Graffiti

Girls on Walls, Part XIII: Swoon, Bàlu, Jana & Js, Damien Mitchell, William Power & Joseph Meloy, Danielle Mastrion & Lexi Bella and Zeso

July 28, 2014

This is the 13th in an occasional series of posts featuring images of girls — and women — who grace our public spaces:

Swoon in Bushwick

Bàlu in Inwood

Jana and Js at the Bushwick Collective

Damien Mitchell at the Bushwick Collective

William Power and Joseph Meloy in the Bronx

Danielle Mastrion and Lexi Bella at Welling Court

Zeso in Garden City

Photos of Swoon, Jana & Js, Danielle Mastrion & Lexi Bella by Dani Reyes Mozeson; of Bàlu, Damien Mitchell, William Power & Joseph Meloy by Lois Stavsky; of Zeso courtesy of the artist

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COROGRAFIA Continues through Today at Exit Room in Bushwick with Son, Esco, Spear, Acty2 and Nepo

July 27, 2014

Representing a range of artistic expressions from the comical to the spiritual, Exit Room’s current exhibit COROGRAFIA features works by members of Puerto Rico’s celebrated EL CORO graffiti crew. Here’s a sampling of what can be seen through today:

Son

Located at 270 Meserole Street, right off the Montrose Ave. stop on the L train, the gallery space is open today, Sunday, from 5-8pm. Tentative plans for a closing party for August 2 are underway. Keep posted to Exit Room’s Facebook page for further details.

Photos of artwork by Lois Stavsky

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Long Island’s Oil City Skate Park Transformed into Graffiti Wonderland with: Zeso, Shiro, Yes1, Soir 2, Skize, Hoacs, Just, Zimer and more

July 26, 2014

Earlier this year, over a dozen first-rate graffiti writers refashioned Long Island’s Oil City Skate Park. Under the curatorial direction of Zeso and his partner, Nino, the Oil City Skate Park Jam transformed the huge indoor venue into a graffiti wonderland. Here are a few more images that I captured while visiting last Sunday:

Shiro and Yes1

Zeso and Soir 2

Skize

Hoacs

Just

Zimer

Zeso

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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The Legendary John Matos aka Crash — on the Streets, on Exhibit and on Ferrari Cars

July 24, 2014

The legendary Bronx-based graffiti artist John Matos aka Crash has been busy these days — with work on the streets, on exhibit and on Ferrari cars. Here’s a sampling:

At work on the Lower East Side last month for the Lisa Project

Recently-completed mural up in the Bronx for TAG Public Arts Project

At opening of Broken English at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery

With spray paint on canvas in Broken English at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery, Wrapped in My Own Existence

On exhibit in City as Canvas at the Museum of the City of New York, acrylic on canvas, 1986

For the Crash Ferrari Art Project, a collaborative venture with Joe “MAC” of Martino Auto Concepts and the Dorian Grey Gallery, on exhibit beginning today, July 24, through July 28 at Art Southampton

Photos: 1, 3 and 5 by Dani Reyes Mozeson; photo 2 by Lois Stavsky; photo 4 courtesy of the artist and photos 6-8, courtesy Bettina Cataldi

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Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip-Hop Continues through 7.26 at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise in the West Village

July 21, 2014

On exhibit through this week at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise in the West Village is Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip-Hop. Among its many highlights are: memorabilia featuring personal narratives and archives of hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa; hip-hop party flyers and clothing designed by the late Buddy Esquire; original cells from the animated sequences of Charlie Ahearn’s film Wild Style and prints of Joe Conzo’s photographs of the early days of hip hop.

Here is a sampling of what greeted us when we visited this past Tuesday:

On the exterior of Gavin Brown’s Enterprise

U.K.- based Paul Insect‘s portrait of Afrika Bambaataa

And inside the gallery — noted DJ, producer and poet Rich Medina going though the bins of duplicates from Afrika Bambaataa‘s record collection

Close-up from installation of Buddy Esquire‘s clothing and flyer designs

Afrika Bambaataa fashioned from Bambaataa’s records by Paul Insect and Bäst

Selections from Joe Conzo’s’s seminal Born in the Bronx

Joe Conzo and Charlie Ahearn

The pioneering MC and hip-hop historian Grandmaster Caz

And legendary b-boy Crazy Legs

With Charlie Ahearn

Exhibited by Boo-Hooray and curated by Johan Kugelberg, Born in the Bronx is an extraordinary tribute to hip-hop’s early days and its everlasting influence. And if you can get over there tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon — between 1-3pm — you will be treated to a Born In The Bronx Hot Platter Lunch DJ Session with DJ Jazzy Jay and DJ Rockin Rob. The gallery is located at 620 Greenwich Street at the corner of Leroy Street in the Village.

Photos 1-4, 7, 8 & 10 by Lois Stavsky; 5, 6 & 9 by Dani Reyes Mozeson; photo 1 features mural by Keo X-men

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Speaking with Tone MST

July 18, 2014

Characterized by bold strokes and a vigorous flow, Tone MST‘s graffiti surfaces mostly in Brooklyn. Lenny Collado aka BK Lenny had the opportunity to interview him earlier this year:

When and where did you start getting up?

I was in the sixth grade back in 1992. I was making my own markers at the time and practicing on 200-page packs of paper that I used to rack from the corner store. I had to make my own markers because I was dead broke.

How did you make your markers?

I took men’s Brute deodorants, popped off the balls and emptied the containers. I then filled the containers with ink. I cut up my school’s black board erasers to serve as felt tips. It was markers until ’94. That’s when I started street and train bombing.

Did you have any preferred surfaces back then?

I liked the train ads in the subway stations, because I would write on them smoothly with my home-made markers.

Any major influence at the time?

My major influence at the time was Ski MST. He was rolling with writers and he got me acquainted. I was a loner for the most part. He got me to rack paint, and we would vibe off each other for style. We would rack cans on Steinway Street and go to the freight yards to empty out the cans.

Any particularly memorable events?

There was nine of us — Ski MST, Dope, Neke, Cloke, Vare, Pane and a couple of others. We all set out to do a lay-up in the tunnel between 36^th street and Queens Plaza and video tape it. One of us hid the paint and a video camera in a sandbox where the tunnel workers kept their supplies. We scoped out the station for a while before setting out on the mission.

How did you guys get into the tunnel?

Some of us through the hatches on the streets above and some through the station. We started catching wreck on the two trains that had parked between the stations. As everybody’s painting them, Pane, Cloke and me went to the other car and started on some bubble letters. Just as we started, one of the train’s lights turned on and began to move into the station. I saw too that the police had made their way down towards us.

So what did you do?

We bounced. When I got out of that station, I must have run about a mile before my lungs gave in from the burn. It was a thrill like no other, and I enjoyed it. I loved bombin’!

Were you in any crews at the time?

I only push MST.

What was the attitude of your parents and your friends towards what you were doing?

My mother hated it, so I lied to her. I built a compartment in my closet to keep supplies. She would find my cans and throw them out. My friends would always point out how dirty I was.

Any thoughts on the graffiti/ street art divide?

It’s a thin line. Both project the same language and image, but they take different avenues. It’s like a GPS. All get to the same point, but through different avenues. The concept of graffiti needs to be explained to people who don’t understand it. Street art is a different entity. I like when the two are combined, like what Shepard Fairy and Cope do when they collaborate. I will say that street art is an extension of graffiti. It originated from graff.

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

I think it’s dope! It’s progress — a positive thing. My gallery, though, is the streets. But if a gallery asks, “Hey, Tone, can you put a show together?” I’m flattered and take it as a step forward.

Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

Both! When I started bombing early on, I would do so alone with my Walkman on. I would listen to WKCR with Bobbito Garcia and Stretch and Tag. At one point, I was a vandal. They called me a vandal. But I didn’t get up as much as I wanted to. I didn’t do it to get status. I didn’t go all city, but I love what I did. It was who I was.

Did you have a formal arts education?

I never pursued art school.

What is the source of your inspiration?

I’m inspired by Hip-Hop – rhyming and making beats.

Any particular artists who inspired you?

My influences are Hush, Gaze, Sub 5 and Emit of Sports Crew, MQ and Frantic and Free5. Giz from Queens also made impact on me. And there was Teck BS, Smith & Pink, Ve, Slash and Web13.

Do you work with a sketch in hand or do you do free hand?

It’s fifty, fifty. It depends on the situation.

What are your thoughts on the Internet in all of this?

The Internet is a tool, a means to communicate. Someone in Australia can get a look at what you’re doing here in NYC. But I think that graffiti has also been exploited because of it. It wasn’t meant for the masses, and the Internet made it accessible to everyone.

How has your work evolved throughout the years?

I’ve improved and honed my techniques. My pieces have gotten better.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

I’ll say there’s always space for improvement.

Interview conducted by Lenny Collado and edited by Lois Stavsky. Photos 1 (collab w/KA), 3, and 4 (combo) courtesy of the artist; 2 (collab w/UR New York), 5 & 6 by Lois Stavsky; 7 (collab w/Shiro and Yes One) by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Leanna Valente on Graffiti, Photography, “Instant Art Exposure” & more with: Buff Monster, Veng RWK, Hoacs, QA and Rubin & Joe Iurato

July 15, 2014

With cameras in hand, Leanna Valente has spent the past 15 months photographing graffiti writers and street artists in progress. She now has over 400 photos signed by the artists. I recently had the opportunity to speak to Leanna about her brilliant Instant Art Exposure project and more:

Have you any early memories of graffiti or street art?

I remember first seeing graffiti as a young child. It was right down the block — under viaducts and bridges — from where I grew up in Buffalo. I loved it at first sight!

Have you, yourself, done any graffiti?

When I was about six, I attempted some bubble letters. And I still give it a try while doodling on a napkin!

What about other art forms?

I’ve been doing art – of one kind or another — for as long as I can remember.

Any particular styles or genres?

Mainly mixed-media works of acrylic, spray paint, fabric and photography.

Have you shown your work in galleries or formal settings?

I started showing in galleries in 2003 while living in Atlanta. I also showed in Miami, in Southern California, in Buffalo and at alternative spaces in Brooklyn in 2010.

Have you studied art in a formal setting?

I’m basically self-taught. I’ve studied art informally at FIT here in NYC and at the Atlanta College of Art/SCAD when I was living in Atlanta, Georgia.

Can you tell us something about your photography projects?

My series Extreme Fashion Window Design in NYC focuses on extreme fashion window designs in Manhattan portraying the glamour and grit of the city. Another series Trashion focuses on the exclusive branding found in our city’s trash. And my Instant Art Exposure project documents NYC’s street art and graffiti scene.

You are obviously quite passionate about street art and graffiti.

Yes, I have been addicted to it for as long as I can remember, and I officially started documenting it in 2007. I love its unique beauty and grand size. It’s gutsy and challenging. Just seeing it gives me an adrenalin rush!

I can relate to that! When did you begin this NYC project?

I became avidly serious about it about 14 months ago at Welling Court while watching Kingbee paint. He was the first to sign a photo.

And we all love your shots that the artists sign. It’s a brilliant concept. I wish I had thought of it myself! Did anything in particular inspire it?

Through documenting street art, graffiti and art/fashion mixes for my blog, I became even more interested in documenting the artists “in process.” It became my way of paying respect to them and the hard work they put into each piece on the walls. I felt that it was a unique and personal addition to the black book. And when artists began to respond enthusiastically, I continued.

Where is the project headed?

Well, people keep on asking me what I’m doing with it. Originally I was just doing it for myself. It was meant as a personal diary of photos to hang on my wall. But artists I’ve photographed and other people in the scene have suggested that I follow up on publishing a book and launching an exhibit that feature the works. And so in addition to what I do with my standard photography equipment, my primary focus now is on this project. Talks are now in the works for a series of books, gallery shows and select prints. I will never sell the originals, but I will choose, with the assistance of the artists, a select number to make into prints.

That sounds great! Who are some of the artists have you photographed?

They range from such legends as Blek le Rat, Lady Pink, Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quinones, Crash, Futura and Kenny Scharf to contemporary masters such as Shepard Fairey, Logan Hicks, Sp.One, Wane, Chris Stain, Billy Mode, Stik, Stinkfish, RWK and Icy and Sot. And I can’t imagine ever stopping!

Note: You can follow Leanna on Instagram at @leannav & #instantartexposure, in addition to her blog and her soon-to-be-launched website www.instantartexposure.com.

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky.

Leanna’s photos: 1. Buff Monster 2. Veng RWK 3. Hoacs 4. Queen Andrea 5. Rubin & Joe Iurato

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The Wallnuts Crew, Werc & Trans1 Transform Gowanus eWaste Recycling and ReUse Warehouse Exterior into Vibrant Outdoor Canvas

July 14, 2014

The Lower East Side Ecology Center’s eWaste Recycling and ReUse Warehouse — at 469 President Street on the corner of Nevins in Gowanus, Brooklyn — now boasts, in addition to its wonderful facilities, a sumptuous outdoor mural recently fashioned by the Wallnuts Crew.

Werc, close-up

Been3, Trans1…

Muse

Trans1, Dos…

Chester, Trans1…

And in addition to the first-rate art on its outside, the ReUse store at the Gowanus Warehouse offers audio equipment, alongside refurbished and heavily discounted computers and other electronics.

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Speaking with Yes One

July 9, 2014

Bronx native Yes One has been gracing walls, canvases and more with his energetic aesthetic — in NYC and beyond — for almost 30 years. StreetArtNYC is delighted to feature an interview with him.

How did you first get into graffiti? What inspired you?

I was introduced to graffiti by Smiley 149 of the Ebony Dukes when I was 10 years old. He used to chill outside my favorite candy shop where I played Asteroids on the arcades. He sat on a crate right outside, and we would vibe watching the trains go by on the Tremont El. This was about 1979.

When you began writing, what kind of surfaces did you hit?

Illegal ones — because of the rush. I can’t explain it, but it’s like robbing a bank.

How did your family feel about what you were doing back then?

My mom and dad hated it. They saw it as a crime. My mother was scared. She used to say, “Te voy a botar esas latas!” (I’m going to throw your cans out!) She actually kept some of those cans, and I have some collectables today.

Have you painted with any crews?

Yes! I’ve painted with BT, 4Burners, GAK, and FX — among others.

Do you prefer working alone or would you rather collaborate with other artists?

I often work alone, but I’m open to collaborating with anyone.

Who are some of the artists with whom you’ve painted?

Dero, Pase, PerOne, Logek, Beasto, Tone MST, Ribs GAK and Shiro — to name a few.

Any thoughts on the graffiti/ street art divide?

I see them as two different things. Graffiti is letters, forms and styles. Street art doesn’t pay homage to graffiti, but I can admire it.

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

I think it’s great! I had works featured in a number of exhibits including Cause and Effect and Board of Art and at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

What about the role of the Internet in this scene? Do you follow any sites?

I follow 12ozProphet and FreshPaint. The Internet is a great networking and marketing tool. It is how I’m able to sell canvases overseas.

And the photographers in this scene? How do you feel about them?

They don’t bother me. They have learned the etiquette.

Do you have a formal arts education?

I never went to art school.

What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done? And why were you willing to take that risk?

Painting in the 2 and 5 train yards in the Bronx with Clark in the late 80s. I was young, and you do foolish things when you’re young.

How would you describe your ideal working environment?

My ideal working environment is the Ya Tu Sabe studio space.

What inspires you these days?

Seeing people checking out my walls, taking pictures and smiling. When I see people appreciating my work, I feel I did my job.

Are there any particular cultures you feel influenced your aesthetic?

I influence myself.

Do you work with a sketch in your hand or do you let it flow?

I work with a sketch in my hand, but what goes on the wall is not always a hundred percent what was on the paper.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

I’m never satisfied. I may “finish” a wall this week and go back the next saying to myself, “I could have added this or that.”

How do you feel when you look back at the work you did two years ago?

I take it as a good reference point for picking up new techniques and elevating my style. I feel that my work has gotten stronger. And I feel a hunger to produce more and further my talents.

What percentage of your day is devoted to your art? I know you have a “day job.”

I’d say about 75 percent. It’s work – then, art. I wake up at 5 in the morning and don’t go to sleep until 2 a.m.

What are some of your other interests?

I love baseball and collecting rare items. I also love BMX bikes.

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

The role of the artist is a big one. The artist is there to affect a person’s mind by introducing new ideas and concepts.

Interview conducted by Lenny Collado and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos 1, 2, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 3 & 6 Dani Reyes Mozeson; photo 5 is from Yes One’s black book; photos 2 & 4 (close-up) are from works currently on exhibit at the Pop Bar in Astoria, Queens; photo 6 is a collab with Shiro, Part and Meres at 5Pointz

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The Wallnuts, SHYE131 and Trans1 in Long Island City

July 5, 2014

One of the most dynamic graffiti productions in town can be found in Long Island City off Queensboro Plaza. Showcasing the talents of the Wallnuts, UK-based artists SHYE131 and Trans1, the murals exude an exuberant, infectious energy. Here are a few close-ups from the pride of the neighborhood:

Manny Muse, Wallnuts

Chester Wallnuts

Been3 Wallnuts

Col Wallnuts

SHYE131

Trans1

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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