art exhibit

From São Paulo to New York City: SALMOS Brings FRACTURED FAIRY TALES to the Martinez Gallery in Harlem

November 15, 2016

Born in Brazil in 1982, SALMOS first made his mark in São Paulo’s public spaces and freight trains as ISHI. In 2004, he opened his own tattoo store, and ten years later, he emerged as SALMOS, Sou Artista Livre Mais Ouseda de São Paulo, “the most daring free artist in Sao Paulo.” His current work — both indoors and outdoors — is largely a delightful fusion of graffiti writing and classic comic characters. This past Saturday, SALMOS‘s first NYC solo exhibit, FRACTURED FAIRY TALES opened at the Martinez Gallery. While visiting, I had the opportunity to speak to the artist.

When did you first hit the streets?

Back in 1996-97. I was 14 at the time.

What motivated you to do so?

I was drawn to the streets. Pixação — in particular — inspired me. And I came up with the idea of integrating comical characters into my writing.

Can you tell us something about these characters? What is their appeal to you?

They are magical! They fuse the nostalgia that adults feel with the mystification children experience.

And how do you choose your characters? Why — for example — Garfield?

I love the ones that make me feel like I am a kid again! Garfield enchants me!

And what brought you here to NYC?

The amazing opportunity to paint here. New York City is where it all started. The history of graffiti is here in NYC.

And we here in NYC love how writers from places like São Paulo are taking it to another level. We’re so glad you made it here! Have a safe trip home!

Curated by Octavio Zaya, FRACTURED FAIRY TALES can be seen Mon- Sat, 11AM to 5PM, at the Martinez Gallery on 135th Street and Broadway.

Note: Standing to the left of SALMOS is Martinez Gallery‘s noted director, Hugo Martinez.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Bisco Smith, MANIFEST, at Okay Space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

November 14, 2016

Back in NYC, in the place he calls “home,” Bisco Smith — the first artist in residency at Okay Space — has been busy! At work during one of the most tumultuous weeks in the history of our country, the artist proposed that creating his newest body of work, MANIFEST, helped “center” him, as he strives to find “the goodness amidst the chaos.” This past Friday, MANIFEST was unveiled at Okay Space at 281 North 7th Street. Here are several images captured shortly before it officially opened to the public:

Bisco Smith adding info to Methods, serigraph on paper, edition of 111

Manifest Moments #9, acrylic & spray paint on canvas

Manifest Moments, the series — each, 18 x 18 — acrylic & spray paint on canvas

Gratitude for all things past, service for all things present, responsibility for all things future

And as seen at night from the outside, shortly before it opened

Okay Space is open Monday through Friday, 11-6, and on Saturday 12-5. For further info, you can contact the space at 929-250-2388.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Montreal-Based Street and Studio Artist Waxhead

November 1, 2016

Toronto native Waxhead moved to Montreal in 2012, where his singular style has surfaced on a range of surfaces from vintage photographs to huge walls. I discovered his distinct aesthetic this past summer while visiting Station 16 and exploring the streets of Montreal. Waxhead‘s first solo exhibit in Montreal, Waxhead: An Installation opens this Thursday, November 3 at Station 16. While in Montreal, I had the opportunity to visit Waxhead‘s studio and pose some questions to him.

When and where did you first get up?

I was 13 when I began tagging along the trackside in Toronto. It was back in 2006.

Who or what inspired you at the time?

I lived right beside the train tracks. I saw graffiti every day. It seemed like the natural thing to do. I didn’t become serious, though, about it until I was 18. That’s when I really got into characters.

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

My mom has always been supportive. ‘gotta love Mom!

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

I respect the mentality of getting up. But I also appreciate the refined work of street art. I’ve done both.

How do you feel about collaborating with other artists?

I love to collaborate. Among the artists I’ve painted with are: Cry0te, Sbuone and Getso.

What about the movement of street art into galleries?

It’s great when artists can live off their work and have a space to show it. But they must keep the true sense of it.

Have you, yourself, exhibited your art in a gallery setting?

I’ve exhibited in several group shows — mostly in Canada.

What inspires you these days?

Colors, nature, old photos. I love collecting old photos and reworking them.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?

I‘ve been inspired by the time I spent in India – particularly the beautiful colors I associate with its culture.

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

I let it flow. If I don’t like it, I can always do it again.

Are you generally satisfied with your work?

No! I’m very critical.

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

It’s a great tool for me to connect with other artists and with clients.

Do you have a formal arts education?

No! I’m self-taught. My friends were my best teachers.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

All of it. I live my life through my art. I’ve always been drawing.

And is it the main source of your income?

Yes, most of the money I earn is through my artwork.

What is the riskiest thing you’ve done?

I was painting in India – balancing on a wobbly two-story ladder — when a giant bull was about to rub against it.

That certainly does sound menacing! How would you describe your ideal working environment?

Painting outside with friends. I love meeting and talking to people.

How has your work evolved through the years?

It’s become more refined.

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

As far as the street artist — it is to connect people to one another through what they see on the streets. I especially want to connect to the youth in this city.

What about the photographers in this scene? And the bloggers? How do you feel about them?

We need them! What we do needs to be archived.

I certainly agree with that!

Note: Waxhead: An Installation — a collection of Waxhead’s hand-embellished vintage photos — opens this Thursday, November 3 at 6pm at Station 16 and continues through November 14.

Interview by Lois Stavsky

Photos: 1, 2 & 4 Lois Stavsky; 3 courtesy Station 16

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Noted Brazilian Artist Mag Magrela on NYC Streets and at Galeria on Manhattan’s Lower East Side

August 31, 2016

Noted Brazilian artist Mag Magrela recently spent a month in New York City. In partnership with AnnexB — a company focused on promoting Brazilian art in NYC — Mag Magrela painted several murals in different neighborhoods and presented her first NYC solo exhibit, Pindorama in Flames, at Galeria, a delightful gallery/cafe located at 43 Clinton Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Pictured above is Sem mais. The broken boat: eu tenho sue o pedaço que agora é meu in Long Island City. Here are several more outdoor murals:

“Pequenos atos de contra ataque,” Astoria, Queens with the Welling Court Mural Project

“Dá a cara à tapa,” Bushwick

“A paixão das ancas,” Brooklyn Brush X Mural Project

And from her exhibit Pindorama in Flames, at Galeria featuring works created during her NYC residency:

Linha de frente

“Suadade de sertão encantado” — with figure painted live to the right

“Meu murk” – the artist’s signature performance-installation at Brooklyn Brush, Brooklyn, New York

The exhibit at Galeria — featuring a range of works that address the dichotomy between the ideal Utopian world and the bitter real one — continues through September 15th.

Note: Mag Magrela is a featured artist in Alexandra Henry‘s documentary film Street Heroines.

Photos: 1, 3, 4 & 7 courtesy AnnexB; 2, 5 & 6 Lois Stavsky

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New York State of Mind at Porchlight with Lunar New Year, Icy and Sot, Sonni, Lady Aiko and more

August 15, 2016

Currently on view at Chelsea’s Porchlight is New York State of Mind, a group show featuring a diverse range of artworks by eight of our all-time favorite artists. While visiting the space earlier this summer, I spoke to its curator, Joshua B. Geyer.

This space is lovely, and the artworks are beautifully displayed. How did you connect to such an ideal space?

My buddy, Michael Shain, is the general manager. We’d first met when we were students at the University of Hartford. And after Michael saw my exhibit at the World Trace Gallery, he invited me to curate a show here.

Can you tell us something about the title of the show – New York State of Mind?

Yes. All eight of the artists on exhibit have been active on the streets of NYC and have created artworks on a range of media while living in NYC. And with the exception of Hellbent, all were born outside of the US. This is why there is such a diversity of styles.

Every one of these artists has exhibited in a traditional gallery setting. How did they respond to your invite to show in an alternative setting such as this one?

They were all open to it. Here they can reach people who may not regularly visit galleries. And on our opening night we sold two pieces.

Yes, a reception was held here earlier this summer. How did that go?

It was great! All of the artists who were in town came, and I was told that it was the venue’s busiest evening.

Did this exhibit present any particular challenges to you?

The biggest challenge was getting the word out about the exhibit. And then, of course, letting people know that the art is actually for sale!

How can folks see the exhibit?

Porchlight is open Monday through Wednesday from 12 pm until 12 am; from 12 pm until 2 am on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturdays from 4pm to 2am. It is located at 271 11^th Avenue at the corner of 28^th Street. The exhibit continues through the fall.

Images

1. Luna New Year, Ccollanan Pachacamac

2. Sonni, Rise and Grind

3. Icy and Sot, Hunger

Note: Final image with list of artists features Lady Aiko

Photo credits: 1 & 2 Lois Stavsky; 3 Tara Murray; interview by Lois Stavsky

Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

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Swizz Beatz, BACARDI and the Dean Collection Bring No Commission to the South Bronx with: Okuda, John Ahearn, Zio Ziegler, Pablo Power, Faile, Swoon, Nina Chanel and more

August 13, 2016

Held in a huge South Bronx warehouse, No Commission features the artworks of over two dozen first-rate established and emerging artists. Curated by the Dean Collection and directed by Swizz Beatz, the four-day event — currently underway — is designed to support artists by offering them free space and 100% of the sale of their artwork. Among the artists featured are several whose works have also surfaced on our streets. Pictured above is Okuda. Here are several more:

John Ahearn does Bio, Tats Cru

Swoon

And on the exterior: Nicer, Tats Cru, close-up from huge mural fashioned collaboratively with Sexer, BG 183, Crash and Bio

Photo credits: 1-3, 6-8 Lois Stavsky; 4 & 5 Sara C Mozeson

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Out of the Cold — Appleton Diabetic Awareness Through Art Exhibit — Continues at 51 Orchard Street through Sunday

August 11, 2016

For the past several years NYC-based artist and photographer Appleton has been taking his message of diabetic awareness to our streets. While visiting his hugely impressive solo exhibit, Out of the Cold, I had the opportunity to find out a bit about him and his mission:

The artworks on exhibit here are so impressive. They are beautifully executed, as well as emotionally and intellectually engaging. How long have you been working on this body of work?

Many of the works displayed here have been created this past year. But this exhibit is, actually, a culmination of my artworks of the last few years.

Can you tell us something about your process, your particular aesthetic? It is certainly distinct.

I have been collecting insulin bottles for the past 35 years. I began shortly after surviving a diabetic coma at age six. The bottle has since become my iconic image and has clearly informed my aesthetic. I work with a range of media — photography, paint, hand-cut images and sculpture — that almost always feature the insulin bottle.

You are clearly a man with a mission!

Yes. I want to raise and spread awareness of diabetes, a devastating disease that impacts over 30 million Americans. Too many people do not understand the challenges that diabetics face daily — the physical and psychological damage the disease can cause. It can be a living nightmare.

And have you a message to diabetics, as well?

Yes! I want them to feel less lonely and alone in the daily battle they face. There are millions of us carrying on. We never — even for a moment — can stop thinking about our disease.

Your wheatpastes featuring bottles of insulin have become part of our visual landscape here in NYC. What other cities have you hit?

Among the cities I’ve pasted up in are: LA, Miami, Chicago, Boston and St. Louis.

How have folks responded to your work — both on the streets and in gallery settings?

The response has been consistently positive. Many folks who have the disease have thanked me for spreading awareness of it.

Occasionally, I hear that we are close to a cure.

I wish that were true. I don’t expect a cure in my lifetime. If there were one, there would be a global economic breakdown. A cure should have and could have happened by now.

What’s ahead for you?

I plan to take my message abroad this year. Among the cities I will visit are: Paris, Barcelona and London.

That sounds wonderful and thank you for what you are doing!

Note: Although the exhibit remains open through Sunday, a closing reception takes place tonight, Thursday, from 5-9pm at 51 Orchard Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. There will be limited edition signed artist prints for sale.

Images

1. Skid Row, Metallic paper, Museum glass, Archival elements

2. Out of the Mine, Mixed media: Paint, Paper, Acrylic

3. Empire State Building, Photograph on metallic paper, Museum glass, Archival elements

4. Insulin to Ashes, Metallic paper, Museum glass, Archival elements

5. Top of the World, Mixed media: Paint, Paper, Acrylic

Interview by Lois Stavsky; photos of artworks: 1, 2 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 3 & 4 Tara Murray

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Apostrophe NYC Transforms Subway Station into a Pop-Up Gallery

July 25, 2016

Earlier this year we met up with the wonderfully talented and intrepid Apostrophe founders and curators — Sei and Ki Smith. Since, they’ve successfully hosted guerrilla pop-ups at The Whitney Museum of American Art — from which they’ve been banned for life — and at MoMA PS1. This past Friday we attended Apostrophe‘s Base 12 Subway Show, a pop-up exhibit at the Kosciuszko Street stop on the J Line featuring works from Apostrophe‘s 12 artists. And what fun it was!

Sei Smith, curator and recently featured, along with his brother, in Time Out New York’s 10 NYC artists 35 and under you should know

Morell Cutler and artwork by James Rubio on right

Alana Dee Haynes

And healthy non-alcoholic beverage — provided by Costa Brava — served at artists’ reception on subway platform!

Apostrophe‘s Base 12 Project will continue throughout the year with three pop-ups in city parks, three in European galleries, one more museum pop up and then finally a project retrospective at Mana Contemporary that will exhibit all 144 paintings from the 12 pop-ups.

Photo credits: 1-7 Lois Stavsky; 8 & 9 Tara Murray; additional photos on the Street Art NYC Instagram

Note: Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

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Icy and Sot Pop-Up Exhibit and Book Signing at 51 Orchard Street

July 22, 2016

The newly released LET HER BE FREE documents Iranian brothers Icy and Sot‘s foray from skateboarding teens in Iran to politically-conscious, internationally acclaimed artists. To celebrate the launch of their book, the artists invite you to a pop-up exhibition of small and mid-scale stencil artworks that have been created exclusively for this book launch. Opening tomorrow evening. July 23 at 51 Orchard Street with a book signing, the exhibit continues through July 30.

Unity, spray paint on canvas

Justice, spray paint on cut-out wood

In Long Island City

And book cover

Published by Lebowsi Publishers with an introduction by filmmaker and poet Jess X Chen and an afterword by Brooklyn Street Art‘s Jaime Rojo and Steven P. Harrington, the artists’ first collection of works features over 200 full color photos.

All images courtesy Icy and Sot

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Jamie Hewlett’s Premier USA Exhibition, The Suggestionists, Continues Through July 16 at Woodward Gallery

June 27, 2016

Currently on view at Woodward Gallery is The Suggestionists, the first USA exhibition of international artist, designer and co-founder of the Gorillaz band, Jamie Hewlett. Divided into three distinct thematic sections – all linked through the power of suggestion — the exhibit is a mesmerizing foray into a world whirling with urbane wit and seductive charm.

Close-up from one of 22 larger-than-life Tarot cards, as distinctly interpreted by the artist

Honey, Hewlett’s homage to the exploitation movies of the 60s and 70s, presented in a series of giant light boxes

And — in an entirely different vein — Pines, detailed illustrations of trees Hewlett observed while in the south of France

Pine 20, close-up

Hewlett explains his obsession with pine trees and why he’s not likely to ever draw another one!

Woodward Gallery, located at 133 Eldridge Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, is open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm.

Photo credits: 1, 3 & 4 courtesy of Woodward Gallery; 2 & 5 Lois Stavsky

Note: Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

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