exhibit

"army of one"

Most of us street art aficionados identify Jef Campion aka Army of One with his appropriation of Diane Arbus’s compelling image, “Child with Toy Hand Grenade in Central Park.” But currently on exhibit at Castle Fitzjohns Gallery at 98 Orchard Street is a series of works never viewed before — from poetry to sculptures fashioned on salvaged wood — that provide a poignantly intimate look into the talents and torments of this distinctly complex and sensitive artist.

We visited the gallery the day after the exhibit opened and had the opportunity to speak to its owner, Vincent Harrison.

Where and when did you first meet Jef?

I discovered Jef at Art Basel in Miami in 2012. He was standing in front of his van, covered with red paint from a project he’d been working on.

"army of one"

What was your first impression of him?

He was a very intense guy, but also one of the nicest you’d ever meet. I was impressed by his sincerity and passion — in addition to his artistic and technical skills. He had a strong sense of justice that he carried throughout his work both as an artist and as a firefighter. In fact, he never intended to exhibit his work in galleries or make money from his art. Whatever money he made he donated to causes and charities such as the Ronald McDonald House. He just wanted to make a difference.

"army of one"

Why do you suppose Jef took his art to the streets?

Jef studied at CalTech and SVA and was making fine art long before he hit the streets. But after 9/11, he became intent on reaching as many people as possible. And the streets were the perfect vehicle for him to do this.

Have you any thoughts on Jef’s appropriation of Diane Arbus’s iconic Grenade Boy?

He always felt a strong connection to Diane Arbus, someone who also led a tragic life. Her iconic image was the ideal way for Jef to highlight the plight of children affected by war and the loss of innocence within American society.

"Jef Campion"

There seems to be so much pain and angst in Jef’s work.

He had his demons. He struggled with issues related to his childhood, his relationships with women and his abuse of drugs and alcohol.  Though spiritual, he rejected organized religion and the Catholicism that was imposed on him as a child. He felt that religion had been used to promote prejudice. But the biggest battle he faced was with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He was a first responder following the 9/11 attack and stayed at Ground Zero for 40 consecutive days. He was left struggling with traumatic, painful memories.

"Jef Campion"

Can you tell us something about this particular exhibit?

We wanted to commemorate Jef Campion’s life as an artist and individual who gave so much back to his community.  Brooke Lynn McGowan, who was in touch with Jef’s former girlfriend, curated it. None of the work on exhibit is for sale, but some museums have expressed interest in the work.

"Jef Campion"

How did the opening go?

It was a wonderful tribute to Jef. His close friends, along with street artists, firemen, members of the police department and representatives of charities, attended and shared their memories. He will be missed.

The exhibit continues through Thursday at 98 Orchard Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Interview with Vincent Harrison by Emily Thaler; photos of Jef’s work by Dani  Reyes Mozeson, Lois Stavsky and Dea Sumrall

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"Neighbors at New Museum"

The vision of Polish artist Pawel Althamer, the huge white space of the New Museum’s Fourth Floor gallery has become a vibrant collaborative canvas featuring a dynamic range of creative expression.  Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate and are provided with paint and drawing materials. Here are a few images captured last week:

New-Museum-Neighbors-paint

City-as-School’s Dea Sumrall joins the fun 

"Neighbors at the New Museum"

And then captures some close-ups

"New Museum neighbors"

"Neighbors at the New Museum"

Featured on the second and third floors of the New Museum are several of Althamer’s haunting sculptures and videos – many produced in cooperation with  community groups that he has worked with over the past two decades.

From the Venetians, an installation of life-size figures

" Pawel Althamer"

Self-portrait as the Billy Goat

"Pawel Althamer"

Self-Portrait in a Suitcase

"Pawel Althamer-self-portrait"

Another self-portrait, this one in collaboration with Paulina Antoniewicz and Jacek Taszakowski, as he looks out of the window on an imaginary childhood scene

"Pawel Althamar"

"Pawel Althamar "

If you bring a new or gently men’s used coat to be donated to the nearby Bowery Mission, admission is free!  But do hurry – as the exhibit ends April 13.

Photo credits: 1. Rachel Alban; 2-3. Daniel Reyes Mozeson; 4-5. Dea Sumrall; 6-7. Dani Reyes Mozeson; 8. Lois Stavsky; 9-10. Dani Reyes Mozeson

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"Joe Iurato"

Intrigued by the small artworks that surface unexpectedly thoughout New York City, Amy Young has curated a delightful exhibit featuring small works by over a dozen artists.  Here’s a sampling:

Another cut-out by Joe Iurato

"Joe Iurato cut-out"

Elbow-Toe, close-up

"Elbow Toe"

Cake

Cake

Hellbent

Hellbent

Jaye Moon

"Jaye Moon"

Other featured artists include: Jilly Ballistic, C215, Clown Soldier, Enzo and Nio, Gilf!, Jay Shells, Shin Shin and Wing.  A closing party will take place tomorrow, April 4, from 5-9pm. The works will remain on exhibit through Sunday at R. Jampol Projects, 191 Henry Street between Clinton and Jefferson on the Lower East Side.

Photos: 1. courtesy of  the gallery; 2. 3. & 5.  Sara Mozeson; 4 & 6, City-as-School intern Dea Sumrall

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DAIN

Whether seen on gritty city streets or in formal gallery settings, DAIN’s masterfully conceived artworks always intrigue. And those in his upcoming exhibit at Dumbo’s Folioleaf are among his most dazzling to date. While previewing a few of his new collaged portraits at the Folioleaf gallery space at 111 Front Street, we had the chance to ask him a few questions:

What is it about these particular women’s faces that you find so alluring?

I’m drawn to their eyes. The way they stare at us. And like the women in the old Hollywood movies that I love, these women are naturally beautiful.

DAIN

We are wondering why so many of these women’s faces are attached to men’s bodies. What is the significance of this? Is there a message here?

There is beauty beyond the physical. Everything doesn’t have to hang out. Women need to leave something to the imagination.

DAIN

This is quite an impressive body of work. Your distinct aesthetic continues to evolve. Have you any thoughts on this?

I hope it’s getting better. I actually think this is my best work so far.  I’m just starting to scratch the surface.

DAIN

How long did it take you to prepare for this exhibit?

I began working on it in my head many months ago. The final pieces came together in the last few weeks.

DAIN

 Are you satisfied with the results?

So far, yes! If I am not satisfied with a piece, you will not see it in this show.

The public opening of DAIN’s new work will take place tomorrow, Thursday, April 3, 6-9pm, at Folioleaf, 111 Front Street, #226,  in Dumbo. The exhibit continues through Saturday, May 17.

Questions for DAIN by City-as-School intern Anna Louka; photos of DAIN’s works by Lois Stavsky and City-as-School intern Dea Sumrall.

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Cern

Piece, a wonderfully eclectic exhibit featuring a range of artworks from sketches to completed pieces, remains on exhibit at Spreadhouse through March 28 at 116 Suffolk Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. While most of the artists are familiar to us street art aficionados, some simply have a distinctly urban or outsider sensibility. Curious as to what was going on here, I posed some questions to Robert Aloia who spearheaded the show.

This is a great venue here. Can you tell us something about it?

It is an all-around creative space launched by the film production company, Spreadhouse, aka shny.

"Matthew Denton Burrows"

How did you discover it? It’s the perfect space to showcase art and its location is ideal.

My friend, the artist Peter Passuntino, had an exhibit here last month, curated by his son Greg. It was the first art show at shny and it introduced me to this space.

"icy and sot"

What is the concept behind Piece?

This exhibit is my way to showcase this space at Spreadhouse and to give viewers a glimpse into the creative process – from inspiration to finished product. Many of the pieces were created right here!

"Leah Weber"

Among the dozens of artists featured here are many who are active on the streets and others who are new to me. How did you hook up with so many talented folks?

Friends and friends of friends and assistant curators.

"Leo Uzai"

What’s ahead?

We’re at work on a number of wide-ranging exhibits. But you can expect to see some street art elements in all of them.

That sounds great. Good luck!

Images: 1. Cern  2. Matthew Denton Burrows  3. Icy and Sot  4. Leah Weber and 5. Leo Uzai

Photos of images by Lois Stavsky

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"Outdoor Gallery NYC"

Currently on view at 17 Frost is an exhibit of artwork by artists featured in Yoav Litvin’s remarkable book, Outdoor Gallery NYC. While visiting the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, we had the opportunity to speak to Yoav: 

This exhibit is in many ways a reflection of your book. It is wonderfully eclectic.

Yes, like the book Outdoor Gallery NYC, it celebrates the diversity of the incredible range of street art that surfaces in NYC’s public spaces.

"Enzo and Nio"

How did you connect with all of these artists – whose works are featured in your book and in this Outdoor Gallery NYC exhibit?

I initially met most of them through encountering their works on our streets. I further connected with them via Facebook or Instagram.

Cern

Can you tell us something about the process from the time you had your resources – your photos and interviews — to the actual production of the book?

Working with the designer, Steve Mosier, I created a template for a book. I then presented my concept to about 30 publishers. In late summer, I signed a contract with Gingko Press, my first choice.  The first copies of the book became available last week.

Billy Mode

The book looks wonderful, and your book launch party was quite remarkable. We’ve heard that folks waited on line for hours to get in.

Yes, that was quite humbling. And I feel grateful to everyone.

"Alice Mizrachi"

To what do you attribute the incredible success of the book launch?

My sense is that folks appreciate my particular approach. I have deep respect for all of the artists who share their works with us in public spaces. I admire their visions and their skills. I particularly love the way they challenge conventions.

"Chris Stain"

You are a scientist, as well as a photographer and street art documentarian. Has your background as a scientist affected the way you approach street art?

I suppose it has. It is essential that my research and findings remain “clean” and unbiased. I am interested in presenting something that is important not only on a local level, but on a global one, as well.

Bishop203

In what ways has this project impacted you?

I feel that I’ve developed a distinct personal style and approach to documenting street art.

"Icy and Sot"

If you had the opportunity to spend time in another city and work on a similar “Outdoor Gallery” project, which city would you choose to visit?

I’d probably choose São Paulo, Brazil.

NewMerica

The exhibit, curated by Yoav Litvin with Royce Bannon, continues through March 8 at 17 Frost Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Yoav can be contacted at yoavlitvin@gmail.com; for updates, visit the book’s Facebook page.

Interview with Yoav Litvin conducted at 17 Frost by City-as-School intern Anna Loucka with Lois Stavsky; photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky. 1. Exterior of 17 Frost painted by Bishop203, elsol25 and Royce Bannon; 2 .Enzo & Nio, Retro Bomba; 3. Cern, Jardim Electrico; 4. Billy Mode, Love; 5. Alice Mizrachi, Queen, close-up; 6. Chris Stain, Up in the Bronx; 7. Bishop203, Jesus Christ Superstar;  8. Icy and Sot, Race and 9. ÑEWMERICA, small segment of collaborative mural 

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"Zimad and Meres"

On exhibit through February at Great Neck’s Gold Coast Arts Center is WALL WORKS: The Art of Graffiti featuring works by 5Pointz (Rest in Power) curator and CEO Jonathan “Meres” Cohen and other artists who found a home at 5Pointz. Here’s a small sampling:

Meres

Meres

Shiro

Shiro

 See TF

"See tf"

Kid Lew

Kid-Lew

Hunt Rodriguez and daughter, close-up from sculpture, “Rest in Power, 5Pointz” (Click on link for video clip with full view)

"Hunt Rodriguez"

John Paul O’Grodnick

"John-Paul-O-Grodnick"

Zimad

Zimad

 First image of Zimad and Meres, close-up from photo by Richard Alicia; all others by Lois Stavsky

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"Exit Room"

A wonderfully diverse group of artists have been busy these past 10 days fashioning the walls of Exit Room in preparation for tonight’s opening of Track 1, the first in a series of short exhibitions. Here’s a sampling of what’s been going down:

Esteban del Valle

"Esteban del Valle"

Viajero

Viajero

Nicole Salgar

"Nicole Salgar"

Marka 27

"Marka -27"

 Ramiro Davaro

"Ramiro Davaro"

Rimx

Rimx

And here’s a close-up of a collaborative work in progress that we captured last Thursday:

Sonni, Marka 27 and Carlos Pinto

"Sonni, Marka 27 and Carlos Pinto"

Other featured artists include: Chuck Berret, Ricardo CabretChris RWKAdam Dare, Jeff Enriquez, Art by KenNepoJohn Paul O’Grodnick and Gio Romo. There will also be a live musical performance by Mike Larry Draw X 86 SUPREME. Tonight’s opening takes place at 270 Meserole Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn from 6 – 11pm.

All photos of artists at work courtesy of Dariel Mtz and Zoe; photo of Sonni, Marka 27 and Carlos Pinto collaborative work in progress by Lois Stavsky

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Chris Ellis aka Daze

Back in the 70’s, Daze’s main canvasses were subway trains and walls. Recognized as a master of his genre, Brooklyn native Chris “Daze” Ellis was soon showing his work in galleries. Since, he has exhibited in museums and galleries across the globe, while continuing to share his talents with us on the streets.  Through next Sunday, January 19th, a selection of Daze’s new paintings, sculptures and prints are on exhibit at TT-Underground, 91 Second Avenue, in the East Village. Here are a few more images from Indigo Dreams:

The Dark Night, the Big Boss

"Chris Ellis aka Daze"

Sculpture

"Chris Elis aka Daze"

View of 161st Street

"Chris Elis aka Daze"

Big Bill

"Chris Ellis aka Daze"

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Beyond-Literacy-Galerie-Protege-Chelsea-NYC

Opening this evening — from 6-8pm — at Chelsea’s Galerie Protégé, a handsome space at 197 9th Avenue, is Beyond Literacy, a selection of imaginative and impressive artworks by Joseph Meloy, Enrico Oyama, Chris RWK, and Herb Smith aka Veng. Here’s a brief preview:

Joseph Meloy whose Vandal Expressionism has become an integral part of NYC’s visual landscape

"Joseph Meloy"

"Joseph Meloy"

Tokyo native Enrico Oyama, close-up

Enrico-Oyama-art

Chris, RWK, close-up

"Chris RWK"

Herb Smith aka Veng

Veng

Photos of Joseph Meloy’s and Enrico Oyama’s artwork by Lois Stavsky; of Chris RWK’s by City-as-School intern Anna Loucka and of Herb Smith’s by Joseph Meloy

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