News

serve-graffiti-art-exhibit

Serve FBA‘s current exhibit at More Points Bx is a brilliantly executed visual ode to the golden days of hip-hop. Here’s a small sampling of what I saw when I visited the Hunts Point space last weekend:

The Roxy, West 18th Street, NYC

serve-the-roxy-graffiti-art

Club Zanzibar, The birthplace of Jersey house music, in Newark NJ

serve-zanzibar-graffiti-art

Studio 54, West 54th Street, NYC, Disco Man Heaven

serve-studio54-graffiti-art

Bar Two OTB Car, close-up

serve-bar-two-otb-car-graffiti

 Two of several masterpieces — showcasing Serve’s extraordinary writing skills — on canvas

serve-graffiti-canvas

serve-graffiti

And a closing reception for a chance to see it all and get to own at least one piece —

serve-closing-party

Also on display and for sale are subway maps and record covers designed by Serve, along with his BLACK BOOK.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

salmos-pixote-martinez-gallery-nyc

Born in Brazil in 1982, SALMOS first made his mark in São Paulo’s public spaces and freight trains as ISHI. In 2004, he opened his own tattoo store, and ten years later, he emerged as SALMOS, Sou Artista Livre Mais Ouseda de São Paulo, “the most daring free artist in Sao Paulo.” His current work — both indoors and outdoors — is largely a delightful fusion of graffiti writing and classic comic characters. This past Saturday, SALMOS‘s first NYC solo exhibit, FRACTURED FAIRY TALES  opened at  the Martinez Gallery. While visiting, I had the opportunity to speak to the artist.

salmos-art-martinez-gallery

When did you first hit the streets?

Back in 1996-97. I was 14 at the time.

What motivated you to do so?

I was drawn to the streets. Pixação — in particular — inspired me. And I came up with the idea of integrating comical characters into my writing.

salmos-character-artjpg

Can you tell us something about these characters? What is their appeal to you?

They are magical!  They fuse the nostalgia that adults feel with the mystification children experience.

And how do you choose your characters? Why — for example — Garfield?

I love the ones that make me feel like I am a kid again! Garfield enchants me!

salmos-garfield-graffiti

And what brought you here to NYC?

The amazing opportunity to paint here. New York City is where it all started. The history of graffiti is here in NYC.

And we here in NYC love how writers from places like São Paulo are taking it to another level. We’re so glad you made it here! Have a safe trip home!

salmos-and-martinez

Curated by Octavio ZayaFRACTURED FAIRY TALES can be seen Mon- Sat, 11AM to 5PM, at the Martinez Gallery on 135th Street and Broadway.

Note: Standing to the left of SALMOS is Martinez Gallery‘s noted director, Hugo Martinez.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

bisco-smith-methods-style-writing_edited-1

Back in NYC, in the place he calls “home,” Bisco Smith — the first artist in residency at Okay Space — has been busy!  At work during one of the most tumultuous weeks in the history of our country, the artist proposed that creating his newest body of work, MANIFEST, helped “center” him, as he strives to find “the goodness amidst the chaos.”  This past Friday, MANIFEST was unveiled at Okay Space at 281 North 7th Street.  Here are several images captured shortly before it officially opened to the public:

Bisco Smith adding info to Methods, serigraph on paper, edition of 111

bisco-smith-and-style-writing

 Manifest Moments #9, acrylic & spray paint on canvas

bisco-smith-style-writing-on-canvas

Manifest Moments, the series — each, 18 x 18 — acrylic & spray paint on canvas

bisco-smith-works-manifest-moments

Gratitude for all things past, service for all things present, responsibility for all things future

style-writing-williamsburg-gallery

 And as seen at night from the outside, shortly before it opened

bisco-smith-style-writing-at-okay-space

Okay Space is open Monday through Friday, 11-6, and on Saturday 12-5.  For further info, you can contact the space at 929-250-2388.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

zoe-leonard-text-art-high-line-nyc

With the mission of fostering a dialog with the surrounding neighborhood and urban landscape, High Line Art — curated by Cecelia Alemani — presents a wide array of provocative artworks in a range of media. Pictured above is I want a president, Zoe Leonard‘s 1992 text-based work installed on the occasion of today’s election. Here are several more works that can be seen on the High Line.

 Tony Matelli, Sleepwalker — for Wanderlust, a group exhibition exploring the themes of walking, journeys and pilgrimages

tony-matelli-sculpture-high-line-nyc

And alone at dusk

tony-marelli-sculpture-at-dusk

Matt Johnson, Untitled — repurposed original High Line rail track  — for Wanderlust

matt-johhson-sculpture-chelsea

 Kathryn Andrews, Sunbathers II, as seen at dusk

kathryn-andrews-sunbather-high-line-art-chelsea-nyc

Barbara Kruger, “BLIND IDEALISM IS REACTIONARY SCARY DEADLY, an adaptation of a quote from Frantz Fanon

barbara-kruger-text-art-high-line-chelsea

Photo credits: 1 & 6 Lois Stavsky; 2 & 4 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 3 & 5 Romare Taylor

Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

kobra-close-up-bowie-mural-art-jersey-city

Recently in the news for setting the Guiness Book of World Records for the “latest spray paint mural by a team” with his Rio Olympic-inspired Ethnicities, self-taught Brzailian artist Eduardo Kobra has brought his extraordinary talents to Jersey City. Kobra’s rendition of pop icon David Bowie is the most recent addition to Jersey City’s more than 86 other public art works as part of the city’s Mural Arts Program launched in 2013 by Mayor Steven Fulop. This past Friday, a dedication ceremony was held at Jersey City’s Cast Iron Lofts where I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to the artist.

When did you first paint in an outdoor venue?

Ten years ago.

What inspired you to do so?

Everything I had seen and read about what was happening in New York City.

Can you tell us something about the first huge mural that you painted?

It was in Lyon, France. It was a tribute piece to immigrants in a building that was about to be dismantled.

kobra-david-bowie-street-art-jersey-city

Approximately how many huge murals have you painted since?

Over 30 in more than 20 countries.

The figures you’ve painted range from pop icons like John Lennon and Bob Dylan to historical figures inlcuding Ghandi and Nelson Mandela. What inspired you to paint David Bowie here in Jersey City?

Bowie’s creativity and vision had always inspired me. I’d actually painted this portrait six years ago on a canvas, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to paint it here in Jersey City on such a tall building. It is my way of keeping his memory alive among people who embrace him.

What was the greatest challenge that you’ve faced these past two weeks since you began painting here?

The height of the building is intimidating! And the mural, itself, is 180 feet tall.

kobra-david-bowie-mural-art-jersey-city

How have folks responded to the mural?

They love it. The response has been overwhelming.

Congratulations! It is wonderful!

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos by Sara Ching Mozeson

Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 3 comments }

2-new-and-dia-msk-graffiti-writers

I met up with several members of the East Coast – and original – MSK crew while they were painting up in Inwood earlier this year. Among the writers I spoke to were: Kister, its current president; Dia One, MSK’s president back in the 80’s and its legendary former vice president, 2 New. (Note: pictured above is 2 New to the left of Dia One).

When was MSK first founded? And by whom?

It was founded in 1982 by MADE and WASE, along with a few other writers who attended IS 52 — right here in Inwood.

frankizm-msk-action-graffiti-nyc

Which trains was MSK hitting back in the day?

Any one nearby – the 1 train, the A, the AA, the C, the CC, the RR and sometimes the D and B.

How were the original MSK crew members regarded back then?

All of us growing up in the Heights and here in Inwood had enormous respect for them.  Everyone knew them and looked up to them.

dia-msk-graffiti-nyc

Can you give us a sense of what it was like hitting the trains back then?

We followed a routine. Five or six of us would gather in a friend’s house.  We’d design an outline. Then we’d rack the paint from a local hardware store. And once we had the paint, we’d pick a yard and sneak in.

And once you got into the yard?

We had to worry about gangs, dogs, cops and stepping on the 3rd rail.  Success was getting out alive and taking a photo.

kron-graffiti-msk-nyc

Do any particular memories stand out?

When three young MSK guys went to the 145th Street lay-ups and had their cans taken away by members of Jon One’s crew.  We had to retaliate, and we ended up eventually beating the crap out of two of them. The drama only continued, and eventually Jon One left NYC for Paris.

As the train era ended in the late 80’s, what surfaces were MSK’s second and third generation hitting?

Mostly highways, rooftops and handball courts.  And because we had to be fast, we mostly did bombs and throw-ups. We didn’t have time for pieces – except for occasional ones on handball courts.

msk-graffiti-mural-nyc

Here you have members of all three generations of MSK working together – painting on a legal wall.

Yes, we do it because it’s fun. It’s our way of celebrating our culture.

And how does painting on a legal spot like this one differ from working illegally?

On a legal space like this, we can take our time and make as many changes as we want as we work. But when we paint on walls like these, we can’t get the adrenalin rush that comes with working illegally. It’s not the same — nowhere close! And we miss it!

Images

1. Dia One and 2 New against mural by Frankizm

2. Frankizm at work on tribute mural to 2 New

3. Dia One at work at night

4. Kron

5. Dia One  — memorial wall first painted in 1992 and redone, at the family’s request, in 2013 — with Flite, Frankizm, Kister, Cel & Nest

Interview & photos by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

mr-june-street-art-nyc

Launched earlier this year by Franco Noriega and Milan Kelez, the New Allen has been bringing a stylish mix of street art and graffiti to the Lower East Side. Here are a few more images we’ve captured:

 Mr June — closer-up

mr-june-street-art-shutter-nyc

Eelco

eelco-street-art-shutter-nyc

Patch Whisky and Ghostbeard

patch-whiskey-ghost-beard-street-art-nyc

Edward Granger

edward-granger-street-art-nyc

The Minuske

the-minuske-graffiti-art-nyc

Ology CollectiveCol, Ski and 2esae — over on Delancey Street

ology-collective-mural-nyc

And earlier —  at work with the London Police peeking through

ology-collective-london-police-street-art

Photo credits: 1, 2, 4, 6 & 7 Lois Stavsky; 3 & 8 Tara Murray

Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

Toronto native Waxhead moved to Montreal in 2012, where his singular style has surfaced on a range of surfaces from vintage photographs to huge walls. I discovered his distinct aesthetic this past summer while visiting Station 16 and exploring the streets of Montreal. Waxhead‘s first solo exhibit in Montreal, Waxhead: An Installation opens this Thursday, November 3 at Station 16.  While in Montreal, I had the opportunity to visit Waxhead‘s studio and pose some questions to him.

waxhead-street-art-mural-montreal

When and where did you first get up?

I was 13 when I began tagging along the trackside in Toronto. It was back in 2006.

Who or what inspired you at the time?

I lived right beside the train tracks. I saw graffiti every day. It seemed like the natural thing to do. I didn’t become serious, though, about it until I was 18. That’s when I really got into characters.

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

My mom has always been supportive. ‘gotta love Mom!

Have you any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide? 

I respect the mentality of getting up. But I also appreciate the refined work of street art. I’ve done both.

waxhead-characters

How do you feel about collaborating with other artists?

I love to collaborate. Among the artists I’ve painted with are: Cry0teSbuone and Getso.

What about the movement of street art into galleries?

It’s great when artists can live off their work and have a space to show it.  But they must keep the true sense of it.

Have you, yourself, exhibited your art in a gallery setting?

I’ve exhibited in several group shows — mostly in Canada.

What inspires you these days?

Colors, nature, old photos. I love collecting old photos and reworking them.

waxhead-spinach

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?

I‘ve been inspired by the time I spent in India – particularly the beautiful colors I associate with its culture.

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

I let it flow. If I don’t like it, I can always do it again.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

No! I’m very critical.

What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?

It’s a great tool for me to connect with other artists and with clients.

Do you have a formal arts education?

No! I’m self-taught. My friends were my best teachers.

img_0427

What percentage of your time is devoted to art? 

All of it. I live my life through my art. I’ve always been drawing.

And is it the main source of your income?

Yes, most of the money I earn is through my artwork.

What is the riskiest thing you’ve done?

I was painting in India – balancing on a wobbly two-story ladder  — when a giant bull was about to rub against it.

That certainly does sound menacing! How would you describe your ideal working environment?

Painting outside with friends. I love meeting and talking to people.

How has your work evolved through the years?

It’s become more refined.

waxhead-installation-station-16

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

As far as the street artist — it is to connect people to one another through what they see on the streets. I especially want to connect to the youth in this city.

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

We need them! What we do needs to be archived.

I certainly agree with that!

Note: Waxhead: An Installation — a collection of  Waxhead’s hand-embellished vintage photos — opens this Thursday, November 3 at 6pm at Station 16 and continues through November 14.

Interview by Lois Stavsky

Photos: 1, 2 & 4 Lois Stavsky; 3 courtesy Station 16

{ 1 comment }

amuse-graffiti-logan-square-chicago

The exterior of Logan Square’s former Megamall, along with its adjoining parking lot, boasts over two dozen first rate murals. Pictured above is by Amuse 126, who curated the art that was painted on the soon-to-be demolished Megamall building. Here’s a sampling of art on the building and in its adjoining parking lot.

Rahmaan Statik

rahmaan-statik-street-art-mura-chicago

Ceno 2

ceno2-street-art-logan-square-chicago

Merlot 

merlot-graffiti-logan-square-chicago

Melon James

mel-one-graffiti-logan-square-chicago

Werth

werth-graffiti-logan-square-chicago

Sentrock

sentrock-street-art-logan-square-chicago

Photos by Tara Murray 

Note: Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

el-maligno-zine

Organized by Oscar Arriola and CHema SkandalZINEmercado, the inaugural Logan Square Independent Zine Fest, is happening tomorrow, Sunday, October 23, from noon to 6pm at Comfort Station. While in Chicago this past week, I had the opportunity to meet up with Oscar Arriola and check out a few of the zines.

When I first met you in NYC several years ago, we discovered that we are both huge zine fans! What is it about zines that appeals to you?

I love that you can make a zine on any topic that appeals to you and can share it with everyone. There are no rules! And you can use any materials you choose.

eye-cue

Do you remember the first zine that you discovered thet spurred your interest in this particular medium?

I started collecting them before I even knew what the term zine meant or even that it existed! My favorite was the one I bought at Barry McGee’s solo exhibit at Deitch Projects in 2005. It was $25.00, a lot of money at that time!

Wow! That is a lot of money for a zine — even now! But no doubt it was worth it! Any other favorite zines?

Just about any zine by Barry McGee and his crew DFW or Down for Whatever.

twist-zine

You, yourself, have created zines. When did you design your first zine? And what was its topic?

I designed my first zine five years ago, although I’d been thinking about creating one for some time. I work for the Chicago Public Library, and so I’m around all kinds of books all day  I became intrigued by the covers of Indian books, and I began scanning them. My first zine was a collection of these images.

What spurred you to become engaged in this upcoming zine fest?

I love zines, and I love the idea of bringing the community together for an event like this.

tom-geunth-graffiti-photo-for-zine

no-hands-western-zine

Have you ever done anything like this before?

I was one of the organizers for the Chicago Zine Fest three years ago.

How many folks will be exhibiting at ZINEmercado?

There will be 14 tables representing about 30 artists.

alex-lukas-zines

How did you get the word out to the participants?

We spoke to people we knew, and we’ve been using social media. You can check us out, in fact, on Instagram.

What is the biggest challenge that you and CHema Skanda have faced in organizing this event? 

Making sure people know about it! We’d like to engage as many folks as possible. Our flyers include text in English, Spanish and Polish, as we want to include members of the local community. Admission is free.

sonic-visual-graphics-zine

In addition to viewing, trading and purchasing zines, are there any other activities taking place?

During the fest, ZINEmercado will present a range of activities including art talks by Johnny Sampson and CHema Skandal, a performance by Wet Wallet, and DJ sets by Amara Betty and Esteban La Groue of Impala Sound Champions!

Good luck! It’s looking great!

zine-mercado-2016

 Images

1. CHema Skandal

2. Gabriel Alcala

3. DFW Crew with Barry McGee & more

4. & 5. Tom Guenth

6. Alex Lukas

7. Sonic Visual Graphics

8. Flyer for ZINEmercado, designed by CHema Skandal, featuring image of  Oscar Arriola

Interview with Oscar Arriola conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky

{ 1 comment }