Street Artists

The walls along Meserole and Waterbury in Bushwick and on and near Borinquen Place in Williamsburg have become canvases for an extraordinary array of magical murals. They are among the highlights of the Juicy Brooklyn Art Festival launched by Exit Room. Here’s a sampling:

Spain-based Muro and Txemy

Muro-and-Txemy-street-art-Bushwick-Juicy-Art-Festival

Chilean artist Dasic Fernández

Dasic-street-art-Bushwick-NYC

Mexican artist Werc

Werc

Bogota-based Stinkfish

Stinkfish

Argentinian artist Ever at work with Zio Ziegler

Ever-and-Zio-Ziegler-street-art-Bushwick

Close-up from huge collaborative mural by Puerto Rican artists Rimx, SON and Ricardo Cabret

"Rimx, Son and Ricardo Cabret"

Mexican artist Marka27, close-up

Marca27-street-art-close-up-Juicy-art-Festival-NYC

The Juicy Brooklyn Art Festival begins today, Thursday June 5, at 270 Meserole Street in Bushwick and continues through Saturday. Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of more magical murals that are surfacing along Meserole and Waterbury.

All photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson — except for Stinkfish by Lois Stavsky

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Nick Kuszyk‘s impeccably-crafted robots are among NYC’s most seductive images.  With their bold colors and expressive movements, they brilliantly enhance our urban landscape.  I had the opportunity to speak to their creator, R. Nicholas Kuszyk aka RRobots, shortly before he left for his one-month residency in Jaffa, a seaport town on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

RRobots

When and where did you first get up?

It was back in 1993 in the suburbs of DC.

Had you any preferred surface or spot back then?

I hit whatever walls and trains I could.

Who or what inspired you at the time?

Cycle and Cool Disco Dan were among my main inspirations.

Rrobots

Do any early memories stand out?

My friend’s older brother had a black book and a copy of Videograf.  It seemed monumental. I was 12 years old when I discovered another reality.

How did your family feel about what you were doing?

My parents didn’t know what I was doing. But my family has always been supportive of my art. My mom is an interior decorator and my sister does cool drawings.

Were you ever arrested?

No. I never got caught.

rrobots

Most of us here identify you with your signature robot. Can you tell us something about it? When was it born?

It was born in 2000, and my first legal robot wall surfaced in 2002 in Richmond.  Since then, it has traveled to over a dozen cities in the US and abroad to Berlin, London, Prague and now to Tel Aviv.

Why a robot? What does this robot represent?

I like its simplicity, its universality. It’s up to you to decide what it represents.

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

It’s fine.

RRobots

Is there anyone with whom would you like to collaborate?

Satan.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?

The skateboarding culture and graffiti.

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

I always have a general idea of what I will be painting. But I don’t prepare sketches.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

It depends.

rrobots

Do you have a formal arts education? Was it worthwhile?

Yes.  I studied art at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts. It was definitely worthwhile, as it widened my perspective.

How has your work evolved in the past few years?

It has become more geometric, and the robots are becoming less central to my pieces and more integrated into them.

How do you see the role of the artist in society?

The artist is here to educate and to entertain. And the street artist has a distinct role – to increase property values.

Note: Nick’s exhibit, consisting of artwork created during his one-month residency, opens tomorrow, Thursday, June 5 at SAGA, a new space for art in Jaffa.

This interview was conducted by Lois Stavsky; photo 1 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn by Lois Stavsky; photo 2, courtesy SAGA; photo 3 at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens by Tara Murray; and photo 4, courtesy SAGA

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These past few days have been busy at the Bushwick Collective. New walls have been surfacing daily and the Collective has launched its first indoor exhibit. Here’s a bit of what we captured yesterday and Thursday:

Vexta‘s mural — as seen yesterday — and Vexta at work here

Vexta

Adam Fu at work yesterday

"Adam Fu"

Sexer‘s newly completed mural

Sexer

Solus — in from Dublin — at work yesterday

Solus

 Vers at work yesterday

Vers

FKDL — in from Paris — checks out his progress 

RKDL

FKDL inside the gallery

FKDL-art-exhibit

Jerkface begins

"Brian Jerkface"

Jerkface inside the gallery

"Brian Jerkface"

Also on view in the gallery — located at 426 Troutman Street — in the heart of the Bushwick Collective are works by: Blek le Rat, Solus, Rubin 415, Chris Stain, Dan Witz, Zimad, Joe Iurato, Sexer, Beau Stanton and Atom.   And at tomorrow’s block party you can see and celebrate it all with live street art, bands, food trucks, a beer tent and giveaways.

Photos of Vexta, Adam Fu, Solus and Vers by Lois Stavsky; of  FKDL, Sexer and Jerkface by Dani Reyes Mozeson; gallery images of  FKDL and Jerkface by Houda Lazrak

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Zio-Ziegler-for-PBteen-3

Celebrated for his tantalizing murals characterized by bold, primeval graphics, West Coast-based Zio Ziegler is one of our favorite artists. We’ve been huge fans since we discovered his distinct aesthetic on the streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn over a year ago.  A self-described entrepreneur, as well as an amazing artist, Zio Ziegler recently worked with PBteen to design a collection of bedding, backpacks, murals and more. We were delighted to meet him this past Wednesday evening at I. S. 289 in Tribeca, where he had been working with students as a visiting artist. Zio’s newest installation that was created for Hudson River Middle School was on view, along with selections from his just-launched PBteen collaboration. City-as-School student/intern Michelle Natanzon also had the opportunity to ask Zio a few questions:

What inspires your art?

My art is my personal response to the world. It comes from my soul. Literature is also an influence. I am trying to be less linear and more natural in my expression. The children here are wonderful teachers!

Zio-Ziegler-talks-t-students

How does working on a project for Pottery Barn differ from painting in your studio?

It is a matter of putting my art on a different kind of canvas. I need both experiences. I love working on projects.

Zio-Ziegler-for PBteen-Launch Event - Product -Display 1

What about companies? Have you any feelings about working with private businesses?

I don’t think of it in terms of “selling out.” It’s about using leverage with companies as a way to canvas the world. It gives me the opportunity to share my art with people who would not otherwise experience it. But I certainly would not change my style to fit the demands of any business.

Zio-Ziegler-interview copy

What about the streets? Would you rather work in your studio or paint on the streets?

Both. I like them both. I try to achieve a balance.

Zio-Ziegler-Mural at -IS 289

What has the experience of working with Pottery Barn been like? 

PBteen has been really great! (Excuse the shout-out!)  It is an ideal partnership. Pottery Barn, itself, started from a garage and is now global.

Note: You can meet Zio Ziegler tomorrow — Saturday afternoon — from 3-5 at PBTeen-NYC, 1461 Second Avenue and 76th Street.

Photos 1, 3, and 5 courtesy of PBteen; photo 2 of Zio at Hudson River Middle School by Lois Stavsky; and photo 4 of Michelle interviewing Zio by Houda Lazrak

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This is the fourth in a series of occasional posts featuring images of children that surface on NYC public spaces:

Joe Iurato in Bushwick

"Joe Iurato"

Danielle Mastrion at the Bushwick Collective

"Danielle Mastrion"

Chris Stain at the Bushwick Collective

"Chris Stain"

Stinkfish in Bushwick for the Juicyartfest

"Stinkfish"

Icy and Sot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn

"icy and sot"

Zimer in Bushwick for the Bushwick Collective

Zimer

Photos of Danielle Mastrion and Zimer by Dani Reyes Mozeson; of Joe Iurato, Chris Stain, Stinkfish and Icy and Sot by Lois Stavsky

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Imagination in Space – a group of talented artists repurposing the use of city space as an alternative to traditional galleries – brought their vision to the East Village this past Tuesday.  In partnership with London-based We Are Pop Up and NYC-based watchmaker Martenero, The Allies have launched their model of “borderless creativity” at 37 East First Street. Among the works featured are quite a few of interest to us street art aficionados. A small sampling follows:

UK graffiti pioneer Inkie

Inkie

London-based Elmo Hood

Elmo-the-Allies

Brooklyn-based Misha T

Misha-T-Field-of-Dreams-Imagination-in-Space-The-Allies1-1024x906

From the launch with noted culture critic Carlo McCormick in attendance (bottom, right)

Allies-5.20-launch

carlo-McCormick-5.20-0764

And a close-up of the backyard — — transformed by Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture students — the setting of its daily morning yoga classes

The Allies-backyard-east-village

Also on view and for sale are works by NYC-based photographer Joey L, illustrator Sam Spratt and multi-media artist Yazmany Arboleda, along with Martenero‘s customized automatic watches and selections from Heidi Gardner’s esoteric jewelry designs.  Perceiving its space as an alternative to traditional galleries, The Allies aims to transform city spaces into pop-up galleries — more vibrant and accessible than traditional art-sales venues.  You can visit the space through Tuesday at 37 East First Street.

Photos of Elmo and backyard by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all other courtesy of The Allies

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Universal-Weapon-Exit-Room-NY

Barcelona-based Txemy creates innovative, colorful images composed with lively lines and strokes.  Muro is best-known for his fanciful characters — in a variety of uncanny situations — that make their way onto city walls. The current exhibit — “Universal Weapons” at Exit Room NY — features a range of intriguing work from both Spanish artists, including some beguiling collaborations. Here’s a sampling:

 Txemy and Muro, Untitled, Mixed media on paper

Muro-and-Txemy-at-Exit-Room-NY

Txemy, Tiro al Aire, Spray paint on paper

Txemy

Muro, Alphabet “H,” Mixed media on paper

Muro

Txemy and Muro, Untitled, Mixed media on paper

"Txemy and Muro"

 Txemy, Weapons, Spraypaint on paper

Txemy

Final photo by Rachel Fawn Alban; all others by Lois Stavsky; image on Exit Room door by Icy & Sot. 

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RAE BK in Africa

Brooklyn-based RAE — whose folksy sculptures, stickers, paste-ups and paintings on NYC streets always delight us — recently returned from Ethiopia.  And we had some questions for him:

What took you to Ethiopia?

I had connected with the non-profit organization H2 Empower Inc that had recently completed construction of the first community library in the town of Hosanna.

"RAE in Ethiopia"

What was your role there?

I worked with kids building sculptures out of found objects and painting the walls outside.

"RAE street art"

Those of us who follow you on Instagram had the opportunity to witness an exhibit, as well – with goats in attendance!

Yes, we staged an exhibit in the living room of the home of a local family we met in town.

"RAE in Ethiopia"

How did it all culminate?

We successfully raised funds to furnish an empty, unused wing of the Alemu Woldehanna Community Library with tables, chairs and a computer station.  That financial goal has been met, and the furniture making will soon be in production.

" RAE street art in Ethiopia"

Who will be involved in the next step?

The students at the nearby School For The Deaf in Hosanna, Ethiopia will be making the furniture.

"RAE stickers in Ethiopia"

It all sounds great! Welcome home!

Photos courtesy of the artist

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Following its hugely successful presence in last week’s Fridge Art Fair, The Sticker Social Club was invited to participate in this weekend’s LIC Arts Open. During the opening reception this past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak to Cosbe, an active member of the the club, along with one of its newer members, Fling.

"Kainjune"

Tell us something about the beginnings of the club. When and how did the idea of a sticker club begin?

Cosbe: It began about two years ago.  This Is Awkward and I were looking for a way to involve more people in what we were doing, and we wanted a place where we could all meet up. Also, that was the year that Red Bull sponsored me to exhibit at the Scope Art Fair. And I wanted to have some fun with my friends before heading down to Miami for Art Basel.

"sticker social club"

DB Burkeman, the author of Stickers: Stuck-Up Piece of Crap: From Punk Rock to Contemporary Art, says that one aspect of the club that he loves is that “it’s like a swap club. Not everyone can draw!” And This Is Awkward, who loves “the idea of sharing, trading and creating art that can then go out to a broader public,” suggests that the Social Sticker Club “helps to facilitate our collective need to create.” What is the purpose of the club? Has it any one goal?

Cosbe: No, it doesn’t have any one specific purpose. It’s organic and  always evolving.

"Wisher 914"

Where do club members meet?

Cosbe: That varies. We’ve met at Governors Island, at Katz’s Deli, in Dumbo…

"This is awkward"

It was originally called the Secret Sticker Club? Why the name change?

Fling: The secret is out!

Fling

How did you find out about it, Fling?

Fling: I first met Cosbe and Wisher 914 when they were painting at Welling Court. We then ran into each other again at Comic Con.

Ryan-Roi-sticker-social-club-LIC-Arts-Open

What keeps you coming back?

Fling: I’ve met so many great people, and I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with artists such as Cosbe, CB 23, Roycer and Abe Lincoln, Jr.

"Abe Lincoln. Jr."

About how many members does the club have?

Cosbe: Somewhere between 50-60.

Baser

What’s ahead? 

Cosbe: More stickers, more shows and more interesting places to meet. We’re also working with Bomit to organize something on a large scale that involves other cities.

"Sticker Social Club"

You guys have been quite a hit here in Long Island City – both at the Fridge Art Fair and at the launch of the LIC Arts Open.  Your installation is amazing, and you’ve worked so hard. You are also so welcoming.  Everyone is invited to create a sticker, share it and sell it. yungmoonshine, who met up with you guys at this space during the Fridge Art Fair last week, reports that she now has not only “a space and materials to make stickers,” but “also new friends to share materials and make stickers with.”  What has this experience been like for the two of you?

Cosbe: It was more than I had expected. I’m grateful to StreetArtNYC for making it possible.

Fling:  It’s been a great learning experience. I’ve learned so much – how to build walls, curate, install…

You can visit the Social Sticker Club today and tomorrow — from 12-6pm — at 525 46th Avenue off Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City.

LIC Arts Open

Photos: 1. Kaijune by Rachel Fawn Alban; 2. SSC at “LIC Arts Open” reception by Rachel Fawn Alban; 3. Wisher 914 by Rachel Fawn Alban; 4. This Is Awkward by Lois Stavsky; 5. Fling by Lois Stavsky 6. Ryan Roi at LIC Arts Open reception by Lois Stavsky; 6. Abe Lincoln, Jr. by Lois Stavsky; 7. Baser collage by Lois Stavsky and 8. SSC at “LIC Arts Open” reception by Lois Stavsky

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With its vibrant colors and swooping shapes, Chor Boogie’s art is charged with a sumptuous intensity. Earlier this year he shared his visions with us New Yorkers at 5 Bryant Park.  It was a great opportunity to speak to him and find out a bit about this talented artist.

"Chor Boogie"

When and where did you first get up?

I began tagging in Oceanside in San Diego, California in 1993.

Who or what inspired you at the time?

I liked the illegal aspect of it. I had no particular inspiration. But I looked up to Phase2, Riff 170 and Vulcan.

Do any early memories stand out?

Getting arrested. It happened when my father was moving from one house to another. He trusted me to hold down the house. But one night I decided to invite a bunch of graffiti kids over. By the end of the night, six or seven of us got together and started tagging down this huge highway. We were wasted, drinking OEs and doing all sorts of stupid things. I got the idea to hit the wall closest to the freeway, so I climbed down.  All of a sudden, police came racing down the highway for us.

"Chor Boogie"

What was the outcome?

I was arrested along with Bash, a writer who ratted me out giving the police my name and everything. I was faced with a judge that was ready to put me away for some time. Luckily, I had my grandma. She hooked me up with a criminal lawyer who managed to get the judge switched. And he managed to get a judge for my case who loved art. This judge requested that I bring my portfolio to court. When she saw it, that’s all she could speak about. While the prosecuting lawyer was badmouthing me, all she could do was  look at my art. She ended up giving me three years’ probation, a $500 fine and no community service. She also said that I had to paint a mural for the holidays — that I had to paint it and show her a picture of it when I returned to court. I returned with a picture of Santa Claus.

How did your family and friends feel about what you were doing?

My friends were writers so it was cool. My mom was cool about it too. She had my back. But I had to keep it a secret from my father. He found out eventually. He was not thrilled.

Chor-Boogie-spray-cans

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

I don’t use the word “graffiti.” I call it Modern Hieroglyphics or Street Romantic Voodoo. Graffiti sounds dirty. Graffiti is a government term that had nothing and has nothing to do with our art form.

What about the movement of street art into galleries?

It’s already been there. People just want to act as if it’s a new thing.

Where would you like to paint?

I’d like to paint anywhere. But if it was the end of the world, I’d have to say Australia. It’s all the way out there in the middle of nowhere. It’s the land down under.

Do you prefer working alone or in collaborating with others?

Alone mainly. Collaborating can be interesting. Sometimes it’s fun. Sometimes it’s b.s. It can be a hassle. But I’ve had good collaborations.

"Chor Boogie"

With whom would you like to collaborate?

I’ve painted with Phase2 and that was a dream. I’d like to paint with Vulcan. I would have gotten down with painters like Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dali, Michael Angelo and Caravaggio, if they were still with us.

What inspires you these days?

Music.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?

The hip-hop culture.

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

No. I stopped using sketches ten or twelve years ago.

"Chor Boogie"

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

Yes! I don’t leave it until I am.

When you look back at what you did in the last few years, how do you feel?

How can I not feel good? I feel grateful about everything coming my way.

What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?

The Internet is one more tool of communication. I have nothing against it.

Do you have a formal arts education?

No. The street was my sketchpad.

"Chor Boogie"

What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done?

If I tell you, somebody’s going to jail.

What do you think is the role of the artist in society?

He’s the rat in the rat race trying to get the cheese.

What percentage of the time do you devote to your art?

One hundred percent.

Interview with Chor Boogie conducted by Lenny Collado aka BK Lenny and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos 1-3 at 5 Bryant Park by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 4. Wynwood, Miami; 5. Beacon, NY and 6. Washington DC by Lois Stavsky

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