The rooftop of the 407 Bushwick, located at 407 Johnson Avenue, elevates the wonder and energy of street art. I recently had the chance to visit it and speak to its curator, Fumero.
You’ve transformed this rooftop into a vibrant canvas drenched with dazzling colors in an array of styles. How did this come about?
A friend of mine, dj and producer Onda Skillet, lives at the 407 Bushwick. He was looking to bring some color to the rooftop that was covered mostly with old throw-ups. And I saw this as a great opportunity to bring the energy of the streets up to the roof.
You invited such a wonderfully diverse group of artists to paint here. Can you tell us something about how that came about?
In curating this rooftop, I chose artists whom I’ve met — and often worked with — throughout the years in different settings. I asked them to bring their distinct iconography with them. Some had never painted on walls before.
You are consistently active on the streets. What is the appeal of the roof to you? I remember catching glimpses of your pieces up here from street level and feeling frustrated that I couldn’t see more of them!
That’s part of the appeal. It incites interest. The roof is kind of a secret society. We are free to invite whom we want and no haters are allowed!
Where would you rather paint – on the streets or on a rooftop?
I like them both. They are different experiences. When I paint on the streets, I can engage people. But the roof has a distinct energy that I love.
Your recent event Art in the Air, Music Underground, hosted by Aphotic, featured music, as well as art. Can you tell us something about that? How integral is music to what you are doing at the 407 Bushwick?
Its role is essential. The audio creations, performed by Onda Skillet with his Aerotropic label, were the perfect complement to the art. Opening rooftops to music and art is the next big thing! What’s happening here is a landmark. It is the future.
What about the location of the 407 Bushwick? Any thoughts about that?
The location couldn’t be more perfect. Bushwick is what the Lower East Side was 30 years ago. It’s the hub of cutting-edge art and music. The 407 Bushwick is the new CBGB.
What’s ahead?
More great energy, art and music! The second Art in the Air, Music Underground will take place this summer. The artists are already lined up, and we are now seeking sponsorship.
It all sounds wonderful! What a great outdoor gallery NYC is!
Photos: 1. Fumero; 2. Nicole Salgar & Chuck Berrett with Raquel Echanique on right; 3. Gumshoe and Whisbe; 4. Cruz; 5. CAM and segment of Cruz; 6. John Paul O’Grodnick; 7. Elle, and 8. Fumero
Interview with Fumero and photos by Lois Stavsky; also featured on the roof of the 407 Bushwick are new works by Joseph Meloy, AOM, NS/CB, The Cupcake Guy, Rafal Pisarczyk and Robyn Henderson.
