Currently gracing the walls of Graffiti Universe up in the Bronx is a range of styles from photorealistic portraiture to stylish graffiti. Here is a sampling of the work fashioned by both international and regional artists:
Italian artist Jorit does the legendary TAKI 183
Vins and Signl, EOS
Norwegian artist Stay One, KD
Graffiti Universe is located at 2995 Boston Road in the Allerton section of the East Bronx.
Note: First image is by London-based Trans1
Photos by Lois Stavsky
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Green Villain‘s Demolition Exhibition — the brainchild of Greg Edgell aka Green Villian — has it all! With everything from stylish tags to captivating characters to first-rate pieces, it is a graffiti lover’s wonderland. Just minutes away from Downtown Manhattan, it is located at 410 Marin Boulevard, a short wall from Newport Mall. Here are a few more images I captured in the interior of the former Jersey City Pep Boys Auto Store while visiting Monday evening.
Curve and Mr. Mustart
The prodigious Evikt
Mes, Themo, Distoart and Kingbee
This amazing feat — coordinated with dozens of artists and community members — was accomplished in partnership with real-estate developers Forest City Enterprises and G&S Investors. Through this weekend, you can visit the space any day from 12-8pm.
First image is Knows aka Wane; all photos by Lois Stavsky
Note: Check out StreetArtNYC on Instagram for more photos of images from Demolition Exhibition, and keep posted to our Facebook page, as well.
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The first NYC tagger to go all-city, TAKI 183 has achieved mythical status as the father of modern day graffiti. We were thrilled to meet up with him last week.
Your name TAKI is — according to what we’ve read — a traditional Greek nickname for Demetrius, and 183 refers to the street where you lived in Washington Heights. How old were you when you first got your name up? And what was the first surface you hit?
I was about 16. The first surface I remember tagging was the bus terminal on 179th Street and Broadway.
What inspired you to leave your mark in a public space?
My friends Phil T. Greek and Greg 69 had begun writing their names in the neighborhood. They had most likely been inspired by Julio 204, whose tag first surfaced around 1964.
And why did you keep doing it?
I liked the feeling of getting my name up, and I liked idea of getting away with it. I soon became obsessed. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.
Did you have any preferred surfaces?
Any flat surface was good. Subways were good. If there was a blank space, I hit it.
Do any early memories that stand out?
One night when I came upon a huge empty space on a wall across from George Washington High School, I decided that instead of using a marker to write my name, I would use a paintbrush with black paint. I wasn’t prepared for the mess that it made. And I remember returning home with black paint all over me.
In the summer of 1971, you were the subject of a significant article in The New York Times. How did you feel about that?
I didn’t understand why they would waste their time on some kid who was tagging. I thought to myself, “For stupid things they put me into The New York Times. Aren’t there more important things going on in the world?”
How did that New York Times piece impact you?
It gave me legendary status. After all, if The New York Times says so, it must be true! Suddenly the media were all interested in not only what I was doing — my greatest hits — but in the entire culture of tagging and graffiti.
How did your family react to what was going on?
My father said, “Take it easy!”
Have you any thoughts about the direction that graffiti has taken?
I don’t really pay attention to it. If you were born after 1955, I don’t know you! But I do appreciate the graffiti over on 207th Street.
You’ve been riding the trains again in Nic 707‘s Instafame Phantom Art Project. Can you tell us something about that?
I think it’s great! I like Nic’s vision of taking an old concept and presenting it in a new way.
How do you feel about your status in the graffiti culture?
I feel good about it. I like having a place in history!
Have you any theories as to the world-wide popularity of modern graffiti?
It’s a great outlet for talent and creativity. And getting up in a public space gives you great exposure. Not everyone has the means or know-how to get into a gallery.
What advice would you give to the young taggers out there?
Be careful!
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky.
Photos: 1 & 4 Lois Stavsky; 3 Italian artist Jorit with his portrait of TAKI 183 in the Bronx, courtesy Patrick Styx One; 5 Tara Murray
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For over three decades Bronx native Just One has been making his mark on NYC public and private spaces. We recently had the opportunity to speak to the prolific artist.
When did you first get up? And where?
It was back in 1984 — over 30 years ago — in the West Farms section of the Bronx. I was 14 at the time.
What inspired you to do so?
My older brother and his friends were all doing it. It was the natural thing to do.
Any early memories that stand out?
I was at a handball court in Crotona Park when the spray can I was holding in my hand almost burst into flames.
How did that happen?
It came into contact with a cigarette lighter, and could have easily blown up.
We’re glad it didn’t! We’ve noticed your work in quite a few projects these days – from JMZ Walls in Bushwick, Brooklyn to Operation Skittles at August Martin High School in Jamaica, Queens. Do you prefer legal or illegal surfaces?
I love painting anywhere – but to experience the full essence of graffiti, there is nothing like painting on a surface I discover on my own. Finding a space, being there alone and creating something out of nothing is the ultimate experience.
Have you ever been arrested for graffiti?
No!
How’s that?
I have good instincts.
What was the riskiest graffiti-related thing you’ve ever done? And why did you do it?
Hitting an elevated abandoned train line, where I had to hop over each wall to do another letter. Why did I do it? I’d been eyeballing that spot for quite awhile and nobody else took it, so I’d figure I’d take my chance. And, yes, it was worth it!
How does your family feel about what you are doing?
My children love it!
What percentage of your day is devoted to your art these days?
About 70%.
What keeps you painting after all these years?
Passion and the adrenalin rush! It also relieves my stress.
Any thoughts on the graffiti/ street art divide?
I, myself, prefer the movement and flow of graffiti. But art is art. And street art can be beautiful.
How do you feel about the movement of graffiti and street art into galleries? Have you shown your work in galleries?
I don’t have a problem with that. It’s a good thing! I’ve shown at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery in Long Island City and in bars and other alternative spaces around town.
Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?
Both.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to collaborate with?
I’d like to paint with Mitch 77, Jamie Hef and Lee Quinones.
Do you rep any crews?
TMC, TFO, KD, COA and I’m the prez of WF, World Famous Crew.
How you feel about the role of the Internet in this scene?
It can be too much. When it gets too much into your business, it’s bad.
Do you have a formal arts education?
I’m self-taught, but my teachers always encouraged me to draw.
Do you work with a sketch in your hand or do you let it flow?
I freestyle.
Are you generally satisfied with your work?
Most of the time!
How has your work evolved in the past few years?
It’s sharper and neater. And I work much faster.
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
To inspire others to express themselves.
How do you feel about the photographers in this scene?
The more exposure our works get, the better for us.
What do you see as the future of graffiti? Where is it going?
It will continue to evolve.
And what about you? What’s ahead for you?
I plan to keep painting. And I want to get back into the canvas scene and hopefully — sometime soon — do a solo show.
Interview by Lois Stavsky with City-As-School intern Diana Davidova; photos: 1, 3-5 courtesy of Just; 2 & 6 (with Awez) Lois Stavsky
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The Centrefuge Public Art Project made its way to Staten Island this past spring, bringing color and intrigue to Wave Street off Bay, a short walk from the ferry. Among the works are these:
ChrisRWK and Kwue Molly
And great news — especially for us Manhattanites — is that the Centrefuge Public Art Project‘s 17th cycle of murals is currently underway on the trailer at First Street and First Avenue.
First photo is of image by Erin Kelli
Photos: 1, 3-6 Lois Stavsky; 2 Tara Murray
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Always a showcase for NYC — mostly veteran — writers, the always-rotating walls off the 1 train on 207th Street and 210th Street increasingly host artists from abroad. Here is a sampling of what was sighted this past week:
London-based Trans1
London-based Noir
NYC-based veteran writer Ree
Bronx-based veteran writer Rocky184
Veteran writer Keon1, mgs gnd
Legendary Bronx-native T-Kid
Photos 1-5 and 7 by Lois Stavsky; 6 courtesy of Keon1
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Curated by Ad Hoc Art, the Welling Court Mural Project is once again bringing a wonderfully diverse array of public art to Welling Court and its neighboring blocks in Astoria, Queens. Here is a sampling of what’s been happening as artists ready for today’s official launch:
RRobots and Evan Cairo to his right
The 6th Annual Welling Court Mural Project officially opens with a block party today, Saturday, June 13, at 30th Ave & 12th Street from 12-8PM.
Note: First image is of Icy & Sot.
All photos by Tara Murray.
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Conceived and curated by Lady K Fever, A Timeline of Handstyles: Signatures from the 1960’s to Present Day, presents an extraordinary array of writers’ signatures spanning three generations. While visiting the space — across from the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse — I had the opportunity to speak to Lady K.
I love this! There is so much history here. What prompted you to organize this?
When I first hit the streets, I did so as a tagger. And the first book I ever read on this culture, The Faith of Graffiti, alerted me to the significance of the tag. On a more personal level, this wall is also my way of paying homage to the old school writers who were so supportive of me when I first moved to NYC.
This wall serves as a canvas for early legends, as well as for some of the new artists on the scene. How did you get the word out?
I spoke to a number of writers from different generations, and asked them to invite others.
What were some of the challenges you faced in curating this?
Figuring out the logistics of it all, engaging younger writers, and dealing with the inevitable politics.
Were there any particular surprises?
Folks rumored to be dead suddenly surfaced! Seeing Swan 3 was, perhaps, the biggest surprise! What a pleasure that was! And I was surprised — and delighted — that so many folks were willing to travel here from afar to tag this wall.
What’s next?
I’d love to curate a huge warehouse and engage far more people.
The mural will remain on view through the end of this month — with a special public viewing on Sunday, June 28, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Note: Special thanks to Delicioso Coco Helado for providing the space and supporting the project.
Photos: 1-7 Lois Stavsky; 8 & 9 Lady K Fever
Note: Photo 2 features Charmin 65 and Swan 3; photo 3 Stella Isabella; photo 4 Nicholai Khan; photo 5 Dun One; photo 6 Meek; photo 7 Broham380
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Highlighting the impact that Mexican civilization has had on other cultures, The Impact Show, El Momento del Impacto, presents a stunning array of artworks that reflect various aspects of the Mexican experience. Here are a few more images that can be seen in the backyard garden of the lovely Cafe de la Esquina in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Esteban del Valle, close-up
Albertus Alburg, close-up
Curated by Savior Elmundo and Frankie Velez, the Impact Show remains on view for the next several weeks — with a closing party 7-10pm on Thursday, June 25 — at 225 Wythe Avenue, a short walk from the Bedford stop on the L train.
Note: First image is a close-up from Savior Elmundo‘s Frida.
Photos: 1 – 6 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 7 Lois Stavsky
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Mission Graffiti arrived in Bushwick earlier this month featuring several veteran writers who generally paint in Upper Manhattan and in the Bronx. Here are a few images of their wall in progress:
Styx and Ghetto 149 at work
Keon at work
Airbrush and tattoo artist Israel Garcia and his character join the writers
The crew
And a few of the completed pieces — along with shout-outs to the original Mission Graffiti writers — that we captured this past week:
Note: First photo features Checker 170
Photos: 1-5 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 6 Tara Murray; 7 Lois Stavsky and 8. City-As-School intern Diana Davidova
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