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W H I T E W A S H: A Requiem to 5Pointz at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery with Meres, Cortes, Zimad, See TF, Shiro and more through June 8

April 10, 2014

On November 19, 2013, 5 Pointz, the world’s aerosol art Mecca, was whitewashed overnight. Its heartless destruction profoundly saddened not only the artists who called it home and those who traveled there from across the globe, but all of us who loved the creativity and camaraderie that 5Pointz represented. Currently on exhibit at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery, just a short walk from the site of the “art murder,” is W H I T E W A S H. Curated by Marie Cecile-Flageul, it features the works of nine aerosol artists and two photographers. Here’s a small sampling of what is on exhibit:

Another by Meres One

Christian Cortes

Zimad

See TF, close-up

Shiro

Also on exhibit in W H I T E W A S H are works by Auks, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem and Topaz. The exhibition continues through June 8 at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery. Located at 2137 45th Road in Long Island City, the gallery is open Friday – Sunday 12-6pm and by appointment, 917 767 1734.

Photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky and City-as-School intern, Dea Sumrall

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Jef Campion aka Army of One at Castle Fitzjohns Gallery

April 8, 2014

Most of us street art aficionados identify Jef Campion aka Army of One with his appropriation of Diane Arbus’s compelling image, “Child with Toy Hand Grenade in Central Park.” But currently on exhibit at Castle Fitzjohns Gallery at 98 Orchard Street is a series of works never viewed before — from poetry to sculptures fashioned on salvaged wood — that provide a poignantly intimate look into the talents and torments of this distinctly complex and sensitive artist.

We visited the gallery the day after the exhibit opened and had the opportunity to speak to its owner, Vincent Harrison.

Where and when did you first meet Jef?

I discovered Jef at Art Basel in Miami in 2012. He was standing in front of his van, covered with red paint from a project he’d been working on.

What was your first impression of him?

He was a very intense guy, but also one of the nicest you’d ever meet. I was impressed by his sincerity and passion — in addition to his artistic and technical skills. He had a strong sense of justice that he carried throughout his work both as an artist and as a firefighter. In fact, he never intended to exhibit his work in galleries or make money from his art. Whatever money he made he donated to causes and charities such as the Ronald McDonald House. He just wanted to make a difference.

Why do you suppose Jef took his art to the streets?

Jef studied at CalTech and SVA and was making fine art long before he hit the streets. But after 9/11, he became intent on reaching as many people as possible. And the streets were the perfect vehicle for him to do this.

Have you any thoughts on Jef’s appropriation of Diane Arbus’s iconic Grenade Boy?

He always felt a strong connection to Diane Arbus, someone who also led a tragic life. Her iconic image was the ideal way for Jef to highlight the plight of children affected by war and the loss of innocence within American society.

There seems to be so much pain and angst in Jef’s work.

He had his demons. He struggled with issues related to his childhood, his relationships with women and his abuse of drugs and alcohol. Though spiritual, he rejected organized religion and the Catholicism that was imposed on him as a child. He felt that religion had been used to promote prejudice. But the biggest battle he faced was with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He was a first responder following the 9/11 attack and stayed at Ground Zero for 40 consecutive days. He was left struggling with traumatic, painful memories.

Can you tell us something about this particular exhibit?

We wanted to commemorate Jef Campion’s life as an artist and individual who gave so much back to his community. Brooke Lynn McGowan, who was in touch with Jef’s former girlfriend, curated it. None of the work on exhibit is for sale, but some museums have expressed interest in the work.

How did the opening go?

It was a wonderful tribute to Jef. His close friends, along with street artists, firemen, members of the police department and representatives of charities, attended and shared their memories. He will be missed.

The exhibit continues through Thursday at 98 Orchard Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Interview with Vincent Harrison by Emily Thaler; photos of Jef’s work by Dani Reyes Mozeson, Lois Stavsky and Dea Sumrall

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Pawel Althamer’s “Neighbors” Transforms New Museum’s Fourth Floor Gallery into Dynamic Collaborative Canvas and more

April 5, 2014

The vision of Polish artist Pawel Althamer, the huge white space of the New Museum’s Fourth Floor gallery has become a vibrant collaborative canvas featuring a dynamic range of creative expression. Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate and are provided with paint and drawing materials. Here are a few images captured last week:

City-as-School’s Dea Sumrall joins the fun

And then captures some close-ups

Featured on the second and third floors of the New Museum are several of Althamer’s haunting sculptures and videos – many produced in cooperation with community groups that he has worked with over the past two decades.

From the Venetians, an installation of life-size figures

Self-portrait as the Billy Goat

Self-Portrait in a Suitcase

Another self-portrait, this one in collaboration with Paulina Antoniewicz and Jacek Taszakowski, as he looks out of the window on an imaginary childhood scene

If you bring a new or gently men’s used coat to be donated to the nearby Bowery Mission, admission is free! But do hurry – as the exhibit ends April 13.

Photo credits: 1. Rachel Alban; 2-3. Daniel Reyes Mozeson; 4-5. Dea Sumrall; 6-7. Dani Reyes Mozeson; 8. Lois Stavsky; 9-10. Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Small World Street Art Continues through 4.6 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side with: Joe Iurato, Elbow-Toe, Cake, Hellbent, Jaye Moon & more

April 3, 2014

Intrigued by the small artworks that surface unexpectedly thoughout New York City, Amy Young has curated a delightful exhibit featuring small works by over a dozen artists. Here’s a sampling:

Another cut-out by Joe Iurato

Elbow-Toe, close-up

Cake

Hellbent

Jaye Moon

Other featured artists include: Jilly Ballistic, C215, Clown Soldier, Enzo and Nio, Gilf!, Jay Shells, Shin Shin and Wing. A closing party will take place tomorrow, April 4, from 5-9pm. The works will remain on exhibit through Sunday at R. Jampol Projects, 191 Henry Street between Clinton and Jefferson on the Lower East Side.

Photos: 1. courtesy of the gallery; 2. 3. & 5. Sara Mozeson; 4 & 6, City-as-School intern Dea Sumrall

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DAIN on His Women, Beauty and His New Exhibit Opening Tomorrow, Thursday, April 3, at Dumbo’s Folioleaf

April 2, 2014

Whether seen on gritty city streets or in formal gallery settings, DAIN’s masterfully conceived artworks always intrigue. And those in his upcoming exhibit at Dumbo’s Folioleaf are among his most dazzling to date. While previewing a few of his new collaged portraits at the Folioleaf gallery space at 111 Front Street, we had the chance to ask him a few questions:

What is it about these particular women’s faces that you find so alluring?

I’m drawn to their eyes. The way they stare at us. And like the women in the old Hollywood movies that I love, these women are naturally beautiful.

We are wondering why so many of these women’s faces are attached to men’s bodies. What is the significance of this? Is there a message here?

There is beauty beyond the physical. Everything doesn’t have to hang out. Women need to leave something to the imagination.

This is quite an impressive body of work. Your distinct aesthetic continues to evolve. Have you any thoughts on this?

I hope it’s getting better. I actually think this is my best work so far. I’m just starting to scratch the surface.

How long did it take you to prepare for this exhibit?

I began working on it in my head many months ago. The final pieces came together in the last few weeks.

Are you satisfied with the results?

So far, yes! If I am not satisfied with a piece, you will not see it in this show.

The public opening of DAIN’s new work will take place tomorrow, Thursday, April 3, 6-9pm, at Folioleaf, 111 Front Street, #226, in Dumbo. The exhibit continues through Saturday, May 17.

Questions for DAIN by City-as-School intern Anna Louka; photos of DAIN’s works by Lois Stavsky and City-as-School intern Dea Sumrall.

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Speaking to Poland’s Natalia Rak in New York City

March 31, 2014

We discovered the wonderfully talented Natalia Rak a number of months back at NYC Art Battles at 5 Bryant Park, where she was painting alongside Chor Boogie, Max Bode and Don Rimx. We instantly fell in love with her vibrant, realistic aesthetic.

When and where did you first get up in a public space?

The first time was four years ago in the small city of Turek, Poland. I only had a few cans of paint, and the walls were small. Some artists start with letters, and some begin with characters. I started with female faces. I just painted one-sided faces. I struggled with the lines!

What inspired you to start painting on walls?

My boyfriend, Bezt, inspired me. I was watching him while he was working with his Etam group in an abandoned place, and he persuaded me to try. It was a frustrating lesson in humility!

How does your family feel about what you are doing?

My parents do worry when I paint way up high, but they are supportive. They display all my canvases on their walls, even when they don’t understand them. They are proud of my successes, but they are also concerned about my living “the life of an artist.” Their image of the artist is of this struggling person who spends all his money on art supplies, and then when he’s not painting, drinks or uses drugs. And they have a point! There is little money for art in Poland.

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

Coming from a small town in Poland, I didn’t grow up with graffiti. And I didn’t think much of it. But now that I’m painting on walls, I’ve come to appreciate it. It’s quite different, though, from street art. Street artists get invited to paint legal murals, while graffiti artists generally work independently. And with graffiti, quantity is as important – if not more so – than quality. Street art is more acceptable.

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

It’s great. Street art is on the streets, of course, but the artists can also bring their styles and energy to canvases and other media to make their artwork available to people who would love to own it. Galleries are also a way for artists to gain recognition. In Poland there’s hardly any art market. It’s difficult to sell anything here. I’ve had more success selling art outside of my country.

Do you prefer working alone or with others?

I prefer working alone with music. Painting collaboratively seems difficult to me, but I want to have that experience.

How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all of this?

The Internet invites me to see other cultures. I particularly like Asian cultures. I also enjoy seeing the impact my art has on others – people I don’t even know. I recently saw a photo of a man in Mexico with one of my images tattooed onto his arm. That made me feel so good! Fans push me to create. It’s good to hear opinions about my art too. I have, or try to have, conversations with other artists online.

Are there any particular cultures that influence your aesthetics?

Not a culture but period of art. When I paint, I think of the Secesja, or the Secession period, in Barcelona. The buildings look like plants or nature. When I first started studying the history of art, I was inspired by Jacek Malczewski. Later when I became familiar with Fauvism, I became interested in the combination of colors. Recently, I’ve become interested in Norman Rockwell’s paintings, the way he showed emotion in different situational scenes.

Do you have a formal arts education?

Yes, I have a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Lodz. I also studied illustration, comic art, package design and silk screening.

Have you any other any other passions or interests?

Playing computer games. I like playing Battlefield 3. I plan to get Battlefield 4 and League of Legends. My black guitar is still waiting for me in my room. I also like cooking in my free time for friends and trying new dishes.

Do you work with a sketch in your hand?

I work with photos using Photoshop. I enjoy realistic works. I have many ideas in my head. And computers make it easier for me to change colors and composition. Normally, I don’t have a sketch.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

Hard to say. When I look at a finished piece, I often find some detail that — I feel — can be changed. But I might be out of energy or already thinking about my next wall. And I always think about how I can do better! I can say, though, that I’m more satisfied now than I was a few years ago. I can see my progress.

How do you feel about the role of the photographer in all this?

I really like it when a photographer focuses on the work. I don’t like having my face shown in photographs. And I think it’s great that the images are out there and that so many young people are getting into this modern art movement.

What’s ahead?

I’ve been very busy these past few months working on my first solo exhibit, Through the Looking Glass. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. It opens Friday, April 11, at Pretty Portal in Dusseldorf, Germany. I finished six new canvases and I’ve prepared three prints. I hope everyone can find something that they like. I am also planning to paint three walls in the months ahead – but we shall see!

Good luck! It sounds great and we hope you make it back to New York City soon.

Interview conducted by Lenny Collado and edited by Lois Stavsky; all images courtesy of the artist.

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Jersey City’s Freshly Baked Gallery Presents “Spring Theory” with El Gato Chimney, Ekundayo, Sebas Velasco, Veng and more

March 27, 2014

Just a few minutes from downtown Manhattan, Jersey City’s Freshly Baked Gallery showcases prints and original artworks by an outstanding array of both local and global artists. This Saturday, its most ambitious venture yet, “Spring Theory,” will open from 3 – 8 pm. This is a small sampling of the featured artwork:

Milan native El Gato Chimney

Honolulu native Ekundayo

Spain’s Sebas Velasco

NYC’s Herb Veng Smith

Other artists represented in this exhibit include: Ashes 57, Dulk, Enoe, Emilio Florentine, Uri, Peter Taylor and Jose Mertz. And between 3:30 – and 5:30 you can expect wild floral body painting by Emilio Florentine. Located at 383 Monmouth Street, on the corner of 2nd, Freshly Baked Gallery is a short walk from the Grove Street Path.

All images courtesy of the gallery.

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Lady Aiko’s Playful Bunny Party at Red Hook’s Gallery Brooklyn with Closing Party Next Saturday, March 29

March 22, 2014

With a range of stencil artwork on different media — from a skateboard deck to cupboard doors — along with a a playfully seductive mural, Lady Aiko has transformed Red Hook’s Gallery Brooklyn into a magical bunny party. This is a sampling of what can be seen at 351 Van Brundt Avenue through next Saturday.

Kiss

It’s Over

Serious Romance, close-up

Linda

And close-up from huge mural

The exhibit is open Thursday through Saturday, 12-7 and Sunday 12-5. The closing party takes place next Saturday evening, March 29, from 6-10 pm.

Photos of artwork by Lois Stavsky and City-as-School intern Annie Loucka

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Robert Aloia Brings His Curatorial Vision to shny with Cern, Matthew Denton Burrows, Icy and Sot, Leah Weber, Leo Uzai and many more

March 21, 2014

Piece, a wonderfully eclectic exhibit featuring a range of artworks from sketches to completed pieces, remains on exhibit at Spreadhouse through March 28 at 116 Suffolk Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. While most of the artists are familiar to us street art aficionados, some simply have a distinctly urban or outsider sensibility. Curious as to what was going on here, I posed some questions to Robert Aloia who spearheaded the show.

This is a great venue here. Can you tell us something about it?

It is an all-around creative space launched by the film production company, Spreadhouse, aka shny.

How did you discover it? It’s the perfect space to showcase art and its location is ideal.

My friend, the artist Peter Passuntino, had an exhibit here last month, curated by his son Greg. It was the first art show at shny and it introduced me to this space.

What is the concept behind Piece?

This exhibit is my way to showcase this space at Spreadhouse and to give viewers a glimpse into the creative process – from inspiration to finished product. Many of the pieces were created right here!

Among the dozens of artists featured here are many who are active on the streets and others who are new to me. How did you hook up with so many talented folks?

Friends and friends of friends and assistant curators.

What’s ahead?

We’re at work on a number of wide-ranging exhibits. But you can expect to see some street art elements in all of them.

That sounds great. Good luck!

Images: 1. Cern 2. Matthew Denton Burrows 3. Icy and Sot 4. Leah Weber and 5. Leo Uzai

Photos of images by Lois Stavsky

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Bomarr Presents the Background Noise Podcast Series with Roycer, RAE, Enzo & Nio, OverUnder, Tony Depew, Futura and more

March 17, 2014

Do you ever wonder what music your favorite street artists listen to? Well, Bomarr has the answer! And in addition to presenting first-rate podcasts that share this music with us, the Bomarr Blog also features brief interviews with these artists and selections from their artworks. We love what Matt is doing and recently posed some questions to him:

Tell us something about yourself – your background.

I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire. When I was 21, I moved to Oakland to put out records and tour with my friends on a label called Anticon. We were a very art-focused group of creative and inspiring people. After spending 10 years in the Bay Area, I moved with my now-wife back to the East Coast and have been in NYC ever since.

What spurred this project?

The Background Noise project grew out of my interest in the New York art world. Initially, it was going to solely focus on NYC-based street artists. The NYC art scene in particular has a completely different energy and feel than the Bay Area one, and I sensed it as soon as I landed here. Don’t get me wrong! There’s some great art out there in galleries and on the streets, but again, just a completely different feel. I had seen a few ASVP wheatpastes in San Francisco before I moved, but when I got here, I saw them all over the place, and they seemed to make more sense here. Soon after, I discovered Jim Joe and started, with two friends, a Jim Joe-dedicated site called Cult of Joe, which is now just an Instagram account that I maintain (@cultofjoe) . It was this general interest in what was going on, and a curiosity I had about what sort of music gets the creative juices flowing for artists whose work I enjoy that really started the project.

How do you decide which artists to interview?

It pretty much comes down to people whose work I personally am drawn to and have some sort of respect for. Whether it’s a legend like Futura or the guy who writes Spring Break everywhere, it’s all stuff that I like. It can be mindblowing art, political, or humor-based. It’s all art to me, and if it’s something that sparks my curiousity, I will try to reach out to them to see if they’re interested.

How have the artists responded to this project?

Everyone has responded with great enthusiasm so far. I think what helps is that I’m providing yet another way for these artists to express themselves, which is what artists do. So when given another avenue to do this, they often jump on it right away. Some take longer than others, but they always come through. It’s also great for the artists who have maintained anonymity for quite some time. This still allows them to remain anonymous. I’m not meeting up with them in person, talking to them on the phone, or anything like that. It stays strictly through email, so I think the feeling of safety has really allowed people to be willing to participate. I’ve met quite a few of these people since starting the project because I think it’s built a bit of trust, which is great. But if I never meet some of these people, I’m completely fine with that.

Have any particular responses to your questions surprised you?

I think the only response that has surprised me so far is one from last week’s Futura episode, where I asked him how important he thinks music is to his creative process. I was surprised when he, a legend — who has appeared on a Clash song, recorded music himself, and worked with musical artists such as UNKLE — replied, “Not that important.” But, we all get inspiration in different ways. He has great taste in music, regardless.

Who are some of the other artists you’d like to interview?

I have a laundry list. There are a few I’m actively trying to get, to the point where I might be annoying them. And some of them are long shots, but my wishlist in no particular order: Judith Supine, Jim Joe, ASVP, Paul Insect, Ron English, Neckface, Erik Yahnker, How & Nosm, Icy and Sot, Sheryo + The Yok, Adam Wallacavage, Skullphone, Raymond Pettibon, Cameron Gray, Asger Carlsen, ElSol25, Douglas Kolk, Swampy, David Shrigley, Stinkfish, Theo Rosenblum, Maurizio Cattelan, Trustocorp, Olek, Jean-Paul Malozzi, Faile. If anyone can help me out with any of these, please message me!

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I literally listen to it all. I’m a bit fan of 80’s synths, whether it’s synth pop or obscure minimal synth music — Gary Numan/Tubeway Army, all that stuff. I love 60s psych rock, hip hop, metal, John Fahey, Fennesz….I’m all over the map.

What do you think of New York City’s current street art scene?

I think it’s great! It’s really starting to gain some momentum too lately. Maybe I wasn’t as in tune with it a couple of years ago, but it seems like there’s a lot going on right now. It’s great seeing things like Hanksy’s Surplus Candy show, another Jim Joe solo show at the Hole, all these shows that Royce Bannon is curating, the Yoav Litvin Outdoor Gallery book. The New York City current street art scene is really bustling, and I think people are going to start to notice even more very soon.

What’s ahead for you?

I’m having a baby girl in a few weeks, so that’s first and foremost on my mind right now. But outside that, I just want to keep this project going for as long as I can. I have a lot of great artists lined up: Jilly Ballistic, Elle, Left Handed Wave, Don Pablo Pedro, C215, Beau, Cash 4, Hellbent, Joseph Meloy, Hanksy, N’DA….all very exciting. Stay tuned!

Congratulations! It all sounds great!

Images with links to their podcasts

1. Roycer 2. RAE 3. Enzo & Nio 4. OverUnder & 5. Tony Depew

Questions for Bomarr by City-as-School intern, Annie Loucka; interview edited by Lois Stavsky.

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