A range of comic characters — from Calvin and Hobbes to Snow White to Batman — have made their way onto NYC walls. Here are a few:
John Matos aka Crash in the South Bronx for the Tag Public Arts Project
Ozmo in Little Italy for the LISA Project
Jerkface in Bushwick
Mr OneTeas at the Bushwick Collective
See One at the Bushwick Collective
Photos 1, 4 – 6 by Lois Stavsky; 2 by Tara Murray & 3 by Dani Reyes Mozeson
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With Sheryo and the Yok completing the missing letter — S — , the B-U-S-H-W-I-C-K mural at the Bushwick Collective is now complete. Here are some images:
Sexer at work after completing the letter ‘B.’ Letter ‘U’ by David Louf aka June1 to its right
Sheryo and the Yok, the letter ‘S’
Dasic Fernandez at work on the letter ‘H’
Billy Mode at work on the letter ‘W’
Eelco ’Virus’ Van den Berg, the letter ‘I’, with Bushwick Collective founder and curator Joe Ficalora to its right
John Matos aka Crash, the letter ‘C’
Zimad at work on the final letter, ‘K’
With some additions
Photo credits: 1, 4 & 7 by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8 by Lois Stavsky
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This is the sixth in an occasional series featuring images of males who surface on NYC public spaces:
Dasic at the Bushwick Collective
Connor Harrington for the LISA Project in Downtown Manhattan
Icy & Sot and Sonni for the Bushwick Collective
Sexer for the Bushwick Collective
Damien Mitchell at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens
Danielle Mastrion near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx
Photos 1 and 6 by Lois Stavsky; 2-5 by Dani Reyes Mozeson
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Based in Dublin, Ireland, Solus returned earlier this month to the the Bushwick Collective to participate in its annual block party and to share his aesthetic vision with us. We also had the opportunity to find out a bit about him:
When and where did you first get up?
About seven years ago I started doing illegal stencils around Dublin.
What inspired you at the time?
I was working at a job that I hated. I thought that’s what everyone does! But I knew that I needed to make a change in my life. I was on a very self-destructive path. And so I started creating stencil art and never stopped. Street art saved my life!
Were you influenced or inspired by any particular artists?
Maser was, probably, my biggest inspiration, along with Will St Leger. They were very prolific around Dublin at the time.
Have you any preferred surfaces or spots?
Obviously flat surfaces are better in high-traffic spots.
How do you feel about the graffiti/street art divide?
I don’t think about it. It’s not relevant. I just do what I love. But I’ve always been a huge fan of the TDA Klann, Ireland’s premier graffiti crew.
Your work has been exhibited in galleries world-wide and your new solo show is about to open in Montreal. Any thoughts about the movement of street art into galleries?
I think it is a good thing that it is being recognized as art and that people want to purchase it. I generally feel a little out of place at gallery shows because most of the time my clothes are covered in paint. I prefer being at the studio or tackling a wall.
Have you any other source of income these days?
I earn money from prints, canvases and commissions. I put all the money I make back into my artwork.
How do you feel about the increasing linkage between the street art world and the corporate world?
Only time will tell. It has become so mainstream that it may become oversaturated.
Why do you suppose graffiti is held in higher esteem in Europe than it is here in the States?
Probably because here in the U.S., it is associated with vandalism.
What inspires you these days?
The concept of a boy in a man’s world, punching above his weight and being victorious against all odds.
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?
After visiting Korea, I did a series of works influenced by what I’d seen and experienced there.
Do you work with a sketch in hand or do you just let it flow?
I work with a sketch or a photo.
Are you generally satisfied with your work?
Increasingly so. But when I look back at what I did even one year ago, I feel I could have done better.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art?
100% of my time; it’s a 24/7 gig!
Any other interests?
Traveling. I’d love to paint everywhere!
Have you any favorite cities?
New York. There’s something in the air here. And it’s very competitive. I’d love to live here!
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
It’s the most important role one can have! Art makes people feel good, and it makes people think!
Note: Solus’s solo exhibit UNDERDOG opens this Thursday, June 19, at the Clark Street Mercantile in Montreal, Canada.
Photo credits: 1, 4 & 6. Lois Stavsky; 2 & 3. Courtesy of the artist; 5. Dani Reyes Mozeson
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A master of bold, abstract graffiti-inspired art that fuses elements of mathematics, science and design, Baltimore-based Billy Mode is a frequent visitor to NYC. Here he has graced walls in Brooklyn and in Queens with his strikingly stylish aesthetic, often in collaboration with fellow Baltimore native Chris Stain. I recently had the opportunity to speak to the talented artist:
When and where did you first get up?
It was around 1984-85 in Baltimore. I was 11 or 12.
Who or what inspired you at the time?
Most of my friends at the time were older than me. My friend Eric Meek and I went to see Beat Street at the Grand Theatre in Highlandtown when it first came out. We were so hyped that we were doing backspins and such in the theatre while the movie was playing! Soon after, Eric got hold of a copy of Subway Art by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant. I’ve been grateful for these two introductions to the movement ever since.
Had you any preferred surface or spot at the time?
When I first began, it was mostly alleyways with Pilot markers and spray paint. But I soon moved on to rooftops. It was fun and I quickly became addicted to the adventure of it all.
Were you ever arrested back then?
I was caught bombing a bus. But nothing major happened. I got community service.
How did your family and friends feel about what you were doing?
My folks were cool. I was basically a “good kid.”
Have you any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
There is a divide, but I don’t think about it. If it’s good, it’s good. It doesn’t matter whether it’s graffiti or street art.
What about the movement of street art into galleries?
I’m fine with it. I’ve been exhibiting in galleries since the mid 90’s. Galleries offer us artists a different way to share our art.
Why do you suppose graffiti is held in higher esteem in Europe than it is here?
Arts in general are more celebrated there. Plus I think the hip-hop culture is embraced differently In Europe. It is viewed more positively.
Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?
I enjoy both. Collaborating is fine — so long as I don’t have to compromise too much and lose too much of my own concept. Collaborations can’t be forced.
Your collabs with Chris Stain are among our favorite pieces. Is there anyone else with whom you’d like to collaborate?
I’ve thought about collaborating with Joe Iurato and Rubin. To me a good collaboration is when the works balance each other out. One of my favorite exchanges was with one of my best friends, Pat Voke. He always made me want to push my limits and seek out deeper meanings in the work process. I hope to collaborate with him again.
What inspires you these days?
Letter forms continue to inspire me; structures, in general, inspire me. When I sit down to work, I try to expand on what I’m developing — so it continues to grow. My graffiti background influences my desire to be inventive and contribute to the movement.
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?
They’re not quite cultures, but I’m increasingly influenced by the fusion of mathematics and science.
Do you work with a sketch in hand or do you just let it flow?
These days I do have a sketch in hand which helps with the layout. When I do a more traditional graffiti style, I prefer freestyling it.
Are you generally satisfied with your work?
About 80% of the time! I’m always looking to improve.
What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?
We live in the future. Information travels faster than ever which, I think, allows for exponential growth. I do enjoy seeing artistic developments happening daily. But I have noticed that regional styles have been diluted. The grass roots of graffiti culture have been slowly changing, and so have the rules of etiquette.
Do you have a formal arts education?
I do have a BA from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), but I always credit my graffiti background as my formal training. I’ve been very fortunate to have good friends to learn from and grow with.
What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done?
Bombing in daylight on super visible spots!
What are some of your other interests?
Sleep, and when I’m not injured, skating pools.
What’s ahead?
I intend to do more murals and conjure mathematic visual formulas into reality. I will keep on expanding!
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos 1. At Welling Court in Astoria, Queens with Chris Stain by Lois Stavsky; 2. At the Bushwick Collective by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 3. In Cobble Hill, Brooklyn with Chris Stain and Cre8tive YouTH*ink members — based on a Martha Cooper photo by Lois Stavsky; 4. At the Bushwick Collective by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 5. At the Bushwick Collective by Lois Stavsky; 6. At 17 Frost for OutDoor Gallery book launch by Lois Stavsky
Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of Billy Mode’s new mural, done in collaboration with Chris Stain, for the 5th Annual Welling Court Mural Project, opening this Saturday, June 14.
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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
Danielle Mastrion at the Bushwick Collective
Chris Stain at the Bushwick Collective
Stinkfish in Bushwick for the Juicyartfest
Icy and Sot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Zimer in Bushwick for the Bushwick Collective
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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Argentinian stencil pioneer Cabaio recently brought his distinct aesthetic to NYC. A few weeks back, I discovered him at work at the Bushwick Collective and was mesmerized by his stunningly intricate, brightly hued stencil work.
When and where did you first get up on a public surface?
I began in Buenos Aires in 2001.
What was your inspiration at the time?
In the midst of an economic crisis, there were too many ads in public spaces. They seemed to be everywhere. And I didn’t like looking at ads. I saw my artwork as an alternative way of using public space. And then in 2003, during the invasion of Iraq, I was further inspired to use public space to transmit messages. The global political situation — at the time — motivated me to make my own mark.
Have you any favorite surfaces or spots?
I like rough surfaces, and I always seek the right context for a piece. I particularly like quiet spots.
Have you ever been arrested?
About seven years ago, the cops took my tools away from me. But these days I feel free to paint just about anywhere. Street artists have become the new pop stars!
How does your family feel about what you are doing?
At first they thought I was too old to be doing this. Now they are proud of me.
Do you have a formal arts education?
I studied architecture for one year.
Have you any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
I don’t feel it. They are both cool art forms. There shouldn’t be a divide.
What about the movement of street art into galleries? How do you feel about that?
I have no problem with galleries, as long as the people there respect our work.
Have you shown your work in any galleries?
Yes, I’ve exhibited in Buenos Aires, São Paulo, New York City, Washington DC and in Indonesia.
What about corporations? So many seem eager to embrace the aesthetics of street art these days.
If they respect our work and use it honestly and pay us well – then it’s all good!
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?
I’ve been influenced by Argentinian culture and by Japanese comic culture.
What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?
It’s certainly a revolution, as it can provide us all with unlimited information.
Have you any favorite artists – stencil artists, in particular?
I like Blek Le Rat, the stencil pioneer. I think Banksy is amazingly clever. And I love the São Paulo-based duo Alto Contraste.
What do you see as the future of street art?
It will only continue to get stronger.
And what about you? What’s ahead for you?
I will never allow myself to feel comfortable. My art continues to evolve with more emphasis on its aesthetic element and far less on its political one. I will continue to always challenge myself.
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky. First photo — of Cabaio at work the Bushwick Collective by Lois Stavsky; all others courtesy of the artist
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This is the third in a series of occasional posts featuring images of children that surface on NYC public spaces:
Joe Iurato at the Bushwick Collective
And the completed piece
Miss 163 in Hunts Point, the Bronx
LNY and Axel Void at the Bushwick Collective
Rene Gagnon at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens
Robots Will Kill in Bushwick, close up from huge wall by Chris, Veng and ECB
Unidentified artist in Chelsea — spotted last week
First photo of Joe Iurato by Tara Murray; final photo by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all others by Lois Stavsky
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This is the second in a series of occasional posts featuring images of children that surface on NYC public spaces:
Chris Stain at the Bushwick Collective
Alice Pasquini, close-up from huge mural at the Bushwick Collective
James Rubio in the East Village
Sonni at the Bushwick Collective
Icy and Sot, close-up from huge mural in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
El Niño De Las Pinturas, close-up from huge mural at 5Pointz in Long Island City
Fumero in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Lisete Alcalde at the Bushwick Collective
Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky, except for Lisete Alcalde, courtesy of the artist
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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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