Street Artists

Street Art NYC in Dubai, Part I: Ruben Sanchez, Ivana Flores, Myneandyours, Enforce 1, Defs, Sya One and more

November 29, 2015

While at the NYU Abu Dhabi campus last week, I had the opportunity to visit neighboring Dubai. Though slow to embrace street art, Dubai does provide space for a limited selection of graffiti and street art pieces. The following were seen in the Al Quoz Industrial District, home to over 100 art galleries:

Ivana Flores, Myneandyours and Ruben Sanchez

To be identified

Enforce 1 and Defs

Sya One

Note: Although I did not get to see it, a new, huge mural by Ben Eine recently surfaced at the Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. And, also, this past month, pioneering New York street artist Richard Hambleton made his Dubai debut at the French restaurant, La Cantine du Faubourg. A more open attitude towards street art may not be that far away!

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Audubon Mural Project in Upper Manhattan with: Iena Cruz, Gaia, Hitnes, LNY and Mr. Mustart

November 18, 2015

A collaborative venture between the National Audubon Society and the Gitler & ____ Gallery, the Audubon Mural Project, has brought a series of tantalizing murals of climate-endangered birds to the late John James Audubon’s upper Manhattan neighborhood.

Iena Cruz, Tri-colored Heron, 432 West 163 Street, close-up

Gaia, Endangered Harlem, 1883 Amsterdam Avenue, close-up

Gaia, Endangered Harlem, the complete mural

Hitnis, Fish Crow, 3750 Broadway

LNY, Swallow-tailed Kite, 575 West 155 Street

LNY, Swallow-tailed-Kite, close-up

Mr. Mustart, House Finch, 5 Edward M. Morgan Place

Keep posted to our Facebook page and this blog for many more Audubon Mural Project images.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 4 & 6 Tara Murray; 3, 5, 7 & 8 Lois Stavsky

Note: This blog will be on vacation through Nov 28th. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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1xRUN Production Manager Brian Lacey in Detroit on 1xRUN, Graffiti, Limited Prints and Tag the Jewels

November 11, 2015

Based in Detroi’s Eastern Market district, 1xRUN is the world’s leading publisher of fine art editions for original art. Also host to Detroit’s Inner State Gallery, a world-renowned exhibition space, it works with established and emerging artists throughout the globe. When I stopped by on my recent visit to Detroit, I had the opportunity to speak to 1xRUN Production Manager Brian Lacey.

Can you tell us something about your role as 1xRUN production manager? Just what does your job entail?

I am involved with every step of the printing process. I communicate with the artists, set up files for printing, retouch images, trim prints, create certificates of authenticity and I place orders with vendors.

You are an artist. Is that what attracted you to this particular space?

Yes, as an artist I was drawn to this space. I have a background in graffiti and a degree from the College for Creative Studies, where I studied illustration and fine arts.

Has your experience as a graffiti writer impacted you?

Definitely! Graffiti is a great teacher. I learned a lot from it — on so many levels.

1xRUN collaborates with so many extraordinary artists. How do you select them? Is it a team effort?

Yes! It’s definitely a team effort. We have weekly sessions where a group of us meet to make curatorial decisions. Selections are made by the consensus of us all.

Has your position at 1xRUN presented any personal challenges?

As someone who loves working hands-on, I had to adjust to spending a lot of time in front of a computer. But it’s awesome to be able to look at art all day!

1xRUN is best-known for the first-rate prints it produces. Does it offer anything in addition to prints?

It does offer a number of original works, books and sketches.

binho-print-1xrun

What about the name 1xRUN?

It’s about offering limited editions of outstanding works that run for one time (1X) only. Too many print releases can devalue an artist’s work.

I can see that. I love these images on exhibit in Tag the Jewels. Can you tell us something about this project?

It is a partnership among Run The Jewels, 1xRUN and Mass Appeal. Graffiti artists from around the world created murals celebrating the one year anniversary of Run The Jewels 2 (RTJ2). On exhibit are 20 photos of these murals spanning six continents.

What a great concept! And what an amazing range of art on display throughout this space!

Images:

1. Brian Lacey to the right of his artwork, T002

2. Jesse Kassel and Elmer for Tag the Jewels

3. See One for Tag the Jewels

4. Binho for Tag the Jewels

5. Frop and Muso for Tag the Jewels

Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky

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Writers Block up in the Bronx: Rime, Mastro, Curve, Spot, Yes 1, Uncle Ro, Wen Cod, Rath, Danielle Mastrion, Lexi Bella, Ces and more

November 10, 2015

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

Curve

Spot and Acne aka Young Socrates

Yes 1 at work

Nero aka Uncle Ro

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

Rath at work

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

Ces checks it out

Note: First image features Jersey Joe aka Rime

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

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Lord K2 Turns His Lens on the Streets of NYC with Okuda, Buff Monster, Geobany, GumShoe, Icy and Sot & more

November 9, 2015

A huge fan of Lord K2’s photography and his outstanding book, Street Art Santiago, I was delighted to discover that Lord K2 has also been photographing NYC’s street art and graffiti. During his most recent stopover in NYC, I had the opportunity to speak to him.

Why NYC?

Because it is the epicenter of it all. It is where graffiti was born, and where the best artists from across the globe come to paint.

Any distinct standouts?

Os Gemeos immediately comes to mind. But just about every artist who has painted on the famed Bowery wall is extraordinary. And the L.I.S.A Project, too, has brought so many first-rate artists to Manhattan. My initial focus was just Manhattan because the borough attracts so many outstanding artists.

But you had begun to photograph beyond Manhattan.

Yes. I decided that I did not want to limit myself. And among the sites I’ve photographed outside of Manhattan are the Welling Court Mural Project in Astoria, Queens and the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn.

Many of your photos are in black and white. Why is that?

Too much color in a book can oversaturate the senses. And when I capture the artists in action, I find that limiting the image to black and white often creates a more satisfying overall portrait.

Any particular inspirations among the photographers out there?

I was definitely inspired by Martha Cooper’s work. And the late Garry Winogrand’s photos of Manhattan have influenced my approach to street photography.

How have the artists you’ve photographed responded to you?

They’ve all been welcoming and warm.

How long have you been working on this project?

I began two years ago Taking my time allows me to photograph the new art works that arise which, in turn, allows me to curate from a larger selection.

You spent a considerable amount of time in South America. What are some of the most striking differences between the street art scene here in NYC and what you experienced there?

I found that in South America the artists generally paint for the love of it. And making a living out of art is a bigger challenge in South America than it is here. In NYC, financial considerations come more into play, as many of the artists have more opportunities to get the attention of gallerists and collectors. Also, in South America lines are blurred between what is legal and what is illegal. There’s a general leniency towards unsanctioned art, while here in NYC painting illegally is quite problematic.

Absolutely! And accessing legal walls can be quite challenging! When can we expect to see you back in NYC?

I plan to return in the summer.

That sounds great! The walls are waiting for you!

Interview by Lois Stavsky; all photos Lord K2

Images: 1. Okuda 2. Buff Monster 3. SweetCrimes 4 .Geobany 5. GumShoe & 6. Icy and Sot

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The Z Garage as Urban Art Museum in Downtown Detroit: How & Nosm, Lucy McLauchlan, Pose & Revok, Saner, Cyrcle and Smash 137

November 6, 2015

Downtown Detroit’s hugely impressive, ten-story parking structure — known as the Z — serves as a canvas for artworks by over two dozen wonderfully talented artists. Like the Belt, it is a collaborative venture between Bedrock and the Library Street Collective. Here are several more close-ups from huge murals that I captured last week:

UK-based Lucy McLauchlan

Pose and Revok, MSK

Mexican artist Saner

LA-based Cyrcle

Swiss artist Smash 137

Note: The first image features a close-up from How & Nosm

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Street Art NYC in Downtown Detroit’s Belt Alley with: Tristan Eaton, Pose, Hoxxoh, Hush, Shepard Fairey, Vhils and Dave Kinsey

November 4, 2015

Showcasing a range of works by first-rate artists, Downtown Detroit’s Belt Alley is a wondrous open-air gallery. Here are a few more images I captured on my recent visit to the Belt, a collaborative venture between Bedrock Real Estate Services and the Library Street Collective.

Chicago-based Pose, close-up

Miami-based Douglas Hoekzema aka Hoxxoh, close-up

UK-based Hush

West Coast-based Shepard Fairey aka Obey

Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto aka Vhils

West Coast-based Dave Kinsey, close-up

The Belt is located between the two wings of The Z parking garage on Grand River and Gratiot Avenues in Downtown Detroit’s former garment district.

Note: First image is by West Coast-based Tristan Eaton

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with BG 183 Tats Cru at His Solo Exhibit in Hunts Point

November 2, 2015

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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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Monument Art in East Harlem and the South Bronx: Cero with El Mac, Faith 47, Luis R Vidal, Roa, Sego, Viajero, Ever and 2Alas

October 25, 2015

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

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

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

Roa‘s completed piece

Mexican artist Sego at work, 103 St & Madison Ave

Sego‘s completed mural

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

Viajero‘s completed mural

Argentine artist Ever at work on 99 St & 3 Ave

Ever‘s completed piece

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

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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London-Based Stik on His Iconic Character and His Newly Released Book

October 23, 2015

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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