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Girls on Walls, Part XI: Cern, Judith Supine, Cake, Djalouz and Doudou, Bunny M, Groundswell Mural Project and Kimyon Huggins

November 5, 2013

This is the eleventh in a series of posts featuring images of girls — and women — who grace New York City’s public spaces:

Cern in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Judith Supine in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Cake in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Parisian artists Djalouz and Doudou at 5Pointz in Long Island City, Queens

Bunny M in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

A Groundswell Mural Project with Crystal Clarity as lead artist in Hunts Point, the Bronx

Kimyon Huggins in Manhattan

Photos of Cern, Bunny M and Kimyon Huggins by Dani Reyes Mozeson; of Judith Supine, Cake, Djalouz and Doudou, Groundswell Mural Project and Kimyon Huggins by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Miles Wickham aka RESKEW

November 3, 2013

Based in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Miles Wickham aka RESKEW surfaced on the NYC graffiti scene in 2000. These days, he is best-known for his outstanding graffiti tutorials, his community outreach and the abstract graffiti-infused works that he creates on a range of surfaces from canvases to sanctioned public spaces.

When and where did you first get up?

It was back in 1999 in Brooklyn. I was a 15 year-old high school student when I noticed one of my classmates tagging a gym mat. It looked like a cool thing to do, and we — ZIP ONE and I — became friends. That was the beginning.

Have you any earlier graffiti-related memories that stand out?

As a young child growing up in Italy, I could see the main train station from my fifth floor window. I was fascinated by what seemed like shifting colors in motion. I didn’t even know at the time that it was graffiti.

Here in the States, did you represent any crews or did you paint alone?

Both. I’m part of All City Crew, an old school NYC graffiti crew, and MBK, a west-coast graffiti crew that started in El Paso, Texas.

What is the riskiest thing you did?

Hitting tunnels while trains were whizzing by and climbing heights without knowing how I’d get down from them.

Why were you willing to take these risks?

I liked the tremendous sense of freedom it offered. And it was fun.

Have you ever been arrested?

About six times. A number of years back, I faced a year in prison for bombing a subway tunnel. But as there wasn’t enough evidence to support the charges against me, I was given community service instead. And that’s what led to my tutorials. I knew that I had to stop getting up illegally, and I wanted to help others avoid some of the frustrations I felt.

Can you tell us something about the tutorials?

In January 2010, I created my first instructional graffiti and art tutorial to teach basic graffiti techniques and to encourage beginners to take their skills to a higher level. I personally answer all questions via email or through comments. It’s been extraordinarily successful with my You Tube channel gaining subscribers daily.

That sounds great! Getting back to your work — do you work with a sketch-in-hand or do you just let it flow?

I let it flow. I hate plans.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

It’s not finished until I’m satisfied with it.

Do you have a formal art education?

No. But I’ve always been drawing.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art these days?

Anywhere between 50 -70%. I also act, practice martial arts and cater. Catering helps pay the bills.

How do your parents feel about what you are doing?

They’re supportive.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?

I’m influenced by ancient scripts.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

Street artists and graffiti artists need to learn how to get along and respect one another. Graffiti writers generally take far more risks than street artists. And street artists need to respect that and stop going over graffiti.

Any favorite arists?

Van Gogh.

How has your work evolved in the past few years?

My flow and general skills have improved. I express myself better through line movement.

Have you any thoughts about the movement of graffiti into galleries?

It’s great.

Your work’s been exhibited at Park Slope’s Ground Floor Gallery, and it graces its gate, as well. Where else have you exhibited?

I’ve shown in a range of exhibits and spaces. Among them: the Writers Strike exhibit at the Lott Gallery in Chelsea; a solo show at the Sapphire Lounge on the Lower East Side and the Brooklyn Workshop Gallery, where I also worked as a teaching artist.

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

It’s a good thing. It makes art more accessible to many more viewers. It also serves as the platform for my tutorials.

Have you any feelings about the photographers/bloggers in the scene?

Most don’t know as much as they should. Their scope is, generally, limited.

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

To remind us that creative expression exists and to inspire us get in touch with our own.

What’s ahead?

Painting more and continuing to inspire the masses to discover and express more of who they really are.

Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky.

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Faces in NYC Public Spaces, Part VI: Rimx, Axel Void, Danielle Mastrion, Ever, Andre Trenier and Nicer

October 31, 2013

This is the fifth in an ongoing series featuring the range of faces that surface daily in NYC’s open spaces:

Rimx in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Axel Void in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Danielle Mastrion painting young Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai at the Bushwick Collective

Ever in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Andre Trenier in Inwood, Manhattan

Nicer, Tats Cru at Hunts Point in the Bronx

Photos of Rimx and Axel Void by Tara Murray; of Danielle Mastrion and Ever by Dani Reyes Mozeson and of Andre Trenier and Nicer by Lois Stavsky

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Hani and FIT Students: 60 Artists-60 Pieces-#Chalk FIT

October 30, 2013

This past Saturday, the masterful chalk artist Hani Shihada — known for his stunning images that have surfaced on NYC’s pavement for decades — brought his skills to FIT on 27th Street and 7th Avenue. On Monday, it was the students’ turn. Here are a few images captured on Monday afternoon from the project: 60 Artists/60 Pieces/#Chalk FIT:

Students at work in a range of styles and themes

From the whimsical

To the gory — in the spirit of Halloween

Photos by FIT graduate Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Speaking with Zed1

October 29, 2013

With his wondrous skills, Italian artist Zed1 has been enhancing the walls of our city. His signature characters have recently surfaced in Brooklyn and at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens. Earlier this month, we stopped by Williamsburg’s Bottleneck Gallery, where he was painting, and had the chance to speak to him.

When and where did you first get up?

Back in ’93 in Tuscany. I was 16. I started the way just about every graffiti artists does – with tags and letters.

What inspired you?

A friend showed me photos of graffiti walls in the U.S. that he had discovered in a book store. And then when I began hitting walls, it seemed like the perfect way for me to express myself.

What is the riskiest thing you did?

Painting on moving trains.

Why were you willing to that that risk?

I love making people happy by bringing trains to life. I also like the adrenalin rush that comes with painting trains.

Have you ever been arrested?

I was stopped only once. But the police liked what I was doing and let it go. The whole attitude towards graffiti is different back home and the police are different. They are more relaxed.

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

I like the freedom that comes with working without a sketch. But if the wall that I’m doing is especially challenging, I usually bring a sketch with me.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

No. It always seems incomplete to me. It never feels finished.

How has your work evolved through the years?

It has evolved tremendously. I started off as a graffiti writer, but now I am more of a muralist. Also, I am much more concerned with the concept behind the work than I used to be. And I’m intent on communicating with the public.

Could you tell us something about your second-skin work – the pieces you create that evolve into something different with time?

I came up with the idea about two years ago when I created an animal with the head of a man that peels away to reveal another face. I love giving folks the opportunity to interact with my work and play with my art. And there’s a message here: We all see things differently. We each have our own perspective. And if you want to understand another person’s way of perceiving the world, you must change heads.

That certainly makes sense! Do you prefer working legally or illegally?

I like both. Working illegally give me more freedom, but working in a sanctioned space gives me more time.

Have you exhibited your work in a gallery setting?

I much prefer to paint on the streets. It is far more democratic. I don’t like most galleries, and I don’t paint to get the attention of gallerists. I’d rather paint on a public wall than on a canvas. That way I can share my work with everyone, not just the elite. But I am beginning to show my work in galleries that respect my vision.

Have you a formal art education?

No. I studied graphic design, but I was never a good student.

How do your parents feel about what you do?

They don’t understand. My mother tries to, but my father has an entirely different notion of “success” that’s tied in with material things.

Do you make money from your art? What is the main source of your income?

I earn money by doing commissions and I sell art. Art is my life.

Is there much of a graffiti/street art divide back home?

Not as much as here, and the lines continue to blur. Festivals invite both graffiti writers and street artists, and many writers include characters in their pieces. But there is some tension, as far fewer people understand graffiti. Street art is far more accessible to most folks.

Have you painted in other countries – besides Italy and the US?

I’ve painted in Denmark, Romania, Norway, Spain, the UK and Brazil.

Have you any favorite places to paint?

I especially like to paint in poor, run-down neighborhoods. I like interacting with the people who live in them, and I like enhancing their spaces.

Any favorite arists?

Particular favorites include: Blu, Banksy and Os Gemeos.

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

It is very important. It has given birth to many careers.

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

I can’t speak for other artists. But my role is to communicate with people by bringing beauty into their lives and raising issues they might not – on their own — think about.

What’s ahead?

More travel. I love painting in different countries. And more artworks and videos illustrating my second skin concept.

Interview by Lois Stavsky; photos 1,2, & 3 Zed1 in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn by Tara Murray; photo 4 at Welling Court and photo 5 at Bottleneck Gallery by Lois Stavsky; photo 6 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn by Dani Reyes Mozeson, and final photo in Greenpoint, Brooklyn by Tara Murray

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Swoon and Groundwell Youth Grace Famed Bowery Wall with Elegant Hurricane Sandy-Themed Mural

October 28, 2013

Working together with Groundswell teens who had been affected by Hurricane Sandy, Swoon has been busy gracing the famed wall at Bowery and Houston with an elegant Sandy-themed mural. The mural’s official unveiling takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, October 29^th. Here are some images of the work in progress:

Neenee

Another close-up

Groundswell youth at work

The mural as seen on Thursday

Photos 4 and 5 by Tara Murray; all others by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Speaking with Luis “Zimad” Lamboy

October 24, 2013

South Bronx native Luis “Zimad” Lamboy began gracing walls with his graffiti skills at age 14, and had his first exhibit at Fashion Moda in 1984. Since, he has exhibited his artwork in galleries world-wide and continues to share his skills on public spaces across the globe. Tomorrow evening, he will be showing a series of new paintings – alongside James Sexer Rodriguez — at Rogue Gallery Chelsea, 508 West 26^th Street.

When and where did you first get up?

It started back in 1979. I grew up in the South Bronx on 156^th and Courtland, and that’s where I first got up.

What inspired you?

Throw-ups and bombs were everywhere. I especially loved what I saw on the handball courts. There was FDT 56, KID 56, Mad2 and the Bronx Artists crew.

Have you any early graffiti-related memories that stand out?

I remember the time I shocked my arm in the lay-ups. It became numb, but I continued bombing. That same night we got chased out of the lay-ups by workers in the middle of the night. I remember running down Pelham Parkway, while the MPC Crew were throwing rocks and bottles at us. That was a night!

Did you represent any crews?

Crews I’ve painted with include: BA, OTB, DWB, TCM, CWK and TD4.

What is the riskiest thing you did?

Hitting up a white train on an elevated track wearing a red bubble coat in broad daylight. I had people yelling at me from the street.

How did your family feel about what you were doing?

My mom said, “You better be careful.” My father never acknowledged what I was doing. I really don’t know if he knew or not.

Have you ever been arrested?

A few times. Not too many. I remember when I was locked up with Sexer for painting a handball court right across from a police station. Just as we were finishing it, the entire precinct came out and surrounded us. We got off easily, though. We were charged with criminal mischief and had to pay a $50.00 fine.

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

I used to sketch out my letters before hitting a wall. But I mostly let it flow.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

Lately I’ve been. But I have mixed feelings about some of my earlier pieces

Do you have a formal art education?

I’m self-taught. I’ve been drawing since I was five years old. I learned just about everything I know from the streets. And in my mid-20’s, I attended FIT. The classes that I took there helped me fine-tune my skills.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?

The spiritual life has been my greatest influence. I’ve been particularly inspired by Sacred Geometry.

Any other inspirations?

Basquiat. Just watching the movie inspires me.

Do you prefer working with others? Or would you rather paint alone?

When I’m outside, I prefer working with others. I collaborate lots with Sexer these days. But when I’m in my studio, I like to paint alone.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

Graffiti writers often feel that street artists disrespect them. And, unlike graffiti writers, many street artists have formal art educations. This, too, leads to tensions between the two, as street artists have a different take on it all and are more accepted by the art establishment. Their work is also more accessible to most people.

Why do you suppose the art world has been so reluctant to embrace graffiti?

Well, it’s the only element of hip-hop that’s illegal. And that’s a problem. Gallery owners don’t want the police knocking on their doors.

Any favorite arists?

Doze Green, Mars1, Dondi and Basquiat.

How has your work evolved in the past few years?

I leave graffiti for the walls. In my studio I continue to move in the direction of fine arts. When I am painting in my studio, I am building a legacy.

Have you any thoughts about the movement of graffiti into galleries?

I think it’s great, but once it’s in a gallery, it’s not graffiti. It’s aerosol art.

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

On the positive side, it gets my work out all over the world. But it also makes it too easy for people to imitate one’s work.

Have you any feelings about the photographers in the scene?

Some are good; some aren’t. But I think if a photographer sells his photos, he should share his profits with the artists.

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

To invite the public into their world. To share their story with others.

What do you see as the future of graffiti?

Graffiti is the biggest art movement in the world. It will continue to grow.

What about you? What’s ahead for you?

For me, I will continue to create every day of my life and share what is on my mind through my art for the world to see.

Interview by Lois Stavsky; Photo 1, Zimad as a young teen, courtesy of the artist; photo 2, Zimad at the Bushwick Collective by Tara Murray; photo 3, Zimad at 5Pointz by Lois Stavsky; photo 4, Zimad at 5Pointz by Tara Murray; photo 5, Zimad on canvas by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with James “Sexer” Rodriguez

October 23, 2013

Active on the streets of NYC for over 30 years, James Sexer Rodriguez has also achieved wide commercial success as a designer. His works on canvas, fusing elements of graffiti and realism, have been exhibited in galleries in NYC, the Caribbean and in Europe. His upcoming exhibit, Urban Convictions, will feature his new works — alongside new paintings by Zimad — this Friday evening at Rogue Gallery Chelsea, 508 West 26^th Street.

When and where did you first get up?

I started tagging in notebooks when I was about 10. By the time I was 13, I was hitting the walls in the South Bronx with tags. And within a short span of time, the tags evolved into pieces.

What inspired you?

My ex-brother-in-law was a writer with B.A. (Bronx Artists), and my entire neighborhood was a breeding ground for writers.

Have you any early graffiti-related memories that stand out?

We used to steal ink from the supermarket and make our own markers. I remember spilling the ink all over myself, as I was getting ready to go bombing.

Did you represent any crews?

I was president of BA (Bronx Artists); other crews I represented include OTB, SYB, SSB and12 Disciples.

Have you ever been arrested?

I was caught several times, but booked only once – for a misdemeanor for public defacing. Basically, the police didn’t want to do the paper work, and so they just let me go. Things were different back in the day and they actually let us finish the pieces.

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

My mom was oblivious to just how illegal graffiti was, but she always knew where I was going and what I was doing.

What is the riskiest thing you did?

Painting pieces in a tunnel with a one-inch clearance between the train and the wall.

Why were you willing to that that risk?

I wasn’t thinking! I was looking for fame. You couldn’t pay me to do it now!

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

About 90% of the time I work with a sketch. What I do these days is largely conceptual, and it takes planning.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

I work on it until I am satisfied with it.

Have you a formal art education?

I went to Art & Design High School, where I was around writers like Doze, Crash and Seen, Paze, Size, Ence. I also attended FIT and did some courses at Parsons.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

95% of it. I live off my art. My kids and my art are my life.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?

I wouldn’t say I’ve been influenced by any specific cultures. But life, itself, and growing up in the South Bronx and New York City have probably been my main aesthetic influences.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

I don’t like labels. I’m originally a graffiti artist, but I like street art. Street artists may use different techniques and tools, but they have given us all – including galleries — a new lease on life. Just look at all the attention Banksy and the art community have been getting since he began his residency on NYC streets!

How do you feel about that – the attention that Banksy has been getting?

It’s good. It keeps the art community healthy.

Why do you suppose the art world has been so reluctant to embrace graffiti?

Probably because of graffiti’s association with vandalism. It’s problematic to many.

Any favorite arists?

Certainly Picasso. He had so many styles and could do just about anything. Among graffiti writers, my favorites include Seen, Doze Green, Duro, Pase and Crash

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

It’s a blessing. You don’t have to have a million dollars to market yourself. The Internet has become a vital tool.

Have you any feelings about the photographers in the scene?

I am thankful for their coverage. But it’s important that they ask the artist’s permission and that they credit the artist whose work they are photographing.

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

The artist has a responsibility to share his God-given talents with the world.

What do you see as the future of graffiti?

Graffiti is here to stay. It’s exciting and invigorating, and it is attracting an increasingly diverse following.

What about you? What’s ahead for you?

Well, after so many years of painting and striving for better and better, there’s only one direction for me: UP. I refuse to stop. I will continue to document my imagination and my emotions on whatever surface is in front of me. I love sharing my art.

Interview by Lois Stavsky; photo 1, close-up from Sexer’s new self-portrait, courtesy of the artist; photos 2 and 3, from Sexer’s solo exhibit at 5Pointz, by Dani Reyes Mozeson; photos 4 and 6, with Zimad at 5Pointz, by Lois Stavsky; photo 5, Sexer painting at 5Pointz, by Tara Murray

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Guys on Walls, Part IV: Banksy, Peat Wollaeger, Icy and Sot, Dr. Revolt, Manny Vega and Owen Dippie

October 22, 2013

This is the fourth in an occasional series featuring images of males who surface on NYC public spaces:

Banksy on Manhattan’s Lower East Side

Peat Wollaeger at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

Icy and Sot in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Dr. Revolt in the East Village

Manny Vega in East Harlem

Owen Dippie in Bushwick

Photo of Banksy by Lenny Collado; of Peat Wollaeger and Manny Vega by Lois Stavsky; of Icy and Sot and Owen Dippie by Tara Murray; of Dr. Revolt by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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From Luis “Zimad” Lamboy’s Blackbook: Pieces, Tags and Characters

October 17, 2013

The second in a series of blackbook posts features pages from the blackbook of the wonderfully talented Luis Zimad Lamboy, who began hitting the handball courts of the South Bronx over 30 years ago and is now getting ready — along with James Sexer Rodriguez — for his first Chelsea gallery exhibit.

With tagged trains

With old school character and Jesus Saves tag

Art Junkie

With Thor

Homage to TD4

All images from Zimad’s black book.

Zimad, along with James Sexer Rodriguez, will be exhibiting new pieces next Friday, October 25th, 6-10pm, at Rogue Gallery Chelsea, 526 West 26th Street. Info and interviews with both artists to soon follow.

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