Centre-Fuge Public Art Project

Hydeon-and-sticky-monger-public-art-centrefuge-NYC

The once-dreary trailer on East First Street — where the Lower East Side meets the East Village — has again been redesigned under the curatorial direction of Jonathan Neville, Joshua Geyer and Matthew Denton Burrows. And we love it! Pictured above are Hydeon and Sticky Monger at work. What follows are several more images — some of the artists captured in progress and others of the completed pieces.

Ian Ferguson aka Hydeon and Stickymonger, as seen this past week

Hydeon-and-sticky-monger-public-aart-nyc

Jenna Krypell

Jena-Krypell-painting-nyc

John Exit aka scrambledeggsit at work

John-exit-live-painting-NYC

John Exit aka scrambledeggsit, as seen this past week

John-Exit-public art-East-Village-NYC

Grimace NYC at work

Grimace-NYC-public-art-centrefuge

Grimace NYC, as seen in the bright sun this past week

IMG_8227

Kat Lam aka Lamkat

lamkat-public-art-east-village-nyc

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

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

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

Flip-graffiti-pioneer-at-Centre-fuge

A pioneer of the graffiti movement, Charles Henry aka FLIP One was immortalized in Flint Gennari’s classic photo of him tagging a Coney Island-bound train over 40 years ago. And this past spring the now-iconic photo made its way onto a stencil fashioned by Balu for the Centre-fuge Public Art Project. I met up with the artist — now an LA-based Emmy award-winning cinematographer — while he was visiting NYC last month.

When and where did you first get up?

It was back in 1974 in Propsect Park, Brooklyn. I was 15.

What inspired you to?

Flint’s writings were everywhere in my neighborhood. He was my main inspiration. He also got me into photography. Other writers such as Spin, Coco 144 and Mico also influenced me. And I loved the adrenalin rush hitting the trains late nights and the little bit of fame watching my name go by.

flint-gennari-photo-of-Flint

What was your preferred surface back then?

The Franklin Avenue shuttle.

How did your family feel about what you were doing?

They were not happy. My dad used to work for the MTA.

Do you have any specific graffiti memory that stands out?

I saw once — and only once — an LL Cool J top to bottom while I was riding the train to school. I will never forget that!

Flip-tags-graffiti

Did you work alone or did you collaborate with others?

I painted with the Ex Vandals and the Soul Stoned Brothers (SSB).  But I generally preferred working alone, because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.

What was the riskiest thing you ever did?

Entering the 7 yard with Flint, Dime 139 and Asp across from Shea Stadium during a playoff game in the World Series. Luckily, the cops — who were supposed to be watching the yard — were too busy watching the game on their little black and white TV to pay attention to us! And so we managed to get in and out and do our thing in broad daylight without anyone noticing.

Has your work ever been exhibited?

Yes, my work has appeared in Flint Gennari’s photos in several galleries and museums. My small trains have been exhibited in galleries in LA.

flint-and-balu

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

I think it’s great! It suggests that what we did has meaning.

What about the increasing engagement of the corporate world in the graffiti subculture?

I used to hate it, but it doesn’t bother me any more. Writers risked getting arrested, maimed — and more — for what they did. They should be paid!

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

It’s not an issue. My favorite artists tend to blur the line between both: They include: El MacRetna, ObeyMan One and Revok.

Flint-Flip-AimSSB

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

I love it! I get to see the work of people I used to war against!

Any thoughts as to why the Europeans are more open to graffiti than most Americans are?

I haven’t really thought about it, but maybe it’s because they place a higher value on self-expression.

And there’s probably no art form more expressive art than graffiti!

Photo credits: 1, 3-5 Lois Stavsky; 2 Flint Gennari; interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky

Photo 3  features Balu to the right of Flip One and the last photo features Flint to the left and George Colon aka AIM SSB to the right of Flip One

Note: Jan Arnold, the artist’s wife, is in the process of completing a documentary about Flip One’s life. Be sure to check its Facebook page here for some great photos and clips!

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.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

Centre-fuge-public-art-project

The Centre-fuge Public Art Project has once again refashioned the Department of Transportation trailer on First Street and First Avenue.  Here are a few more images of its latest transformation:

Andy Golub captured at work

"Andy Golub"

Key Detail and Yu Baba collaboration

key-detail-and-Yu-Baba-centrefuge-public-art-project

The other side of the trailer with Below Key, Leon Rainbow and  Zero Productivity

Centre-fuge-putblic-art-project-nyc-lower-east-side

Below Key

below-key-centre-fuge-public-art-project

 Zero Productivity

zero-productivity-street-art-centre-fuge-public-art-project-nyc

And Never‘s homage to Peter Carroll aka Laser Burners 

Never-centrefuge-public-art-project

Note: First image features Andy GolubKey Detail with Yu Baba Rez and Rez Shaolin

Photo credits: 1, 2, 4-6 Tara Murray; 3 & 7 Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 1 comment }

dorothy-gale-street-art-centre-fuge-public-art-project

Earlier this summer, the Centre-fuge Public Art Project once again transformed the now-famed trailer on East First Street off First Avenue, bringing color and intrigue to Manhattan’s East Village.

D. Gale at work

Dorothy-Gale-at-work-Centrefuge-public-art-project-east-village

Vince Ballentine

Vince-Ballentine-Centrefuge-public-art

 Smurfo 

smurfo-graffiti-centre-fuge-public-art-project-nyc

HissXX

Hissxx-street-art-centrefuge-public-art-project-NYC

Pawn

Pawn-street-art-centre-fuge-public-art-project

Kingbee

Kingbee-centrefuge-public-art-project-street-art-nyc

Wide view with PawnKingbee and Ramiro Davaro

centre-fuge-public-art-project-nyc

Photos: 1, 3-6 & 8 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2 & 7 Tara Murray

{ 1 comment }

centre-fuge-street-art-nyc

The Centre-fuge Public Art Project continues its mission to transform the Department of Transportation trailer on First Street and First Avenue into a vibrant open-air gallery. These past few wintry weeks, its 16th cycle has brought an infectious energy to an otherwise cold and stark site. Here are a few close-ups:

Moody at work in mid-December — at the beginning of the current cycle

"Moody Mutz"

Joshua David McKenney at work

"Joshua David McKenney"

And to the right of Pidgin Doll — Marthalicia MatarritaMichael DeNicola, Basil and Lexi Bella

Centre-fuge-public-art-project=Sest2-and -more.nyc

Foxx FacesRaquel Echanique and Marthalicia Matarrita

Centre-fuge-public-art-project-cycle-16-NYC 2

Vernon O’Meally, Lelex and Fade, AA Mobb

"centrifuge public art project"

ArbiterMiss Zukie, Foxx Faces, BK and Sest2

"Centre-fuge Public Art Project"

Pebbles Russell, who co-founded the Centre-fuge Public Art Project in 2012, reports that Cycle 16 will remain in effect for a few more weeks. If you would like to participate in future cycles of this project, send a sketch, along with reference images to other works, to centrefuge@gmail.com.

Final photo by Lois Stavsky; all others by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 0 comments }

"Matthew Denton Burrows"

A wonderfully talented fine artist and illustrator, Matthew Denton Burrows began sharing his distinct vision with us on public spaces in January 2013. We recently had the opportunity to interview Matthew whose first solo exhibit opens tomorrow at 8pm at Greenpoint Gallery.

We first discovered you over at East First Street when you were painting for the Centre-fuge Public Art Project. Can you tell us something about that? How did it come about?

When I was in grad school at SVA, I was the only one in my program who was into street art. I loved the concept of sharing one’s art in a public space. And one of my professors who knew about Centre-fuge suggested I contact the folks running it. And so I applied, and in February 2013, I painted my first public piece on a huge trailer off First Street.

What was that experience like?

It was nerve-wracking! I generally work with pen and ink and colored pencils on paper in my studio. It was a new experience, and strangers were observing me at work over the course of five days. But I was instantly hooked!  The interaction with the community was addictive!

Matthew-Denton-Burrows-art-for-Centre-fuge-in-NYC

We’ve since seen your artwork elsewhere.

Yes, I’ve painted in Bushwick, at the Northside Festival in Williamsburg and in Miami.

Your artworks on paper are quite different from what we’ve seen on the streets. They’re intricately detailed and extraordinarily complex, both visually and conceptually. When did you first begin drawing?

I’ve always been drawing!  When I was in elementary school, I used to get into trouble for drawing so many people with guns!

You work just about full-time as an artist these days. At what point did you decide that you wanted art as a profession? And are you happy with that decision?

At the end of my sophomore year at Lehigh University, I decided to major in art.  And, yes, I’m definitely happy with that decision. I love what I do, and I’ve sold a substantial amount of work.

Matthew--denton-burrows-paints-street-art-miami

You’ve had a formal art education. Can you tell us something about it? And was it worthwhile?

I received a BFA from Lehigh University, where I had the school’s first-ever solo art show just a year into my degree. Back in New York City, I earned an MFA in Illustration at the School of Visual Arts.  My formal education is worthwhile only because I was first self-taught.

How do your parents feel about what you are doing these days?

They’re very supportive. My mom is an artist and she loves street art!

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

All of it! When I’m not creating my own art, I work as project manager and assistant curator of the Centre-fuge Public Art Project. And I am also the CEO and co-founder of the recently launched company, Dripped on Productions.

matthew-denton-burrows-art

Has your aesthetic been influenced by any particular cultures?

A multitude of cultures, particularly marginal ones.

What inspires you these days – both in the studio and on the streets?

I’m always inspired by the energy of my native city, NYC! But current events, my experiences, my travels, and alternative cultures also fuel my creativity. And I’m an avid reader. When I read that Rio had won the bid for the Olympics, and the World Cup, for example, I did extensive research that evolved into a body of artwork.

What are some of the particular issues that concern you?

I’m especially interested in matters related to the environment, social inequality and the impact of technology.

Matthew-denton-burrows-street-art-Bushwick

How, then, do you feel about the increased link between art, particularly street art, and corporate or for-profit enterprises?

I think the link, which seems to be growing stronger, is a positive thing. I think it will help enhance the movement in terms of fans, but there is always a danger when a pure artistic expression — such as street art — binds with the corporate world. The corporate world has the ability to suck the creative purity out of things. But artists need to be paid like anyone else, and if an artist can find a link where they still feel integrity and creative freedom, I would support it.

How has your work evolved in the past few years?

I feel that I’m influenced more and more by street art.

Have you ever collaborated with another artist?

No! But I’d really like to.

matthew-burrows-with-camera

Do you work with a sketch in hand?

No. I have a general idea of what I want to do and my work evolves organically.

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

To expose others to a more interesting world. To remind people that something exists beyond their everyday lives.

What’s ahead?

My first solo exhibit, Are You Aware of The Ongoing Experiment will be held tomorrow, Friday, November 7, at Greenpoint Gallery from 8 -12 pm. I am headed to Art Basel next month. And in January I am participating in a group show in Aspen, Colorado.

Interview by Lois Stavsky with City As School intern Tyler Dean Flores; photos: 1 and 4, courtesy of the artist; 2, Tara Murray; 3, 5, and 6, Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

"Centre-fuge Public Art Project"

The Centre-fuge Public Art Project has transformed the Department of Transportation trailer on First Street and First Avenue into a vibrant rotating open-air gallery. Here are a few more images from Cycle 15 completed last week:

Marthalicia Matarrita at work

"Marthalicia Matarrita"

Dasic at work

Dasic

And completed

dasic-fernandez-centrefuge-street-art-NYC

Mr. Prvrt

"Mr. Prvrt"

Sest2

Sest2

And here with Sean Gallagher and Miss Zukie

centre-fuge-Mr.-Seang-and-Zukie-street-art-NYC

Coordinated by Pebbles Russell and Jonathan Neville, the Centre-Fuge Public Art Project was conceived in 2011 in memory of their friend, Mike Hamm.

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 0 comments }

Early last month, on some of this year’s coldest days, a group of dedicated artists — once again — transformed the exterior of East 1st Street’s once-neglected trailer into an intriguing outdoor canvas. Here are a few of the images that will continue to greet passersby through April 10:

Michael DeNicola’s tribute to the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman

Centre-fuge-public-art-project-NYC

BK

BK

Col Wallnuts

"Col Wallnuts"

Vernon O’Meally, Edapt, Foxxface and Numb DSI

"Centre-fuge-Public-Art-Project"

Vernon O’Meally

"Centre-fugePublic Art Project"

Edapt and Foxxface

"Centre-fuge Public Art Project"

Numb DSI

"Centre-fuge Public Art Project"

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

To the sheer delight of local residents and passersby, the Centre-fuge Public Art Project brought its vision to Miami’s Little Havana during Art Basel Week. Here are a few images captured these past few days:

ElleYatika Starr Fields and Ben Angotti

Centre-fuge Public Art Project in Little Havana

Yatika Starr Fields at work

Yatika Starr Fields

Ben Angotti takes a brief break

Ben Angotti

The legendary Korn does his thing  — with Kristi Evans below

Korn

Federico Massa aka Cruz

Cruz

CS-Navarrete at work

C. S. Navarette

Marthalicia Matarrita does her Mom

Marthalicia Matarrita

Nicole Salgar and Chuck Berrett, close-up from work in progress

Nicole Salgar and Chuck Berrett

CRAM Concepts, Lexi Bella,  Matthew Denton Burrows & Danielle Mastrio

Cram Concepts, Lexi Bella, Matthew Burrows & Danielle Mastrion

Thanks to Eric Ginsburg and the folks at the Fridge Art Fair — along with so many others — for their support. This was just the beginning of the Centre-fuge Public Art Project in Little Havana!

Photo of Cruz by Sara C. Mozeson; all others by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

phetus-elle-public-art-centre-fuge-NYC

The now-iconic trailer on First Street and First Avenue is undergoing yet another transformation. For its current cycle, Cycle 11, the Centre-fuge Public Art Project invited artists who’ve painted there this past year to return. Here are a few images captured earlier in the week from the still-in-progress huge, energetic collage of distinct styles.

 Matthew Denton Burrows at work; Damien Miksza on left; Phetus on right

Damien-Miksza-for-centre-fuge-NYC

Phetus with Nicole Salgar & Chuck Berrett on right

phetus-public-art-centre-fuge-NYC

 CS-Navarrete at work

root-system-public-art-for-centre-fuge

Mor

Mor-stencil-art-Centre-fuge-East-Village-NYC

Joseph Meloy

Meloy-for-centre-fuge

Demer

demer-public-art-for-centre-fuge

Royce Bannon with Miishab on right

Royce-Bannon-for-centre-fuge

ElleDamien Mitchell and Korn

elle-damien-mitchell-and-Korn-street-art-centre-fuge-nyc

Keep posted to our Facebook page for more photos of the completed pieces.

Photo of  CS-Navarrete at work by Lois Stavsky; all others by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 1 comment }