Exhibits

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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POPUP X NYC Brings Visual Treats to Brooklyn’s NoBar

March 20, 2013

Fueled by their love of art and their passion to promote the art they love, Brian Jerkface and Iman Johnson are busy curating some of NYC’s coolest art events. On a recent visit to their current art show at NoBar at 608 Nostrand Ave. in Brooklyn, we had the opportunity learn a bit about the two talented young men and their upcoming projects.

How did this all begin?

Brian: We both love street art and we wanted to share our love with others in alternative settings. It’s great fun, and it’s also a way to help artists, particularly those who work in public spaces, make a living. Only by selling their art can they continue to pursue their passion.

Do you have a formal art education?

Iman: I attended Cooper Union. My degree is in architecture.

Brian: I studied painting and graphic design at the School of Visual Arts.

Have you any favorite artists?

Iman: My all-time favorite artist is the British painter Francis Bacon. I also love Lebbeus Woods, a conceptual architect, who was one of my teachers at Cooper Union. And I love what See One is doing on the streets.

Brian: I love the Cubist style of the Spanish painter Juan Gris. He’s a definite influence on my work. Among those artists who work on the streets, I have many favorites. Among them are: NoseGo, Phetus and Bishop.

What attracted you to street art and graffiti?

Brian: I grew up listening to hip-hop, and I fell in love with graffiti. When I was about 16, I picked up a spray-can. I was also into skateboarding.

Iman: Yes, it was the entire culture that drew us in.

What do you see as the future of street art?

Brian: As it continues to make its mark in both sanctioned and unsanctioned spaces, I see it as getting better and better all the time.

Iman: Yes, it seems to be in an ideal place right now. While becoming more acceptable, it’s still on the edge and is almost certain to remain so. Most of it will continue to push against authority.

Your current art exhibit here at NoBar is wonderful. What is the appeal of this particular setting?

Brian: It’s a wonderful spot, and the neighborhood is easily accessible. We love the mix of people it attracts, and it is street art-friendly. It allows us to feature live painting at our openings – something we both love.

What’s ahead? Any other exhibits coming up at NoBar?

Brian: Yes. Cosbe will be painting live here for our next exhibit on Friday, March 29. And Deps is among the artists we are featuring in our show opening April 26.

That sounds great! What about other venues? Anything else coming up elsewhere?

Brian: We are in the process of curating a skate deck exhibit featuring dozens of artists – including Bishop, Phetus and Col Wallnuts – that will open on April 20^th at the Loom Gallery on Flushing Avenue in Bushwick.

Iman: And we have a number of events coming up in Studio J, our Long Island City space – including a group show, a solo show by Phetus and a kids’ class in street art.

Wow! So much happening! How do you get the word out?

Brian: We get the news of our events out on Instagram and Facebook. We also hand out flyers.

Good luck! We are looking forward to your next event!

Photo of Phetus close-up by Lois Stavsky; Jerkface images courtesy of POPUP X NYC

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Con Artist Gallery Celebrates Sticker Art in SLAP: Adhesives and Egos, a DIY Sticker Exhibition

March 15, 2013

Featuring a wondrous array of sticker art from first-rate handstyles to images of alluring women, SLAP: Adhesives and Egos, a DIY Sticker Exhibition opened this past Wednesday evening at Con Artist Gallery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Here are some images from the exhibit that continues through April 3 at 119 Ludlow Street.

Lady Millard

Luv1

Choice Royce

Lady Aiko

WKST

Shaina

Klops

Amongst Thieves

Serp

And from Wednesday evening’s opening party

Check us out on Facebook next week for more sticker images from the exhibit.

Photos by Dani Mozeson & Lois Stavsky

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A Visual Feast at 5Pointz: Mr. Blob, Monsieur Plume, Zmogk, Meres, Spud, Zimad & more

March 11, 2013

Even during the winter months, artists from across the globe make their way to Long Island City’s 5Pointz. Here’s a small sampling of what can be seen on the walls of the world’s Mecca of aerosol art:

Italian artist Mr. Blob

French artist Monsieur Plume

From Hamburg, Germany

Moscow-based Zmogk

And this past weekend, the 5Pointz indoor gallery featured “From Bricks to Blades” as part of Armory Art Week. Here’s a sampling from the exhibit that is set to travel to Europe.

5Pointz founder, curator and artist Meres One

Spud from Toronto

And Zimad of the TD4 crew — on a more subtle note

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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In Transit: Nic 707 Is Back on Track

February 25, 2013

Born in Argentina and raised in the Bronx, veteran graffiti artist Nic 707 is once again riding the trains. Curious about the force behind the transient graff galleries that have been surfacing on NYC subways, we posed some questions to Nic.

When did you first start getting up?

It was back in 1973.

Wow! So you were at the beginning of it all. What inspired you at the time?

My first hero at the time was Checker 170, the King of the 4 Line. And I saw what guys like Tracy 168, Rub 5 and Pnut 2 were doing.

What train lines did you hit back then?

Mostly the 4, 5, 2, the D and the old CC trains. But I also hit the 7 and the 1 lines.

Did you work with any crews?

Lots. Among them was MGA – with Set 149, Padre, Stone High. When I was 16, I started OTB and was its first president. Presidents that followed included Noc 167, Ban 2 and the current one, Cope 2.

Were you ever arrested?

Let’s just say I was held against my will a couple of times. Life was more adventurous back then.

What is the riskiest thing you ever did?

Probably jumping off the trains when they were moving. I could’ve gotten killed. Some writers did. I also remember when I had to ride on the top of a train to escape some cops, surf to the next station and leap to the roof and lie there for two hours until the coast was clear.

How did your family respond to what you were doing?

They never supported me. When I was 19, I returned from summer camp to discover that my mother had destroyed everything I had ever created. That ended my early stint as a graffiti artist. Luckily, I found my way back to it about seven years ago.

What were you doing all those years you were away from it? And what brought you back to it?

I was doing lots of things – mostly stand-up comedy and other things that I shouldn’t have been doing. But I finally realized how much I missed my graffiti days.

I’ve recently seen your work on walls here in the Bronx and up in Inwood. I also saw it on exhibit at Gallery 69 in Tribeca. Have you exhibited anywhere else?

I took part in an exhibit at NYU and at a number of smaller private spaces.

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

I applaud it. It pushes writers to continually refine their styles, and I think it’s great that they can make some money from their talents. I also like the idea of graffiti reaching folks who frequent galleries.

Why do you suppose graffiti seems to garner more respect in Europe than it does here – where it was born?

You’re never a hero in your hometown. And NYC is filled with too many haters.

Who are some of your other favorite graff artists these days?

There are many. Meres, T-Kid 170, King Bee, Sonic, and Serve 1 are among them.

Do you have a formal art education?

No. But I attended DeWitt Clinton High School – along with dozens of other writers. It was the best art education I could get.

Tell us something about your current project.

I came up with the concept in 2008 for “InstaFame Phantom Art.” It’s about creating moving art galleries – back on the subways where graffiti had its first and strongest impact. It’s about bringing people’s art to the people. Who really wants to read a Budweiser ad twenty times?

And how have folks reacted to it?

They love it!

And what about the “InstaFame” part?

Yeah. I want to be famous. Doesn’t everybody?

I’m not sure! What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

To inspire others to dream and to follow their dreams.

How do you see yourself in five years?

I’d like to have my own graffiti reality television show.

Good luck! It sounds like fun! And in the meantime we’re looking forward to seeing more of your InstaFame Phantom Art galleries riding our trains.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Dylan Egon at reGeneration in SoHo

January 11, 2013

Charmed by Dylan Egon’s paste-ups that surface on the streets of Manhattan’s and Brooklyn’s trendier neighborhoods, we loved viewing this Jersey City-based designer’s works currently on exhibit and for sale at reGeneration. Here is a sampling:

Table stools

She’s Found Religion (mod Victorian vanity totem)

And the iconic Petey

Presented in cooperation with the Jonathan LeVine Gallery and ABC Home Store, Dylan Egon’s splendid pieces can be seen at 38 Renwick Street, between Prince and Canal.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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The RAMMELLZEE Galaxseum at CMA

January 9, 2013

In a Tribeca loft that became known as the “Battle Station,” the legendary graffiti artist and hip hop MC Rammellzee began in the 70’s to create his own mythology. Known as “Gothic Futurism,” it was a world that he would continue to develop — often with objects he found on the streets — for 30 years. The most comprehensive collection of Rammellzee’s works to-date is on view through February 3 at the Children’s Museum of the Arts at 103 Charlton Street in the South Village. Among the items included in the RAMMELLZEE Galaxseum are: large-scale paintings, figurines, Rammellzee’s legendary letter racers and full-body life-sized costumes. Here are a few more images that we captured while visiting last week:

Figurine, close-up

Letter-racers representing letters of the alphabet — transformed into war machines — seeking to “break free”

Letter-racer, close-up

Life-sized costumed figure

Close-up from a second life-sized costumed figure

Curated by Prescott Trudeau, The RAMMELLZEE Galaxseum at CMA is certainly as appealing to us adults as it is to children!

Photos by Lenny Collado and Lois Stavsky

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Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative is “Sowing the Seeds of Love” at Munch Gallery with Chris Stain, Colin Matthes, Josh MacPhee & more

December 11, 2012

Committed to the transformative power of art, the members of the Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative create works that reflect a strong political and social consciousness. Currently on exhibit at Munch Gallery at 245 Broome Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is Sowing the Seeds of Love, the first Justseeds group exhibition in New York City. Over 20 Justseeds members have created new pieces specifically for this exhibit that continues through December 23. Many of these artists have also participated in public art projects. Here is a sampling of what is on view at Munch Gallery:

Chris Stain, Occupy