Graffiti

Hottea on His Recent NYC Installation, Gentrification and “UUGGHH”

December 6, 2014

Last month, Minneapolis-based artist Eric Rieger aka Hottea came to NYC with a message. Here’s what he has to say about his installation on the iconic, recently-purchased building on Bowery and Spring Street:

Can you tell us something about this specific site? What is its significance to you?

This building used to be the old Germania Bank and was built in 1898-99. Today it is no longer a bank, but a residence. For such a big building you would think that there is more than one tenant. Not the case. There is only one family living there, and that is the family of Jay Maisel. Unfortunately, this is not for much longer. He reportedly sold the property for 50 million dollars. That is quite the profit considering he bought it for around 100k. Over the years that Jay and his family lived there, they refused to clean its exterior walls. The outcome was a collage of graffiti, wheatepastes and stickers. This building is significant to me because it made me think of a different way of installing my work.

Why did you choose to install the word “UUGGHH?”

I wanted this piece to be about the recent purchase of the building and the decision to turn it into a condo development/private gallery space. I have seen gentrification taking place all over the world, and NYC is no stranger to it. There are so many iconic buildings that are lost due to the desire for “New.”

What about the process of the installation? How did you go about it? How long did it take?

The process was done in three parts. I did a lot of organizing in my hometown of Minneapolis, such as ordering lumber, reserving a moving truck, etc. The second part was gathering all the materials once in NYC and building the lettering. This proved to be much more complicated than I was expecting. Many of the supplies were hauled via the subway and once on site, there was little room to work. We used an abandoned lot, but got kicked out so we just worked in front of where I was staying. Not much room at all. The third and final part was hauling the letters on site and installing. The whole process from beginning to end took about two weeks.

What kinds of responses has your installation received?

A lot of people were curious when I was installing. They were curious as to what it meant and who it was for. I think a lot of people assume that if you are wearing a reflective vest and working during the day, that you must be doing something for a brand or for the city. This installation was done to remember what NYC once used to be. I was never able to experience it first-hand, but through images and video I was able to sense the energy and spirit behind the work being done. The reactions have been like mine. UUGGHH, not another building lost to gentrification.

And for a wonderful documentation of it all, check out this video.

All photos courtesy Hottea

{ 0 comments }

“East Village Alchemy” Continues through Sunday at Dorian Grey with: Keith Haring, Paolo Buggiani, Ken Hiratsuka and Scot Borofsky

December 3, 2014

Dorian Grey‘s current exhibit, East Village Alchemy, takes us on a magical foray through the East Village’s 1980’s street art scene presenting a range of artworks by four of its key practitioners. Here’s a sampling:

Keith Haring subway drawing, early 80’s

Paolo Buggiani, Performance Art, Unsuccessful Attack to the World Trade Center, 1983

Ken Hiratsuka, whose intricately-carved artworks have been part of our city’s visual landscape since the early 80’s

Scot Borofsky, whose symbol-based graphics graced the walls of the East Village in the 80’s

The Dorian Grey Gallery is located at 437 East 9th Street at Avenue A in Manhattan’s East Village..

Photos of artworks 2-6 on exhibit by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 2 comments }

Girls on Walls, Part XIV: Dasic, Ben Angotti, Fusca & Kazy, Swoon, Ree2 & Teck1 and Alice Mizrachi

November 16, 2014

This is the 14th in an occasional series of posts featuring images of girls — and women — who grace our public spaces:

Dasic in Bushwick

Ben Angotti in Bushwick

Mexican artist Fusca and French artist Kazy in Bedford-Stuyvesant

Swoon in Red Hook

Ree2 and Teck1 in Washington Heights

Alice Mizrachi in the Rockaways

Photos: 1, 2 & 4 by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 3 & 5 by Lois Stavsky and 6 by Tara Murray

Note: StreetArtNYC will be on vacation through December 1. Follow what’s happening here in NYC on our Facebook page.

{ 0 comments }

A Visit to 106 Bayard with: Cycle, Part One, Dr. Revolt, Wolf 1 AOK, Futura, Lady Pink, Team, Whisper, Pure TFP and more

November 15, 2014

Straddling the border between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the building at 106 Bayard Street was transformed this past spring into a 3,000-square foot outdoor canvas. The 70’s and 80’s NYC subway and graffiti movement was the theme of the inaugural 106 Bayard mural project, curated by Gee Dajani and Keene Carse. Here are a few more images from both the exterior and interior of 106 Bayard captured when we recently revisited the spot.

Part One, Dr. Revolt, Wolf 1 AOK and Futura

Lady Pink

A wide view from across the street with Part One, Dr. Revolt, Wolf 1 AOK, Futura and Team

And inside — Whisper and Pure TFP, segment of huge mural

Created and sponsored by Cirkers Fine Art Storage & Logistics, 106 Bayard will be transformed once again this coming spring.

Note: First photo features the legendary Cycle with Jackson and artwork by Williamsburg Charter High School students.

Photo credits: 1, 4 & 5 by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2 & 3 by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

Le Collektor Fashions Moveable Art Galleries with Hoodies Designed by Sonni, Chris Uphues, Joseph Meloy and more

November 13, 2014

An innovative line of hoodies with interchangeable, collectible art-inspired hoods provides a new canvas for artists, including some of NYC’s street artists. Curious about it all, we posed some questions to Amisha Patel, the founder and CEO of Le Collektor.

What inspired you to bring the art that we see on our city’s streets and galleries to hoodies?

The outcry and public debate around the whitewashing of 5Pointz reminded me of what street art is all about. It’s such a pure form of self-expression — truly democratic in nature. At its root is a desire to be seen and heard. And while I think it’s great for artists that street art has been recognized by traditional art collectors and galleries, we wanted to find a way to bring its democratic spirit to its original fans – people on the streets. The hoodie – a streetwear classic – seemed a great way to do it.

How did you select the particular artists who are participating in this venture?

We approached it as if we were curating a group show that artists would want to attend. We wanted to showcase distinct styles that could be seen in cities around the world. We also wanted to work with artists who were on board with what we’re trying to do. Our inaugural artists – Nick Gazin, Chris Uphues, Sonni, Dru Brennan, EWOK, David R. Head, Jr. and Joseph Meloy – have been amazingly supportive, and we very much appreciate that they trust a new brand with their work.

How have the artists responded to your mission?

The artists love the idea. It gives them a direct way to connect to fans — especially those who aren’t in cities that have street art scenes. Everyone also really loves the way the hoodies turned out.

Which artists – based here in NYC – are you featuring?

Joseph Meloy, Nick Gazin, Sonni, Chris Uphues and David R. Head, Jr

How can artists join this project?

We’d love to grow our list of collaborators! Artists can email me directly at amisha@lecollektor.com

Can you tell us something about the hoodie itself? Who will be manufacturing it?

We wanted our hoodie to be the go-to so we made sure that it was worthy of the art on its hoods. It’s being made by a factory in Los Angeles that we found through our friends at Bleick Studio who work with some of the best streetwear brands out there:

Super soft 13 oz. brushed Sherpa fleece locally knitted in Los Angeles
Flat-locked seams for extra durability
Ribbed side panels for a close fit and extra warmth
Pre-washed and shrunk to fit
Classic ribbed bomber collar to wear jacket without a hood
Rope drawcords with custom metal tips
Hidden phone pocket with headphone port

Why did you launch a Kickstarter? Can you tell us something about it?

Big brands use artists’ work all the time, but we want to build our brand around the artwork in a way that it will provide artists with meaningful income directly from their fans. Kickstarter seemed the perfect platform to engage directly with artists’ fans and with the creatively-minded community we want to build around Le Collektor. It’s about bringing big ideas to life, and — really more than any other company out there — it has created a new class of everyday patrons of the arts – which is in line with our company’s mission. So far, it’s been very exciting to see all of the support and love for what we’re doing. We’re a Kickstarter staff pick, and artists have written in from all over saying they’d love to be part of the movement.

Note: You can check out and support Le Collektor’s Kickstarter here.

Photo credits: 1. Sonni on Bushwick rooftop, Lois Stavsky; 2. Sonni in the East Village, Tara Murray; 3. Sonni hood, courtesy of Le Collecktor; 4. and 5. Chris Uphues in Williamsburg, Lois Stavsky; 6. Chris Uphues hood, courtesy of Le Collecktor; 7. Joseph Meloy at Welling Court, Dani Reyes Mozeson; 8. Joseph Meloy for the Centre-fuge Public Art Project, Tara Murray; 9. Joseph Meloy hood, courtesy of Le Collecktor

{ 0 comments }

The X-Spot Arrives in East Harlem with Custom Graffiti Art and more by Topaz, Jerms, Treat Street…

November 11, 2014

Topaz – one of the most active members of the hip-hop and 5Pointz communities – began customizing T-shirts when he was in junior high school. His most recent venture is the X-Spot, a unique space at 2 East 116^th Street in East Harlem. We recently visited him and had the opportunity to speak to both Topaz and Jay, the manager of Production X.

How did you guys come up with the idea to open such a space?

We grew up together in Rego Park, Queens, and we’ve been working together for years. We’ve actually had two stores before – one in Paterson, New Jersey and the other in South Carolina. We wanted to do something different from what we’d done in the past.

In what ways is this venture different?

Our emphasis here is on providing services and maintaining a gallery. It is production-based. Although we sell graffiti art on canvases, select magazines — like the latest issue of Flashbacks — and CD’s, our space here is not primarily a store or shop.

What are some of the services that you provide?

We provide clients with all forms of graphic design — customized murals, logos, portraits, canvases, T-shirts and more.

It sounds – and looks – great! Whom do you see as your principal clientele?

At this point, it is largely the hip-hop community – rappers and entertainers. But, ideally, the general public, especially as graffiti continues to gain respect and recognition as an art form.

This is such a great location! It’s right off 5^th Avenue in East Harlem and down the block from the 2 and 5 subway lines. How did you guys come up with such a great locale?

A lucky set of circumstances – as Jay’s cousin had previously worked at this location.

The artwork on display here is primarily by you, Topaz, Jerms and Treat Street NY. Are you open to other artists participating in your projects?

Absolutely. Talented and committed artists can stop by our space or drop us an email at ProductionX@aol.com or LordRoccolypse@aol.com.

Photo credits: 1. and 2. Topaz by City-as-School intern Tyler Dean Flores; 3. Jerms by Lois Stavsky; 4. Jerms, Topaz & Blone by Lois Stavsky; 5. Treat Street with Jay (X-Productions) by Lois Stavsky; 6. Treat Street, as commissioned by Derek Jeter’s nephew, by Lois Stavsky and 7. Poet, Pace, Jerms, Sav, Ice and more by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 2 comments }

NYC Shutters – Part VII: Elle, Foxxface, Biark, Caratoes, Claw Money & Lexi Bella, Madsteez, UR New York and Queen Andrea

November 10, 2014

This is the seventh post in an occasional series featuring artwork on NYC shutters:

Elle at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

Foxxface in Bushwick

Peruvian artist Biark in the Rockaways

Caratoes in the Bronx for the Tag Public Arts Project

Claw Money and Lexi Bella at the Bushwick Collective

Mark Paul Deren aka MADSTEEZ on the Lower East Side

UR New York in Bushwick

Queen Andrea in the East Village for the LISA Project

Photos: 1, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 2, 6-8 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 3 by Tara Murray

{ 0 comments }

In Prospect Heights, Brooklyn: Meres, See TF, NME & Danielle Mastrion

November 8, 2014

Gracing Prospect Heights — a short walk from the Brooklyn Museum — is a wondrous wall fashioned last month by Meres One, See TF, Danielle Mastrion and NME. Here are a few more images:

NME and Meres

See TF

Danielle Mastrion

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson; the first photo features Meres One and See TF

{ 0 comments }

Boundless Brooklyn & myplasticheart Present Water Towers Designed by: NoseGo, the Drif, Toofly, Rob Plater, Darkcloud, Stencil1 & more

November 2, 2014

Over two dozen talented toy designers and graphic artists — many of whom also work on the streets — customized water tower models using Boundless Brooklyn’s Water Tower kits. The results are on exhibit through November 21 at myplasticheart at 210 Forsyth Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Here are a few more images by those artists who also use the streets as their canvas:

And Stencil1 — as seen from the outside looking in

For those of you who would like to try designing your own water tower, kits are available here.

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson; the first image is of NoseGo

{ 4 comments }

Banksy in New York: Writer and Photographer Ray Mock Chronicles Banksy’s New York Residency

October 30, 2014

The following guest post is by Houda Lazrak, a graduate student in Museum Studies at New York University.

Last October, the British stencil artist Banksy paid an unexpected visit to New York City. And fervently chronicling the elusive artist’s daily workings — during his month-long residency — was writer and photographer Ray Mock. The founder of Carnage NYC, Mock presents — in Banksy in New York — a comprehensive and insightful account of the month that captivated us street art aficionados, along with so many other New Yorkers.

For each of Banksy’s pieces, Mock offers a short narrative, providing insights into the various sites and neighborhoods, as well as into the artworks and the reactions they elicited. Each account is complemented with a range of photographs — from selected close-ups to shots of strangers’ poses with the pieces.

In addition to chronicling the pieces that surface throughout the month, Mock shares first-hand insider anecdotes. We follow him on his adventurous rides to the designated locations and we meet some of the others out there — who, too, are obsessed with locating and photographing every Banksy piece that appears. Mock also offers us intriguing background information. He recounts, for example, how a half-joke by a local resident to charge for photographs of the East New York beaver stencil resulted in a price tag of $20 for each photograph shot that day.

As Banksy’s pieces — particularly those that are politically-motivated — are contingent on location, the local viewers’ reactions and interpretations are part of the process. Banksy’s piece, Ghetto 4 Life, in the Melrose section of the Bronx, for example, did not go over well with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, who had loved Banksy’s previous Ronald McDonald installation.

Despite all the attention Banksy’s residency received in the media, Mock provides us with something that was lacking — an overarching personal account of Banksy’s legacy on this city’s urban and social landscape. We speculate, along with Mock, on Banksy’s possible intentions and we embrace the artist’s uncensored creative expression.

In addition to the limited edition of the book — with a screen printed cover — which can now be purchased via Ray’s site, a new hardcover edition will be available for pre-order on his site starting on November 3. It will also be in bookstores by Thanksgiving.

All photos by Ray Mock

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →

Graffiti

Categories