Delta2

What began as an unsanctioned art form that surfaced on NYC streets and subways has since found its way into galleries, auction houses and museums. On view through August 10 at the MCNY is “Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection,” a celebration of graffiti’s transitional moment.

The image featured above, “Broken Wings,” was fashioned with spray paint, acrylic and wood on canvas in 1990 by the now-legendary Bronx-native John “Crash” Matos. What follows are several more highlights of previously unseen art from the late Martin Wong‘s vast collection on view in “Above Ground…”

The late Queens-born visionary and multidisciplinary artist Rammellzee, “Atomic Futurism,” 1987, Acrylic on canvas

Lower East Side native and former Keith Haring collaborator Angel Ortiz aka LA2, “Untitled,” 1988, Acrylic on canvas

Veteran East Harlem stylemaster Delta 2, “Delta 2,” 1984, Spray paint on canvas

The late legendary Brooklyn native Dondi, “Bishop of Battle,” 1985, Spray paint on canvas

The ever-evolving pioneering graffiti artist Futura, “Untitled,” 1983, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas

 Hollis, Queens native Lin “Quik” Felton, “My Recovery,” 1990-91, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas

In addition to works on canvas, “Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection” — curated by Sean Corcoran — also includes: photographs by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant, a survey of graffiti tags and an insightful documentary featuring Martin Wong, Daze, Lee Quinones and Sharp.

Located at 220 Fifth Avenue between 103rd and 104th Streets, the MCNY is open Mon-Fri 10-5  |  Sat-Sun 10-6.

Photos of images by Lois Stavsky and Tara Murray

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On the weekend of June 15, First Street Green Art Park was home to dozens of legendary artists, first-rate photographers, and graffiti aficionados as they came together to pay tribute to Fun Gallery co-founder Patti Astor, who had passed away in April. The first art gallery in Manhattan’s East Village to feature the works of such noted artists as Futura 2000, Lady Pink, Lee Quinones, Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Fun Gallery ran out of a small storefront  but had enormous impact.

The mural featured above was painted by 5POINTZ founder and the wonderfully versatile artist Meres One. Several more images captured last week in this event curated by Kate Storch, Jimmy NYC and Crime79 follow:

Lower East Side native and former Keith Haring collaborator Angel Ortiz aka LA2

Veteran writer Dezo, TC5 with Kate Storch on left

The prolific Japanese writer, muralist and designer Shiro One

Uptown-based designer, painter and muralist Al Ruiz

The legendary graffiti pioneer Stash

 Veteran East Harlem-native writer and painter Delta2

NYC-based photographer Matthew A Eller, Segment from larger wall of photos featuring Patti Astor in a range of settings

Photos: Lois Stavsky

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Curated by COPE2, “Subway Art Legends,” a dynamic mix of artworks created by those icons who “rocked the trains” during the subway era of the early 80’s, continues through Tuesday at One Art Space in Tribeca. The tantalizing image featured above, China Red N.Y.C, was fashioned by the legendary Delta2 with acrylic, spray paint and paint markers. Several more infectiously rhythmic works on exhibit follow:

Bronx native TKid 170, “Old School,” Circa 1989, Redo of a classic

 Brooklyn native Dome, “NYC Subway Panel,” Enamel on metal

Bronx native Bom5, “Graffiti,”  36 x 24 in.

 Manhattan-native Part TDS, “Delta Blue,” Multimedia canvas, 12 x 16 in.

Bronx native and “Subway Art Legends” curator Cope2, “Salsa,”  36 x 36 in.

 London-native Wane One, “KNOWS,” 24 x 48 in.

Located at 23 Warren Street in Tribeca, One Art Space is open daily 1-6pm.

Photos of artworks, Lois Stavsky

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