Earlier this summer, the Centre-fuge Public Art Project once again transformed the now-famed trailer on East First Street off First Avenue, bringing color and intrigue to Manhattan’s East Village.
D. Gale at work
Wide view with Pawn, Kingbee and Ramiro Davaro
Photos: 1, 3-6 & 8 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2 & 7 Tara Murray
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On view at BronxArtSpace is the brilliantly conceived and beautifully executed exhibit, Faces from the Block, featuring works by Brazilian artists Izolag and Ananda Nahu and Bronx-based photographer Ricky Flores. While visiting last week, we had the chance to speak to Ananda Nahu.
You and Izolag have so beautifully interpreted Ricky Flores’s photos of the Bronx of the 80’s. How did this collaboration come about?
Back in 2007, we discovered Ricky Flores’s photos of the South Bronx — the photos he’d taken 20 years earlier — on his Flickr account. They had affected us so deeply that we were inspired to bring these people to life on our streets in Brazil.
Why do you suppose you felt such a strong connection to these South Bronx residents?
Back in Brazil, we have enormous respect for the culture of the South Bronx. We identify it with the birth of hip-hop that has enriched our lives so much and has greatly influenced our culture.
You visited last year and painted a mural over at the Point, and now you are back — not only to exhibit with Izolag and Ricky Flores — but to paint again on our streets. What is your personal impression of the South Bronx?
I love it. I love its energy and the wonderful cultural mix of the people who live here.
How have the folks here in the Bronx reacted to this exhibit? As we are speaking, people of all ages are coming by to check it out.
The folks here seem to love it. Everyone has been so supportive and helpful, always wishing us well. It was quite a thrill to meet at our opening some of the actual people whom Ricky Flores had photographed over 20 years ago!
And what about Ricky Flores? How has he responded to this project?
He is delighted to have so deeply inspired us. It’s been a wonderful partnership.
What’s next? What happens to this project when it leaves the Bronx?
It will travel next to Los Angeles and then to São Paulo.
That sounds great, and we are so glad you are bringing a taste of your culture to us here in NYC.
Note: Follow StreetArtNYC on Instagram and Facebook for images of murals — sponsored by Casita Maria — that Izolag and Ananda are painting this week with youth in the South Bronx.
Photos: 1, 4 and 6. Izolag by Lois Stavsky; 2. Ricky Flores by Tara Murray; 3. Ananda Nahu by Tara Murray; 5. Ananda Nahu by Lois Stavsky & 7. Ananda Nahu and Izolag by Lois Stavsky
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Queens native Cern began writing graffiti in the early 90’s. His artworks — characterized by luscious colors, swooping shapes and imaginative characters — have, since, made their way into public spaces, alternative venues, festivals, galleries and museums throughout the globe. We recently met up with him in Long Island City where his current exhibit, Vertical Archipelago, remains on view through the end of this month.
When did you first get up? And where?
Back in 1990 in Queens. I was 12 at the time.
What inspired you to do so?
Everyone around me was doing it!
Are there any early memories that stand out?
I remember riding the train with my mom, looking out the window and thinking, “Wow! This is amazing!” She said, “This is bad!”
What percentage of your day is devoted to your art these days?
Way too much!
Any thoughts on the graffiti/ street art divide?
Everyone seems to be having a good time!
Your current exhibit Visual Archipelago is beautiful, and it encompasses an incredibly wide range of artworks. How do you feel about the movement of graffiti and street art into galleries?
It’s nothing new. It’s been going on for 40 years. It’s a normal progression. And I like the way art looks everywhere.
What about the corporate world? How do you feel about the relationship between street artists and the corporate world?
I have no problem with an artist getting paid to promote a cool product. I, myself, like working with small, independent businesses.
Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?
I like both.
What is the riskiest thing you’ve ever done on the streets?
I just finished painting six stories high on Canal Street throughout the night!
How you feel about the role of the Internet in this scene?
It’s cool! It provides us all with yet another medium.
Do you have a formal arts education?
I have a degree in Studio Art from Queens College, but I never really used it. It did teach me, though, how to deal with bureaucracy.
What inspires your art these days?
Memories, discoveries, nature, animals and urban life. And, of course, all my travels have been a source of inspiration.
Do you work with a sketch in your hand or do you let it flow?
I sometimes work from loose sketches.
Are you generally satisfied with your work?
Usually.
How has your work evolved in the past few years?
It’s more experimental, and I tend to work with a range of mixed media including spray paint, watercolor, graphite and ink.
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
To heighten people’s visual awareness.
What do you see as the future of street art and graffiti? Where is it all going?
Styles seem to be evolving more quickly. And the marketing of the art has become increasingly important, almost as important as the art, itself.
And what about you? What’s ahead?
I want to continue in my own development as a person and as an artist.
Note: All of the above images were captured on our visit to Vertical Archipelago, Cern’s current exhibit at 26-19 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City.
Interview by Lois Stavsky with Tara Murray.
Photos: 1, 2, 3 & 5 Tara Murray; 4 & 6 Lois Stavsky
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Within the last month ArtBattles local champion, Cernesto, and European ArtBattles champ, El Niño de Las Pinturas, have painted — to our delight — huge murals in the East Village and in Soho.
Cern‘s completed mural in the East Village
El Niño de Las Pinturas, completed mural in the East Village
El Niño de Las Pinturas, close-up in the East Village
Cern in Soho
El Niño de Las Pinturas in Soho
Photos: 1-3 & 5-6 Tara Murray; 4 Lois Stavsky
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Committed to healing and transforming communities by beautifying the urban landscape, Wall\Therapy has brought dozens of magical murals to Rochester, New York. Here are a few we discovered on our brief stopover last week:
Montreal-based Omen
Italian artist Peeta
West Coast-based Troy Lovegates aka Other
Tel Aviv-based Know Hope
Rochester’s own Mr Prvrt
West Coast-based Sam Rodriguez
Brazilian artist Binho
And kicking off this Friday, July 17, is WALL\THERAPY 2015 featuring an extraordinary array of artists including NYC-based Li-Hill, Vexta and Daze.
Photos: 1,2, 4-6 Lois Stavsky; 3 & 7 Sara C Mozeson
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Penned by London native David Sharabani aka Lord K2, Street Art Santiago is a fascinating foray into 14 neighborhoods within Santiago, Chile. With his stunning photography and revealing conversations with the artists, the author presents us with an intimate, striking portrait of an historic capital city. I recently had the opportunity to meet with David and ask him a few questions.
Street Art Santiago is quite amazing. When did you first start documenting street art?
It was in 2012. I was on vacation in Bogota, Colombia, and I was struck by the texture and quality of the pieces on the walls there.
You’ve been quite passionate about public art since. I’m a huge fan of your site the Museum of Urban Art. What other cities have you explored?
I’ve also photographed street art in Buenos Aires, São Paulo and here in New York City.
Why did you choose the street art in Santiago as the subject of your first book?
I discovered so many distinct styles that I loved, many representing the rich political and social history of the city. And I also felt a special bond with the Chilean artists whom I met. They love to share walls, and they love to collaborate. They invited me to paint with them, and they are extraordinarily humble.
You have a formal education in art. Did what you see on the streets impact your work as an artist?
Yes, after a few months in Buenos Aires, I was inspired to learn how to do stencil art. And I’ve been doing it since!
What were some of the challenges you faced in producing this book?
I was working with an inexpensive pocket camera. I was new to graffiti and street art, so I lacked any credibility. My knowledge of Spanish was limited. And I didn’t have a clue as to how to publish a book.
You seem to have brilliantly overcome these challenges. What’s next?
I’m off to Thailand at the end of the month where I will be documenting another kind of art, the art of Muay Thai, Thailand’s principal spectator sport.
What about street art? Any other books on the way?
Yes, my next book will focus on the street art in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
That sounds great! Good luck with it all!
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky
Photos: 1 Piguan 2 Piri 3 Salazart 4 Piguan, Piri & Guztok 5 Grin, Cubdos, Derik & Sick 6 Brillos Graffiti Crew 7 Jony
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Busy last week in the lovely backyard garden of SoHo’s Henley Vaporium were Gilf! and LMNOPi — two Brooklyn-based activist artists — collaborating on a mural in tribute to Kalief Browder. When we stopped by, I had the chance to speak to Gilf!
It’s wonderful to see the two of you working together. How did this collaboration come to be?
When Kimyon Huggins, the curator of the Secret Garden Series, hit me up to paint a mural, I immediately thought of LMNOPi.
Yes, it seems like such a natural collaboration. How did you decide on the subject of this mural?
My work has recently focused on the kinds of issues and injustices related to the case of Kalief Browder. And since LMNOPi is such a wonderful portrait painter with a strong social and political consciousness, I thought we would work well together.
What — would you say — is the intent of your art?
The only reason I make art is to change the world.
And what is it about Kalief Browder‘s story that has triggered your work?
What happened to Kalief is, sadly, not unique. And it is outrageous. Yet, many people aren’t aware of these kinds of widespread injustices. Kalief was incarcerated at Rikers Island at age 16 for three years for a crime he never committed. Two of those three years were spent in solitary confinement. Eventually his case was dismissed. This past June, Kalief Browder committed suicide by hanging himself.
What would you like people who see the mural that you have fashioned with LMNOPi walk away with?
I would like them to question what happened and demand justice.
Yes, what happened to Kalief is such a blatant, horrific injustice. We certainly need to raise awareness of the need for radical change within our prison system.
Note: The mural will be unveiled this Saturday, July 11, at Henley Vaporium‘s backyard garden at 23 Cleveland Place, between Spring and Kenmare Streets, in Soho. The event is free and open to the public — with a BBQ and DJs — from 2-10pm. There will be a Q+A with the artists and curator at 7:30 pm.
Interview with Gilf! conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky.
Photos: 1 & 3 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2 & 4 Tara Murray
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Featuring over two dozen beautifully-executed murals representing a diverse range of artistic styles, Coney Art Walls is a cause for celebration. Here are a few images captured this weekend.
Tatyana Fazlalizadeh pays homage to the long-time residents of Coney Island
Roa, close-up
Curated by Jeffrey Deitch, Coney Art Walls is located at 1320 Bowery Street off Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island. And on Sundays — through September 6 — a curated summer music series and dance party happening takes place from 5pm – 11pm.
Note: First image is of mural by Lady Aiko. Keep posted to the StreetArtNYC Facebook page for many more photos of Coney Art Walls.
All photos by Lois Stavsky
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Currently gracing the walls of Graffiti Universe up in the Bronx is a range of styles from photorealistic portraiture to stylish graffiti. Here is a sampling of the work fashioned by both international and regional artists:
Italian artist Jorit does the legendary TAKI 183
Vins and Signl, EOS
Norwegian artist Stay One, KD
Graffiti Universe is located at 2995 Boston Road in the Allerton section of the East Bronx.
Note: First image is by London-based Trans1
Photos by Lois Stavsky
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Green Villain‘s Demolition Exhibition — the brainchild of Greg Edgell aka Green Villian — has it all! With everything from stylish tags to captivating characters to first-rate pieces, it is a graffiti lover’s wonderland. Just minutes away from Downtown Manhattan, it is located at 410 Marin Boulevard, a short wall from Newport Mall. Here are a few more images I captured in the interior of the former Jersey City Pep Boys Auto Store while visiting Monday evening.
Curve and Mr. Mustart
The prodigious Evikt
Mes, Themo, Distoart and Kingbee
This amazing feat — coordinated with dozens of artists and community members — was accomplished in partnership with real-estate developers Forest City Enterprises and G&S Investors. Through this weekend, you can visit the space any day from 12-8pm.
First image is Knows aka Wane; all photos by Lois Stavsky
Note: Check out StreetArtNYC on Instagram for more photos of images from Demolition Exhibition, and keep posted to our Facebook page, as well.
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