Some of NYC’s most exuberant graffiti walls can be found right off the MTA Broadway-Junction station in East New York, Brooklyn. This is Part I of a two-part post of what greets us there:
Rezor
Owns
Slom
Slash and Jerms
Jerms aka DJ JS-1
Photos by Lois Stavsky
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Imagination in Space – a group of talented artists repurposing the use of city space as an alternative to traditional galleries – brought their vision to the East Village this past Tuesday. In partnership with London-based We Are Pop Up and NYC-based watchmaker Martenero, The Allies have launched their model of “borderless creativity” at 37 East First Street. Among the works featured are quite a few of interest to us street art aficionados. A small sampling follows:
UK graffiti pioneer Inkie
London-based Elmo Hood
Brooklyn-based Misha T
From the launch with noted culture critic Carlo McCormick in attendance (bottom, right)
And a close-up of the backyard — — transformed by Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture students — the setting of its daily morning yoga classes
Also on view and for sale are works by NYC-based photographer Joey L, illustrator Sam Spratt and multi-media artist Yazmany Arboleda, along with Martenero‘s customized automatic watches and selections from Heidi Gardner’s esoteric jewelry designs. Perceiving its space as an alternative to traditional galleries, The Allies aims to transform city spaces into pop-up galleries — more vibrant and accessible than traditional art-sales venues. You can visit the space through Tuesday at 37 East First Street.
Photos of Elmo and backyard by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all other courtesy of The Allies
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Following its hugely successful presence in last week’s Fridge Art Fair, The Sticker Social Club was invited to participate in this weekend’s LIC Arts Open. During the opening reception this past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak to Cosbe, an active member of the the club, along with one of its newer members, Fling.
Tell us something about the beginnings of the club. When and how did the idea of a sticker club begin?
Cosbe: It began about two years ago. This Is Awkward and I were looking for a way to involve more people in what we were doing, and we wanted a place where we could all meet up. Also, that was the year that Red Bull sponsored me to exhibit at the Scope Art Fair. And I wanted to have some fun with my friends before heading down to Miami for Art Basel.
DB Burkeman, the author of Stickers: Stuck-Up Piece of Crap: From Punk Rock to Contemporary Art, says that one aspect of the club that he loves is that “it’s like a swap club. Not everyone can draw!” And This Is Awkward, who loves “the idea of sharing, trading and creating art that can then go out to a broader public,” suggests that the Social Sticker Club “helps to facilitate our collective need to create.” What is the purpose of the club? Has it any one goal?
Cosbe: No, it doesn’t have any one specific purpose. It’s organic and always evolving.
Where do club members meet?
Cosbe: That varies. We’ve met at Governors Island, at Katz’s Deli, in Dumbo…
It was originally called the Secret Sticker Club? Why the name change?
Fling: The secret is out!
How did you find out about it, Fling?
Fling: I first met Cosbe and Wisher 914 when they were painting at Welling Court. We then ran into each other again at Comic Con.
What keeps you coming back?
Fling: I’ve met so many great people, and I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with artists such as Cosbe, CB 23, Roycer and Abe Lincoln, Jr.
About how many members does the club have?
Cosbe: Somewhere between 50-60.
What’s ahead?
Cosbe: More stickers, more shows and more interesting places to meet. We’re also working with Bomit to organize something on a large scale that involves other cities.
You guys have been quite a hit here in Long Island City – both at the Fridge Art Fair and at the launch of the LIC Arts Open. Your installation is amazing, and you’ve worked so hard. You are also so welcoming. Everyone is invited to create a sticker, share it and sell it. yungmoonshine, who met up with you guys at this space during the Fridge Art Fair last week, reports that she now has not only “a space and materials to make stickers,” but “also new friends to share materials and make stickers with.” What has this experience been like for the two of you?
Cosbe: It was more than I had expected. I’m grateful to StreetArtNYC for making it possible.
Fling: It’s been a great learning experience. I’ve learned so much – how to build walls, curate, install…
You can visit the Social Sticker Club today and tomorrow — from 12-6pm — at 525 46th Avenue off Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City.
Photos: 1. Kaijune by Rachel Fawn Alban; 2. SSC at “LIC Arts Open” reception by Rachel Fawn Alban; 3. Wisher 914 by Rachel Fawn Alban; 4. This Is Awkward by Lois Stavsky; 5. Fling by Lois Stavsky 6. Ryan Roi at LIC Arts Open reception by Lois Stavsky; 6. Abe Lincoln, Jr. by Lois Stavsky; 7. Baser collage by Lois Stavsky and 8. SSC at “LIC Arts Open” reception by Lois Stavsky
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With its vibrant colors and swooping shapes, Chor Boogie’s art is charged with a sumptuous intensity. Earlier this year he shared his visions with us New Yorkers at 5 Bryant Park. It was a great opportunity to speak to him and find out a bit about this talented artist.
When and where did you first get up?
I began tagging in Oceanside in San Diego, California in 1993.
Who or what inspired you at the time?
I liked the illegal aspect of it. I had no particular inspiration. But I looked up to Phase2, Riff 170 and Vulcan.
Do any early memories stand out?
Getting arrested. It happened when my father was moving from one house to another. He trusted me to hold down the house. But one night I decided to invite a bunch of graffiti kids over. By the end of the night, six or seven of us got together and started tagging down this huge highway. We were wasted, drinking OEs and doing all sorts of stupid things. I got the idea to hit the wall closest to the freeway, so I climbed down. All of a sudden, police came racing down the highway for us.
What was the outcome?
I was arrested along with Bash, a writer who ratted me out giving the police my name and everything. I was faced with a judge that was ready to put me away for some time. Luckily, I had my grandma. She hooked me up with a criminal lawyer who managed to get the judge switched. And he managed to get a judge for my case who loved art. This judge requested that I bring my portfolio to court. When she saw it, that’s all she could speak about. While the prosecuting lawyer was badmouthing me, all she could do was look at my art. She ended up giving me three years’ probation, a $500 fine and no community service. She also said that I had to paint a mural for the holidays — that I had to paint it and show her a picture of it when I returned to court. I returned with a picture of Santa Claus.
How did your family and friends feel about what you were doing?
My friends were writers so it was cool. My mom was cool about it too. She had my back. But I had to keep it a secret from my father. He found out eventually. He was not thrilled.
Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
I don’t use the word “graffiti.” I call it Modern Hieroglyphics or Street Romantic Voodoo. Graffiti sounds dirty. Graffiti is a government term that had nothing and has nothing to do with our art form.
What about the movement of street art into galleries?
It’s already been there. People just want to act as if it’s a new thing.
Where would you like to paint?
I’d like to paint anywhere. But if it was the end of the world, I’d have to say Australia. It’s all the way out there in the middle of nowhere. It’s the land down under.
Do you prefer working alone or in collaborating with others?
Alone mainly. Collaborating can be interesting. Sometimes it’s fun. Sometimes it’s b.s. It can be a hassle. But I’ve had good collaborations.
With whom would you like to collaborate?
I’ve painted with Phase2 and that was a dream. I’d like to paint with Vulcan. I would have gotten down with painters like Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dali, Michael Angelo and Caravaggio, if they were still with us.
What inspires you these days?
Music.
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?
The hip-hop culture.
Do you work with a sketch in hand, or do you just let it flow?
No. I stopped using sketches ten or twelve years ago.
Are you generally satisfied with your work?
Yes! I don’t leave it until I am.
When you look back at what you did in the last few years, how do you feel?
How can I not feel good? I feel grateful about everything coming my way.
What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?
The Internet is one more tool of communication. I have nothing against it.
Do you have a formal arts education?
No. The street was my sketchpad.
What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done?
If I tell you, somebody’s going to jail.
What do you think is the role of the artist in society?
He’s the rat in the rat race trying to get the cheese.
What percentage of the time do you devote to your art?
One hundred percent.
Interview with Chor Boogie conducted by Lenny Collado aka BK Lenny and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos 1-3 at 5 Bryant Park by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 4. Wynwood, Miami; 5. Beacon, NY and 6. Washington DC by Lois Stavsky
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The following guest post is by Rachel Fawn Alban, a NYC-based photographer, arts educator and regular contributor to untapped cities.
Yesterday afternoon, Jonathan “Meres” Cohen and Zimad — whose talents graced the walls of 5Pointz for over a decade — were busy at work near the J Train’s Halsey stop painting a mural for 3rd Eye Sol. Founded by artist Jose Castillo, 3rd Eye Sol hosts exhibits and events and offers free workshops and children’s arts programming. Here are a few images of the artists and their wonderful work:
Meres at work
Zimad at work
Meres and Zimad together
Completed piece
All photos by Rachel Fawn Alban
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Located at 5-25 46th Avenue in Long Island City — just minutes from Manhattan — the Fridge Art Fair has much to offer us street art aficionados. Here’s a sampling:
John Matos aka Crash presented by Dorian Grey Gallery
Cody and Youth Waste
Alone One with the The Sticker Social Club aka the Secret Sticker Club
The Sticker Social Club aka the Secret Sticker Club — under the curatorial direction of Cosbe
Conceived by Eric Ginsburg, whose portraits of pets are on display at the fair’s Dorfman Projects booth, the Fridge Art Fair — now in its second year — presents an eclectic array of art in all media and styles. It continues through Sunday with live art and performances throughout, as well as pets for adoption today and tomorrow!
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Lois Stavsky
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This past weekend, the walls of Graffiti Universe — located at 2995 Boston Road in the Bronx — were transformed into an all-girls’ canvas. While up there on Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak to Scratch, who — along with Lady K Fever — organized the event.
This is a first for Graffiti Universe. How did it happen?
Lady K Fever and I had painted together earlier this year. We were eager to involve more female writers. I spoke to Dennis Stumpo, who manages Graffiti Universe, and he offered us nine walls!
Had you girls ever painted together before? How did you decide whom to invite?
Many of us had met and painted together at 5Pointz and a few of us recently did the wall on 207th Street in Inwood. We wanted to include girls who were serious about graff and who could have fun together. I’m from Sweden; Lady K is from Canada; Vic is from Poland; Erica is from Mexico. And graffiti brought us together. We’re all at different levels, but we respect one another and we each want to get better and better. It’s not about who’s the best.
And this seems like the perfect way to hone your skills! Are there any particular challenges that you, as female writers, face?
We have this sense that we always have to prove ourselves. We are often not taken seriously enough.
Have you any messages to the male writers out there?
We can do it without you! We can do it ourselves!
What’s ahead?
More graff And we’d like to do some production walls with characters and backgrounds. That’s the plan!
Good luck! We look forward to seeing them!
Photos: 1. From left to right — Scratch, Anji, Lady K Fever, Erica, Chare and Vik — shutter by Topaz who had to “beg the girls to paint.” 2. Scratch 3. Lady K Fever 4. Mrs 5. Vik
Photos by Lois Stavsky
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This is the third in a three-part series featuring first-rate graffiti walls that have recently surfaced in the vicinity of the Morgan stop on the L train:
Per One FX
Veo
Cuba
Seter
Photos of Vizie, Owns and Cuba by Lois Stavsky; of Rath, Per One, Mast, Staer, Seter, Veo and Sye by Dani Reyes Mozeson; keep posted to our Facebook page for more!
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The finale of the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt began this past weekend and continues through Friday. Among the 260 egg sculptures on view at 30 Rockefeller Plaza are quite a few by artists with roots in the streets. Here’s a small sampling:
Enx
Friday marks the final day of the auction with all proceeds going to Studio in a School and to Elephant Family.
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson
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This is the second in a three-part series featuring first-rate graffiti walls that have recently surfaced in the vicinity of the Morgan stop on the L train:
Vor 138 at work
Yes1 at work
Photos of Deves and SP.One by Rachel Fawn Alban; Vor 138, Logek and Yes1 by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Asend by Lois Stavsky
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