Built from 1904–1906 by the New York Central Railroad to provide electricity for its tracks heading north from Grand Central, the Glenwood Power Plant was sold in 1936 to Con Edison. Since its 1963 closure, it has evolved into a wonderland of gritty graffiti, ephemeral artworks and more. Last week, we had the opportunity to speak to the wonderfully talented painter Valeri Larko who has been recreating segments of this distinctive urban treasure — nicknamed “The Gates of Hell” — on canvas and metal with oil paint.
This place is phenomenal. When did you first begin painting here? And how often are you here?
I started painting here in September 2023. I’m here as often as six or seven days a week for about eight hours a day. It’s been a blast! So many interesting, creative people pass through. Since I started coming here, I’ve met filmmakers, video producers, photographers and all sorts of urban explorers drawn to its remarkable cathedral-like architectural presence.
How did you discover it?
An urban explorer, Brandon Parsons, whom I’d first met on Instagram, introduced me to this plant. When he visited NYC from his Ohio hometown, he suggested that we check out the Glenwood Power Plant. And he showed me the portal to enter.
We became instant fans after viewing Bronx Focus: Paintings by Valeri Larko at the Bronx Museum of the Arts back in 2016. We love how you immortalize our favorite medium of visual expression. What drew you to graffiti?
The urban landscape — particularly abandoned spaces — has always fascinated me. When I was living in New Jersey, I began exploring industrial plants and found myself especially drawn to big sculptural tanks and bridges. But when I moved to New Rochelle, I started driving into the Bronx. My earliest discovery in that borough was of an abandoned gas station filled with graffiti. I’d always been interested in urban signage, and I loved the colors and playfulness of the graffiti that I discovered. It was great fun!
Can you tell us something about your process?
Generally during the winter months, I drive around exploring different neighborhoods. When I discover some site that interests me, I return when the weather is warmer. I then do a quick color story, and I think about the composition and the canvas-size that will work for it. I order stretchers and bars, and after I stretch my canvas and return with my color story, I begin to paint. I always paint on site.
How long does it generally take you to complete a painting?
Anywhere from several weeks to several months — depending on its size.
Can you tell us something about your personal mission?
I am always striving to be a better painter as I document the ephemeral. My mission is to capture pieces of history before they are gone.
What’s ahead?
I don’t think about “what’s ahead” while I’m working on a project. But once I’m close to completion, I begin thinking of the ideal venue to exhibit it. I’d love to exhibit these works in a museum.
That would be great! And how ideal it would be to see these paintings in the almost adjacent Hudson River Museum!
Images:
1. “Glenwood Power Plant, Turbine Room I,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2023
2. Valeri Larko on site
3. “Glenwood Power Plant, Turbine Room III,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2023
4. “Glenwood Power Plant, Rotary Building,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2024
5. “Glenwood Power Plant, Gates of Hell,” Oil on Linen, 20″ x 16″ 2024
Interview by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky
Photo Credits: 1 & 3 Edward Fausty, courtesy of Valeri Larko; 2 Sara C. Mozeson 4 & 5 Tara Murray
