News

The following post is by Houda Lazrak, a contributor to StreetArtNYC and an M.A. candidate in Museum Studies at NYU: 

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While visiting Bologna, Blu’s home town, I had the opportunity to see quite a few of his pieces, along with a series of murals and several legal graffiti pieces facilitated by the organization Frontier – La linea dello stile.

Also by Blu, close-up

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Rusty

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L.E.T

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Eron, close-up

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Peeta and more graffiti artists — to be identified 

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NemO’s interactive cigarette piece for Cheap Festival, a yearly festival in Bologna

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Barbara Zagatti, who runs the Facebook page Street Art Bologna, guided us by car and foot through this historic district.

Photos by Houda Lazrak

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Nina-Pandolfo-Rivington-Wall

Noted Brazilian artist Nina Pandolfo recently made her way back to NYC. And we are thrilled that she did! Her delightfully dreamlike paintings will remain on exhibit through November 29th at Coburn Projects‘ Lower East Side gallery space at 2 Rivington Street, and her whimsical outdoor mural will continue to grace the huge wall on Rivington Street off the Bowery until the end of the year.

The complete mural, as seen this week 

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Nina at work on Rivington Street earlier this month

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And here are three of Nina’s new paintings in Little Things for Life, her first NYC solo exhibit, presented by Coburn Projects:

Breathe Slowly

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Follow Your Instincts

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One Way to…

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Located at 2 Rivington Street off the Bowery, the gallery is open Wed – Sun 10-6pm.

Photos: 1, 2, 4-6 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 3 courtesy of Coburn Projects

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rime-jersey-joe-graffiti-bronx-nyc

For the past several days, over two dozen artists — from writers to muralists —  have been busily transforming a huge block along Boone Avenue at 174th Street. Here are a few more images that we captured these past two days from Writers Block organized by Wen Cod:

Mastro

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Curve

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Spot and Acne aka Young Socrates

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Yes 1 at work 

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Nero aka Uncle Ro

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Wen Cod, who organized the event, captured at work in the early stages yesterday morning

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Rath at work

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Danielle Mastrion, Lexi Bella, and Doc TC5 to the far right

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Ces checks it out

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 Note: First image features Jersey Joe aka Rime

Photo credits: 1-4 & 6-9 Lois Stavsky; 5 & 10 Tara Murray

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Vers-graffiti-mural-Brooklyn-nyc

Directly off the Broadway-Junction subway station — on the borderline between East New York and Brownsville — are some of NYC’s most exhilarating graffiti walls. Here are a few more images captured this past week of the murals fashioned by both locals and out-of-towners.

Werd and Kesta aka Kes

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Chicago-based Amuse 126

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NME and Ceos

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Jerms

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Reyes and Topaz

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Rez

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Note: First image features Vers 

Photos by Tara Murray

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BG183-close-up-spray-paint-on_edited

A founding member of the legendary Bronx-based Tats Cru, the masterful BG 183 recently met up with us at his solo exhibit, Autumn Spray, in Hunts Point.

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When did it all begin?

Actually, my big sister got me started. I used to watch her draw all the time, and I was amazed! I wanted to try it too! So when I was about four — and she was nine — she noticed me drawing and encouraged me. I never stopped!

What inspired you to hit the streets?

Graffiti was all around me. I loved its bright, bold colors. But I had to begin by practicing my tag, the real element of it all. And then after hitting up stacks of paper, I began bombing on public surfaces. I was about 16 at the time. I wanted the fame!

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Any early memories that stand out?

Bombing the inside of James Monroe High School and hitting the trains riding back and forth from school.

Any particularly risky moments?

Getting chased while painting trains and dealing with other crews.

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

My mother was cool – until Michael Stewart’s death. Then she became very uneasy about what I was doing.

I can understand that. What percentage of your day is devoted to your art these days?

100%. I’m either doing commissions or working on my own body of work.

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What keeps you painting after all these years?

I love it, and I want to be the best.

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

It’s a natural progression.

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Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

Both. Working with my crew – Tats Cru – helps me keep my skills on a high level.

You’ve painted throughout the globe. Why do you suppose graffiti is more respected as an art form in Europe than here in the U.S.?

There is a huge respect there for anything from New York.

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And yet the European writers have largely taken graffiti to another level – beyond what we see here in NYC. Why do you suppose that is so?

Many of the writers here don’t really try to. They simply don’t feel the need to evolve.

Interesting! How you feel about the role of the Internet in this scene?

It’s great! It gets my name out there.

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Do you have a formal arts education?

None! Just the Major Art class I took in high school. That’s where I got to know Bio.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

Yup!

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What about your name? How did you get the name BG 183?

When I was in high school, I was the one to BrinG the bats to the baseball team. And 183 refers to the number of my styles – as I have so many!

Yes! You certainly are versatile. The work in this exhibit is so different from most of your work that I’ve seen on the streets. What inspired it?

The life I live! The images represent my life.

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And what about the colors. They are wonderful!

Fall was on my mind, and my wife suggested these particular colors.

What’s ahead?

I’d like to focus more on creating a body of work that can be shown in galleries and museums.

Note: Curated by Sien and Eric Orr, Autumn Spray remains on view through November 15th at More Points Bx, 727 Faile Street in Hunts Point.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 & 10 Lois Stavsky; 3 (with Crash on the left) Dani Reyes Mozeson; 4, 5 & 8 Tara Murray; interview by Lois Stavsky

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el-mac-celso-gonzalez-cero-street-art-East-Harlem

Monument Art, an international mural festival — similar in scale and scope to Los Muros Hablan NYC  that took place in 2013 in East Harlem and the South Bronx — was launched earlier this month. Curated by Celso Gonzalez and presented by the La Marqueta Retoña initiative, in collaboration with the City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, it features a stunning array of soulful, site-specific murals.

South African artist Faith 47, 103 St & Madison Ave

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Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican photographer Luis R Vidal, 111 St & 1 Ave

"Luis Vidal"

Belgian artist Roa at work, 1o8 St & Lexington Ave

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 Roa‘s completed piece

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Mexican artist Sego at work, 103 St & Madison Ave

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Sego‘s completed mural

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NYC-based Viajero at work, 113 St & 2 Ave

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Viajero‘s completed mural

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Argentine artist Ever at work on 99 St & 3 Ave

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Ever‘s completed piece

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Andrew Antonaccio and Filio Galvez of the Miami-based collective 2Alas, 138 St & Park Ave, South Bronx

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The first image — a portrait of Puerto Rican novelist Nicholasa Mohr on 111 St and Lexington Ave — was painted by LA based El Mac in collaboration with Puerto Rican artists Celso Gonzalez and Roberto Biaggi, Cero.

Photo credits: 1 & 9 Lois Stavsky; 2, 3, 5-8 & 10-13 Tara Murray; 4. Dani Reyes Mozeson 

Note: This blog will be on vacation through Nov. 1. You can follow us on our Facebook page and on Instagram.

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Stik

Known for his iconic life-size stick figures that have surfaced throughout the globe, East London-based Stik has attained celebrity status with Random House‘s recent release of his first book. While in London last month, I had the opportunity to speak to the artist.

When did Stik first surface? And where?

It was back in 2003 in Hackney Wick along the canal.  It was the safest place to paint at the time.

Can you tell us something about Stik’s origin? What was the concept behind it?

I came up with the idea of six lines and two dots simply because it was the quickest way to paint without getting caught.  My first Stik drawing represented my struggle to find shelter and survive. While homeless, I had lost all my drawings. Anything I could get up on the streets could be seen, at least, for a time.

stik

How did folks respond to your work at the time?

They liked it. They could identify with it. It especially spoke to lonely people.

How has Stik evolved since it first surfaced?

At first I only painted lonely people.  It was my way of reflecting on my personal struggles. Then as my circumstances improved, I became involved with causes and the figure changed as its context changed.

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What are some of these causes?

Homelessness, gentrification, the National Health Service, underground cooperatives and more.

Your new book, simply titled Stik, is currently a best-seller in London.  What was the concept behind it?

It is a journal of the progression of the Stik project.

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Your book is so stunningly presented and has gotten such wonderful press in London. When did the idea of first publishing a book come to you?

In 2010, while living in a homeless hostel, I was writing a monthly column for the Hackney Citizen that included a mural related to a news story. I did this for a year, and it made me think about articulating meanings.

Any plans to visit NYC?

Yes! I plan to visit NYC in the spring.

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That sounds great!  We are certainly looking forward to seeing you again in NYC!

Photo credits: 2. Tara Murray 3. Dani Reyes Mozeson 4-5. Lois Stavsky; interview by Lois Stavsky

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Centre-fuge-public-art-project

The Centre-fuge Public Art Project has once again refashioned the Department of Transportation trailer on First Street and First Avenue.  Here are a few more images of its latest transformation:

Andy Golub captured at work

"Andy Golub"

Key Detail and Yu Baba collaboration

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The other side of the trailer with Below Key, Leon Rainbow and  Zero Productivity

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Below Key

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 Zero Productivity

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And Never‘s homage to Peter Carroll aka Laser Burners 

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Note: First image features Andy GolubKey Detail with Yu Baba Rez and Rez Shaolin

Photo credits: 1, 2, 4-6 Tara Murray; 3 & 7 Dani Reyes Mozeson

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edec1-sticker-art

Opening next month on Wednesday, November 18th is round two of the Con Artist Collective‘s hugely successful ‘slap’ sticker show. While visiting its space at 119 Ludlow Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side earlier this week, I had the chance to speak to Con Artist Collective’s Brian Shevlin.

What prompted you to launch a second round of Slap?

We had gotten such an enthusiastic response to our first sticker art show two years ago. And folks kept on asking us, “When are you doing another Slap show?”

You, yourself, are quite a sticker aficionado. What is the appeal of sticker art to you?

With just a sharpie and a shipping label, anyone can become a street artist. And a handmade sticker is such an intimate object of art! I also love the way the sticker art culture brings together such a wide range of creative people from graffiti writers to fine artists, all of different backgrounds.

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What would you say is the mission of Slap 2?

We are looking to involve a lot of the artists who didn’t participate in our first Slap show. And this exhibit is our way of celebrating and showing respect to the sticker culture.

How might this next sticker exhibit differ from your first one?

It will differ in scope and scale. We’ve put together an incredible team, with help from Robert Aloia of Outlaw Arts, Hugh Burckhardt and Paul Arbs from Urban Hooker. We are hoping to bring over 500 artists on board. And we will have sticker packs available for purchase.

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How can folks submit stickers to Slap 2?

They are to fill out this form, and then drop off or mail their handmade stickers to: Con Artist Collective, 119 Ludlow Street, New York, New York. They can find additional information on our website.

What is the deadline for submissions?

They have until November 13th.

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 What’s ahead?

We will travel the world! Our first Slap exhibit has already traveled to Sri Lanka and is heading to Singapore and Bangkok. It will continue to travel with new submissions added. And we will, once again, publish a zine.

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What a great opportunity for artists! This sounds wonderful!

Note: The exhibit will open on November 17th with an opening party and end on November 28th with a closing party.

Images of works submitted for Slap 2: 1. Edec1 2. Klops 3. Kenji Hirata 4. Whut

Interview by Lois Stavsky

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"Dee Dee"

Opening this evening at 2 Rivington Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and continuing through Sunday is The Day Is My Enemy, street artist Dee Dee‘s first solo exhibit. Presented by Montreal-based Station 16, it features an intriguing array of distinctly curious collaged works. When I stopped by last night, I had the opportunity to speak to Adam Vieira and Emily Robertson of Station 16.

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Just who is Dee Dee?

She is quite mysterious! But word is that the secretive artist is based in New York City and that she is Japanese.

Interesting! How did you discover her?

We first heard about her from Dain, whose work we’d exhibited at Station 16.

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Yes! They share a similar aesthetic! What is it about Dee Dee‘s work that appeals to you?

We love that she creates her art from scraps of posters and assorted papers that she finds on the streets. And we like that she consistently gets up in a variety of spots. We are thrilled to be back in NYC to present her work in this space.

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Can you tell us something about the concept behind The Day Is My Enemy?

Yes! It is Halloween-based, as it highlights themes of deception and destruction. The works on exhibit explore the contradictions and discrepancies between our private and public selves.

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What can visitors to the opening reception expect — in addition to viewing first-hand all of this intriguing art?

There will be themed hostesses, lighting to complement the mood, a soundscape designed by Dee Dee and more!

It sounds great! Good luck!

Note: The Day Is My Enemy opens this evening from 6-9pm at 2 Rivington Street off the Bowery.

Interview and photos 1-4 by Lois Stavsky

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