Walls

Speaking with Magdalena Marcenaro aka Magda Love

June 5, 2013

During the past few weeks, Argentinian artist Magdalena Marcenaro aka Magda Love has brought beauty and intrigue to Brooklyn’s Pacific Street with her inventive and infectious murals. We recently met up with Magda and had the opportunity to pose a few questions to her.

When did you first share your vision in a public space?

The first time was earlier this year in Miami’s Arts Wynwood District.

What inspired you to do so?

I was offered a wall, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity. Growing up in Argentina, I know just how strong the impact of public art can be.

Any early memories of it?

I mostly remember the political slogans that surfaced throughout my native Buenos Aires.

What is your preferred medium for getting up on the streets?

I love wheat pastes. Its ephemeral nature adapts beautifully to the environment. And it keeps on evolving.

Have you a formal art education?

Not a formal one. But my father is a sculptor, and I grew up among artists. From an early age, I assisted my father in his studio. He used to tell me, “Magda, you have a special eye, and it will take you far.” And by age 18, I was working as a fashion designer and photographer and running my own business.

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

Just about all of it! When my 9-year-old son isn’t in school, he’s often with me in my studio.

Have you exhibited your work in galleries?

Yes. I’ve shown my work in Buenos Aires, New York and in Miami. I had a solo exhibition at Gowanus Print Lab here in Brooklyn. And I’ve also participated in group shows at the Scope Foundation, Miguel Paredes Gallery, Peanut Underground, BOOM, The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition and The Urban Folk Art Gallery.

What is your main source of income these days?

Art sales and commissions.

Are there any particular themes or ideas that drive your work?

I’m particularly interested in the connections we forge among one another and how we treat each other.

How has your art evolved through the years?

It has reflected my personal growth, as a woman and as a parent.

Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

I haven’t yet collaborated with anyone, but I’d love to.

Do you work from a sketch or do you just let it flow?

I don’t prepare a sketch – but I do have some images with me to give me a basic idea of where I’m going. But once I begin, my work takes on a life of its own.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

I know the next day.

Any favorite artists – particularly among those whose work you’ve seen on the streets?

Swoon, Rone, Roa, the Fleshbeck Crew, Reka, Lamour Supreme, Faile and Herakut come to mind.

What about cultures that have influenced your aesthetic? Are there any particular ones?

Certainly the Argentinian sensibility and its general openness to art. And from my father I developed a love for traditional German painters.

You moved to NYC 12 years ago. How does the general attitude towards art differ here from back home in Argentina?

Back in Argentina, people are more appreciative of art. There is more emphasis on culture, in general. And there’s more of a collective consciousness that its culture reflects. In Argentina, just about everyone goes to art fairs, not just a select few. But I do love the mix of cultures, along with the art that this mixture produces, here in NYC.

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

I don’t know if we can change the world, but we can make a difference.

What’s ahead?

I begin working this week with 5^th graders at PS 127 on an indoor mural project. This – I hope – will be the first of many collaborations in an educational setting. And I want to keep working on the streets and travel more in the years ahead. I’d also love to participate in street art festivals and events.

Tomorrow — June 6 from 7:00 P.M.- 8:30 P.M. — you can meet Magda, see her new works and view her mural room at Brooklyn’s NU Hotel, as she celebrates the unveiling of her murals commissioned by the Pacific Street Association.

7:00 P.M Meet-up in lounge of Nu Hotel

7:30 P.M. Walking tour of murals

8:30 P.M. Q&A and NU Hotel mural tour with Magdalena

R.S.V.P. to Events@independentcollection.com

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Rooftop Legends Celebrates Its Sixth Anniversary with: Marka27, Don Rimx, Fever, Part One, Smoke, Toofly, Werds, Dmote, Wane, Aplus, Slave, Dr. Revolt, Ces, KR.One, Pesu, QA, Vers & more

June 4, 2013

The rooftop of the former Seward Park High School on Manhattan’s Lower East Side has evolved into one of NYC’s most enticing graffiti canvases. Following is a sampling of what we saw this past Sunday as Rooftop Legends, curated by New Design High School dean, Jesse Pais, celebrated its sixth anniversary.

Marka27 and Don Rimx

Fever

Graffiti pioneer Part One

Smoke

Toofly and Werds

Style masters Shank aka Dmote, Wane and Aplus

KR.One

Photos by Lenny Collado and Tara Murray

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SinXero, Sien, Fumero and Joe Conzo Fashion a Soulful Ode to the Birthplace of Hip-Hop

June 3, 2013

Last Monday – Memorial Day – SinXero, Sien, Fumero and Joe Conzo brought their vision to a new legal wall in the Bronx. Inspired by SinXero’s memories of growing up on 181^st Street and Prospect Avenue, the collaborative mural pays homage to the roots of graffiti and hip-hop.

Located at 1401 Ferris Place, this mural is the first of four legal Bronx walls by the TAG Team — in collaboration with such legendary documentarians as Joe Conzo, Ricky Flores and Henry Chalfant. Sponsored by All City Paint, the murals are intended as a tribute to those who played a significant role in the development of the borough’s distinct culture that continues to impact the world. These walls also represent, SinXero reports, an effort to bring a new form of street art, grafstract— with its melding of styles — to the birthplace of it all. Here are a few more images:

Sinxero pastes up his iconic “Ode to the Streets” image. Photo by Trevon Blondet.

Close-up of SinXero image with Sien to the right. Photo by Tara Murray.

Sien at work. Photo by Trevon Blondet.

SinXero and Fumero in front of completed mural. Photo by Trevon Blondet.

Joe Conzo with image based on his photo of Bronx hip-hop legends, the Cold Crush Brothers. Photo by Trevon Blondet.

Close-up of Cold Crush Brothers. Photo by Lois Stavsky.

Westchester Square Plumbing Supply Co., Inc has provided TAG with multiple legal walls for this project.

All photos by Trevor Blondet, courtesy of SinXero — except for SinXero and Sien close-up by Tara Murray and final close-up by Lois Stavsky.

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Article Brings His Skills from Houston, Texas to 5Pointz, NYC

June 2, 2013

Of the many new pieces to surface at 5Pointz since it began its 11^th season last month, a particular stand-out is the huge mural by Phillip Perez aka Article. Curious about the artist behind this singular graffiti aesthetic, we posed some questions to him.

When did you start getting up?

I first started in Houston, Texas — back in 1992.

What inspired you at the time?

It started when my friend Big Mark aka KRAM, a B-Boy (Rock Skittles Krew) and a graffiti artist, showed me a video that featured break dancing and graffiti. Before then, I hadn’t seen anything like it. Two days after watching that video, I went bombing. I spray-painted in an alley behind my house.

Any memories that stand out from those early days?

A neighborhood hothead, SKEEZ 181, invited me to paint in a train yard for a graffiti battle. I don’t know how he got my number, but he did. He gave me a call one day and said he’d even pay for the paint and pick me up at my place. I was young and crazy, so I agreed. It was me and Ceroe against all of Hou-Tex freaks in a train yard in Denver Harbor. And as we were painting, a couple of train cops rolled up on Ceroe at the end of the car and start shooting at us. We all hopped about six sets of train tracks while dodging the bullets. Everyone got out of there alive. We even became good friends after. Never did like train yards, but I did it that once!

Have you any preferred surfaces?

No favorites. I’m a city bomber; any surface will do. The laws here don’t allow graffiti to live too long. A month maximum and bombs are buffed. So as a writer in Houston, you have to be very selective where you bomb. Location is key!

What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done?

I painted a wall along this railroad track with a couple of friends. Soon, the police rolled by and we were forced to hide in this ditch of muddy water amidst a horrible stench and a swarm of mosquitos. We couldn’t move or sneeze. The cops knew that there had been painting going on, as there was that strong smell of paint in the air. When the police left, we jumped out of there and ran. When we did, a police officer saw us, and hit full speed. To get away, we had to jump over barbed wire gates. We made it, but we separated as we dodged the cops. We met back up again about an hour later.

Have you ever been to jail?

Yes. When I was young, I went to jail for a lot of crazy things, but not for my graffiti art. I’d never go to jail for that. I’d feel too awful getting caught for my art.

Can you tell us something about some of the other writers down in Houston?

When I started out in the early 90’s, there were hardly any graffiti bombers. There were a few graffiti artists, though. Nekst and Vizie started here in the mid ’90’s and moved on to work with MSK — from what I understand. I respect those kids. They could have done anything in life, but they chose graffiti as a lifestyle. Episode, Color One, SKEEZ 181, The One Lee, Cease, Dual — are a few cats that live the lifestyle and keep things real in the H.

Who or what inspires you these days?

The lack of real graffiti nowadays is what inspires me to keep at it and teach it — when possible. This new generation needs to learn the foundation and history of this culture before they try to rub elbows with self-made artists. It’s a big let down when I meet a cat who can rock a 3-D but can’t paint regular letters or write with a nice hand style. But there are still sick artists coming out of the woodworks.

Are you down with any crews?

I’m in Hyroglifx Krew 182. We’re like a family here and help each other out. I don’t see it happening these days with many other crews. Internet crews have members who don’t even know each other. We were all born and raised in the North Central Houston.

Have you exhibited your work?

I have in the past few years, and I’m looking to exhibit more regularly.

Do you have a formal arts education?

No. My art have been my true education. It has taught me to write proposals and contracts, research history and conduct business. Art has taught me everything. When in school, I felt like the institution was misguiding me.

What’s the attitude of your family and friends towards what you do?

My mom bought me my first can. She has been supportive of the graffiti art, but not of the graffiti bombing. It’s a life style and culture. For me, graffiti is a rare art form. I often find myself explaining it to friends. I never get any real negative feedback from them, though.

What percentage of your time is devoted to writing?

It’s a balance. I have to maintain my commercial works and still fit in my street time. My heaviest bombing years were throughout the 90’s. I’ve had to slow down in the 2000’s because of paid gigs, which took up a lot of time and energy.

,Have you a steady day job?

Yup! I have an in-house art gig for a corporation. It helps me pay the bills and buy paint supplies. When I’m not working there, I do commission work for various people. Along the way, I’ve met a lot of actors, musicians and politicians who are interested in what I do. So luckily, I get to work for them and anyone else who needs art of any kind.

What about other interests?

Anything that is even vaguely art-related interests me. I’m also interested in history.

How has your work evolved throughout the years?

It’s evolved a ton. I taught myself foundation, structure, color schemes and balance. And through that learning process, my work naturally evolved into what it is today.

How did you connect with 5Pointz?

My boy Episode gave me Meres’s number and I texted him. A thousands miles later — with a hundred pounds of paint — I presented my layout to Meres, who approved the sketch and got me straight to work.

Can you tell us a bit about this image?

It’s a memorial wall — a tribute to the building representing the kings, the OGs of New York City graffiti. I don’t want to see the building torn down. With its gold background, the piece represents the significance of 5Pointz. The hieroglyphics are actually names of important writers such as Stay High 149, Dondi and IZ the Wiz, to name a few. And overall, the work represents the style of my crew. It’s an offering to the 5Pointz community and its importance in the movement. Even in Houston, we know its value.

Interview by Lenny Collado; photos by Lenny Collado, Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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It’s Been Busy at the Bushwick Collective — and It Will Get Even Busier at Sunday’s Block Party!

May 30, 2013

During the past few weeks, over a dozen first-rate artists have been busy gracing the walls of the Bushwick Collective with an extraordinary array of images. Here is a sampling of what’s been happening:

Brooklyn-based Beau Stanton at work

Zimad signs his piece

Sexer‘s completed masterpiece

Brett Flanigan and Cannon Dill — in from the West Coast

Col Wallnuts collaborates with Toofly

Brendon Rogers at work during his stopover in NYC

Creepy — in from Australia; segment of larger mural

Melbourne’s Facter at work

Brooklyn-based Sonni

And we can expect even more great art — along with: guest food trucks, Miami Food Machine, Mike N’ Willies and Hibachi Heaven; a beer tent, sponsored by Corona Familiar, Bodega Wine Bar, Pearls Social and Billy Club, Mesa Azteca and Codigo Music, LLC; several bands, including Wild Yaks, Dead Sexy Shelia, Big Volcano, Cardboard, Dian’s Coffee, Grand Resor and ShiShi and DJ Jah Star of Ninjasonik — at this Sunday’s block party celebrating the Bushwick Collective’s first anniversary. Bushwick Collective curator Joe Ficalora reports that among those artists painting live are: Franck Duval — in from Paris — on Flushing Avenue and Scott; Beau Stanton on Troutman between St. Nicholas and Cypress and Zimad and Sexer inside the beer tent, along with some surprise guests! Art, jewelry, clothing and more will be available from local merchants, and Limited Edition Bushwick Collective tee-shirts will be for sale. The official sponsor of this year’s event — held from 11am – 8pm at St. Nicholas Ave. and Troutman St. — is NOOKLYN.COM

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Onur Dinc

May 29, 2013

We discovered the wonderfully talented Onur Dinc while he was painting over at 5Pointz during his recent visit to NYC. We were delighted to have the opportunity to speak to him before he returned to his home in Switzerland.

Your artwork that has surfaced here at 5Pointz is exquisite. Have you a formal art education?

I apprenticed as a painter in my late teens. Then I studied set-design for four years in Solothum and graphic design for another three in Basel.

And when did you begin sharing your talents in public spaces?

Five years ago. That’s when I met Wes21 and KKade of the Schwarzmaler collective

We’re so glad you guys met! How do you feel about working outdoors in the public sphere?

It’s great. I love it, and I love meeting the many people who stop by.

How does your family feel about what you are doing? Are they supportive?

At first my parents didn’t encourage me. They were quite concerned. My dad, who had emigrated from Turkey to Switzerland, worked in a factory his entire life and felt uneasy about my not having a steady job. But these days, everyone in my family is proud of me and supportive.

What is your principal source of income these days?

Selling canvases and prints.

What about exhibits? When did you begin exhibiting your work in galleries? And where have you shown it?

I began six years ago when I was 27. I’ve exhibited in all of Switzerland’s major cities and in Germany.

Who are some of the artists who have inspired you?

The late Swiss painter, Ferdinand Hodler, and the contemporary Australian artist, Jeremy Geddess, come to mind. The American painter and photographer, Chuck Close, and the people around me — like Wes21, Schwarzmaler, Jörg Müller and Rodja Galli — have also influenced me.

What about artists getting up in public spaces? Have you any favorites?

I think Roa is wonderful. His skills are remarkable.

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

There’s too much information out there. There’s lots of dope work, but there’s also too much trash.

Any thoughts about artists — particularly street artists – working with corporations and brands?

I’ve done it, and I don’t like it. I often felt like I was selling myself.

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

I see the artist as society’s commentator and conscience, as well as its mirror.

What’s ahead?

I’d like to continue doing what I’m doing now. Painting both in my studio and in public spaces, exhibiting and traveling.

Good luck and we are eagerly awaiting your next visit to NYC.

Photo of Onur and Wes21 at work by Lenny Collado; all other images are courtesy of Onur.

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Girls on Walls, Part IX: Alice Mizrachi, Cake, Hef, Toofly, Os Gemeos, Noh J Coley and Swoon

May 28, 2013

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

Alice Mizrachi aka AM in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Cake in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Hef’s hastily-buffed piece in East New York

Toofly at the Bushwick Collective

Os Gemeos in Coney Island — since 2005

Noh J Coley at the Woodward Gallery Project Space on the Lower East Side

Swoon in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn garden

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Sonni

May 24, 2013

Argentinian artist Sonni Adrian has been delighting us New Yorkers with his bold colors and playful themes since he moved here in 2011. We recently had the opportunity to visit his studio and speak to him.

When did you first begin creating art?

When I was about seven years old, my parents enrolled me in an afterschool art program. I loved it, and I spent hours there every day.

What about getting your artwork up in public spaces? When did that first happen? And where?

I started getting up about eight years ago in Buenos Aires. I began first with stickers, and then I moved on to paste-ups and wheatpastes.

What was your subject matter back then – when you first began?

It was mostly back and white icons of playful inanimate characters.

What inspired you to get up on the streets?

I was bored at my day job – where I spent all my time creating artwork for commercial purposes.

Have you any preferred spots or surfaces?

As I paint with acrylic, I prefer flat surfaces, rather than walls with bricks. But I love integrating windows into my pieces and I like interesting textures.

How do your parents feel about what you are doing?

At first they didn’t understand it. But now they appreciate it.

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

Just about all of it!

What is the main source of your income as an artist?

I freelance as an art director for animation.

Have you a formal art education?

I studied graphic design for four years back in Argentina.

Have you any favorite artists? Influences?

I love Matisse. Among my influences are: Yoshitomo Nara, Japanese Kawaii style, and Disney’s first Mickey Mouse and Felix the Cat.

What about back in Argentina? Any favorite artists who paint in public spaces?

Tec, Chu, Ever, Kid Gaucho, Jaz, Gualicho, Parbo, Defi, BsAs Stencil, Pedro Perelman & run don’t walk are among my favorites.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

I love it all. All art that is on the street is “street art.”

How does the street art scene back in Buenos Aires compare to NYC’s?

There is much more freedom in Buenos Aires. You won’t go to jail there for painting on the streets. The atmosphere, in general, is more open and relaxed.

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

I always work with a sketch. My sketchbooks are my reference.

Are you generally satisfied with your final piece?

Never! I always feel I can do more.

You’ve had solo shows not only in Argentina, but in Miami and in NYC, and you’ve participated in group shows across the globe. Any thoughts about the move of street art into galleries?

It’s amazing! And a completely different experience. It’s quite a transition for any artist who is accustomed to painting on the streets.

What’s ahead?

I try not to think too much about that. But I know that I want to continue painting. I’m happiest when I’m painting, and I have quite a few exciting projects coming up. My long-term goal is to be able to do my own thing full time. And I would love to design a playground for children.

That sounds great! We’re certainly looking forward to that!

You can check out Sonni’s artwork tomorrow evening — as reMADE presents Sonni, Aaron Stewart, and Nile the Crocodile starting at 6pm at 469 DeKalb Ave.

Photos by Lenny Collado, Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Hellbent at Mighty Tanaka and on NYC Streets

May 22, 2013

Hellbent’s artworks — from his signature jawbone to his geometric abstracts – are among our favorites, both on the streets and in gallery settings. His current solo exhibit, Even Romantics Love Violence, at Mighty Tanaka, along with recent works that have surfaced on NYC streets, reflects his skillful use of colors and patterns.

Son of a Gun (The Vaselines), Spray Paint on Canvas — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Hellbent’s sculpted signature jawbone in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Benediction (Thurston Moore), 2013, Spray Paint on Raw Linen — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Treasure Hunters (Calvin Love) 2013, Spray Paint on Panel — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

And on the streets — at the Bushwick Collective with See One

On Bushwick door

And on the Bowery for New Museum’s Ideas City Festival

Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of Hellbent’s newest work to grace the walls of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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From Five Continents to 5Pointz: Onur, Wes21, Kkade, Semor, Vova Zomb, Toofly, eL Seed, Jaye, Meres, Funk, Zert, Stain, MiesOne & Article

May 16, 2013

Since 5Pointz began its 11th season earlier this month, its walls have served as a canvas for artists visiting NYC from across the globe. Here’s a sampling of what has surfaced in the past two weeks:

Onur, Wes21, Kkade from Switzerland and Semor from Germany