing you ever did?

Having a child. She’s two years old.

What do you see as the future of street art and graffiti?

Street art is going far more mainstream. Graffiti goes in cycles; that’s what makes it graffiti.

What do you see as the role of artist?

To reflect back on society.

The exhibit continues until May 11 at 115 Spring Street in SoHo.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Zees Recycles Stained Glass and Mirror Fragments into 3-D Graffiti Art

April 21, 2013

A self-described “graffiti glass artist,” Zees speaks about his past ventures and his current project.

When did you first get into graffiti?

A little over ten years ago. I was about 10 when I started tagging War. But I needed to change names a few times to avoid the law. Eventually I found Zees.

What got you into it?

I grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, and I always saw graffiti on the highways when we drove anywhere. I liked what I saw.

Who are some of your favorite writers – the ones who inspire you?

The Italian writer, Zin aka Bes, Sen2, Dr. Sex and PK Kid.

Have you any memorable experiences from your early writing days?

I was in sixth grade when I got arrested for writing on a huge sprinkler house in a golf course on Essex County property. It was the first time I ever went on a “graffiti mission!”

What is the riskiest thing you ever did? And why?

Hanging at the end of a cliff on a two-inch platform about 400-500 feet in the air. It’s a prime spot off a highway. That’s why!

How did your mom take all this?

She didn’t like it – but these days she’s really happy with what I’m doing.

Could you tell us a bit about what you are doing these days?

I recycle pieces of mirrors, stained glass and assorted found materials into 3-D graffiti pieces.

That must be quite a process! How do you manage to find such an abundance of mirror and stained glass remnants?

They’re the leftover pieces that surface regularly from my uncle’s business, the Artique Glass Studio, in Glen Rock, New Jersey.

Wow! I’m glad they are getting put to such good use! Have you studied art on a formal level?

No. I’m self-taught. I’ve always been doing art of some kind as long as I can remember. But nothing has been as addictive as graffiti.

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

I think it’s great. Graffiti is a compulsive activity, and it gives us writers something to strive for. It offers talented graffiti writers the chance to get the recognition they deserve.

Any thoughts about the role of the Internet in all this?

I love it. I get to see what everyone else is doing.

How do you spend your time when you are not involved in your current project?

Skateboarding, making music and building stained-glass reptile cages.

What’s ahead?

I’d like to continue what I’m doing – mastering the techniques and producing high-quality work. I look forward, too, to seeing my work in galleries.

Zee’s first solo exhibit opens tomorrow evening, April 23, from 7-10pm at Sapphire Lounge, 249 Eldridge Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Photos by Dani Mozeson and Lois Stavsky

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Jason Mamarella Bids Farewell to Dint Wooer Krsna @ 17 Frost

March 28, 2013

For years, wheatpastes featuring Jason Mamarella’s iconic Dint Wooer Krsna, along with its many variations, were part of NYC’s visual landscape. Although stickers featuring the eccentric, but lovable, character continue to surface throughout the boroughs, Dint Wooer Krsna, as we’ve come to know him, has largely disappeared. While checking out Jason Mamarella’s current exhibit – ending Saturday evening – at 17 Frost, we had the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

When was Dint Wooer Krsna born?

At about the same time MySpace was born. When I joined, I did not want to reveal my identity. And so I created Dint Wooer Krsna.

So he’s had quite a long run. What happened? It seems that his presence in the streets has certainly diminished.

Definitely. It’s been awhile since I’ve hit the streets with anything other than stickers. I’m older and ready to move on to other things. Besides, the streets no longer call out to me the way they used to. They were far more interesting when I first began hitting them.

What about the artists getting up here in NYC these days? Do any interest you?

Not all that many. I like what Bäst is doing. Other favorites include: Ana Peru, Jos l and Matt Siren.

Any thoughts about the move of street art into galleries?

I have no problem with it. It’s a different experience. What I show in galleries is almost always distinct from what I share on the streets.

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

It is to present new ideas that aren’t widely accepted.

What’s ahead?

More painting. Collaborations with Street Grapes. Toys. Animation.

Sounds good!

The final viewing of the organization of celestial coincidences by Jason Mamarella is Saturday, March 30, 2013, from 7 to 10 pm with special guests: Dint Wooer Krsna, Street Grapes & Jos-L. Peru Ana Ana Peru will be screening movies in the theater at 17 Frost Street Gallery, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. L train to Lorimer. A small number of limited edition books, featuring a wide array of Jason Mamarella’s images, are still available.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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