mixed media

Graffiti, Pop Art and Fine Art Merge in “El Bronx,” an Exuberant Exhibition by Sen2 Figueroa at Kreate Hub

March 27, 2025

Currently on view at Kreate Hub is an exuberant exhibition featuring a diverse range of distinctly stylish work by the hugely talented Puerto Rico-born, Bronx-based artist Sen2 Figueroa. With its swooping visual rhythms, striking lines and infectious energy, Sen2’s ever-evolving aesthetic seduces the viewer’s eyes — as it blurs the boundaries between, graffiti, pop art and fine art.

The image featured above was fashioned with mixed media on canvas. Several more images on view in “El Bronx” follow:

From the “X-ray Series,” Mixed media on canvas

From the “Mecanico Series,” Mixed media on canvas

“Fragile,” Mixed media on canvas

From the “Graffiti Pop Art Series,” mixed media on wood panel

From the “X-ray Series,” Mixed Media on canvas

Located at 15 Canal Place in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx, Kreate Hub is open by appointment, Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Phone: 718.500.4151. “El Bronx,” Sen2 Figueroa‘s first solo exhibition in the Bronx, remains on view through April 12.

Photos: Tara Murray

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STUDENTEACHER Continues at Nemo’s Beer Shop with: Belowkey, Cern, Kemos, Part One, Mike 79, Python, Hest & More

October 2, 2024

STUDENTEACHER, the most recent exhibition curated by Chip Love and Seb Gorey and presented by Nemo’s Beer Shop in Forest Hills, Queens is a stylish and striking celebration of the lifelong, constantly evolving relationships that transpire between students and teachers. The delightfully playful image featured above was fashioned with ink on paper by the prolific Queens-based artist Belowkey. Several more images of artworks that will remain on view through STUDENTEACHER‘s closing party at the end of this month follow:

Queens-born multidisciplinary artist Cern, “Cernimals #2,” 2024, Acrylic on canvas

MAYHEM crew menber Kemos, “Untitled,” 2023, Spray paint and marker

The legendary TDS member Part One, “Mean Green,” 2024, Acrylic and paint marker

Queens-based veteran graffiti writer Mike 79, “79/131,” 2024, Marker tags on spray painted canvas

Graffiti writer and painter Python, “P Is for Pupil,” 2024, Designer markers, watercolor, ink and brush on canvas

New Jersey-based Hest aka Halfguy 2024,”Untitled,” Mixed media on wood panel

Located at 110-64 Queens Blvd in Forest Hills, Nemo’s Beer Shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 2PM – 11PM, Saturday, 2PM – 12AM and Sunday, 12PM – 6PM.

Photos of artworks: Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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“ON THE EDGE” Continues at Brooklyn Art Haus Through Sept. 3 With: Shepard Fairey, Cope 2, T-Kid, Jessica Kaplan, Chris RWK, Snapkracker x Rambo Rame and More

August 20, 2023

Currently on view at Brooklyn Art Haus, a new home for innovative arts in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is “ON THE EDGE,” a group exhibition featuring a delightfully diverse selection of urban art, graffiti, photography and fine art in a range of media by both emerging and established artists.

On a recent visit to the wonderfully welcoming space, I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to its curators, Koz, founder of SilverTuna Studios, and Laura “Lulu” Reich.

This is your third exhibit here at Brooklyn Art Haus. In what ways does it differ from your previous ones held at this space?

There’s a bit of more emphasis on photography, as we are highlighting works by the amazing urban photographer Victor Thomas, known on Instagram as Vic Invades. We are also thrilled to be presenting for the first time four artworks by the legendary Shepard Fairey.

Yes, I love these Obey screen prints, and I love the way he takes a political stance on the critical issues of our time. How did you connect to Shepard Fairey?

I (Koz) was filming Shepard Fairey while he was at work on his Bad Brains mural for the LISA Project. I developed — at the time — a close relationship with his assistant, Rob Zagula aka Eastweed. And then we all met up at midnight and were out on the streets until dawn!

You, two, obviously have a great working relationship. How did you meet? And how do you manage to work so well together?

We are both friends with Easy, and he introduced us to each other. We are both passionate about what we do, and we complement each other in terms of our personal and professional skills. We also tend to share the same friends, who are largely artists and collectors.

In addition to sharing the artworks on exhibit with collectors and the general public, do the two of you have any other mission?

Yes, we want very much to educate those who view the works about the artists behind them. That is why we have included biographical information, alongside each artist’s work.

What’s ahead?

We are planning ahead for a mural festival to take place in Chicago next June. We are currently in the process of curating an exhibition of new work by Al Diaz scheduled to open next month at Brooklyn Made in Industry City. We are also looking forward to exhibiting artworks at the Tribeca Synagogue and again at City Point BKLYN. And Koz will be releasing a film featuring Cape Cod-based pro-skateboarder and artist Zered Bassett — introduced by skater and artist Eli Reed.

You are certainly productive! Good luck with it all! How can folks see your current exhibit here at Brooklyn Art Haus?

The exhibition can be viewed daily from 10am – 10pm through Sunday, September 3rd. Private viewings are by appointment via lulu@collectwithlulu.com. Brooklyn Art Haus is located at 24-1 Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Images featured in this post:

1 .Shepard Fairey, “Putin’s Ashes (Pussy Riot),” 2023, Screen print on thick cream speckletone paper, 24″ x 18″

2. Cope2, “Cotton Candy Star, ” Mixed media on canvas, 16″ x 20″

3. Tkid, “Do Not Cross,” Mixed media on subway sign, 18″ x 16″

4. Jessica Kaplan, “Roar,” Mixed media & collage on canvas, 12″ x 12″

5. Chris RWK, “TIL The End.” Mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 24″

6. SNAPKRACKER x RAMBO RAME, “Hip Hop Legends,” Paint marker and aerosol on street sign, 29″ x 29″

7. Curators: Koz and Lulu, — with Koz sporting a Chris RWK hat and SNAPKRACKER sweatshirt

Note: Also on view are tantalizing works by Eastweed, FLASH, Eric Orr and Vic Invades

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; Photo credits: 1, 6 & 7 courtesy of the curators; 2-5, Lois Stavsky

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“PHASE 2: Myth Conception…” Continues Through June 30 at ACA Galleries in Chelsea

May 9, 2023

Currently on view at ACA Galleries in Chelsea, “PHASE 2: Myth Conception…” traces the development of the late visionary stylemaster’s distinct aesthetic from 1972 through 2019. Among the artist’s wide-ranging works included in this hugely comprehensive survey are: PHASE 2‘s hip-hop flyers, IGTimes graphics, varied works on paper, embossed aluminum plates and tantalizing sculptures — in addition to his works on canvas and plywood.

A first generation writer and hip-hop pioneer, PHASE 2 evolved into an astonishingly innovative contemporary artist, blurring the lines between style writing, urban art and fine art. Intricate and immensely intriguing, the works that he created in the last decade of his life exude a distinctly esoteric beauty.

“Don 101,” the image pictured above, was rendered back in 2008 with with ink marker on IGTimes, vol.4. What follows are several of PHASE 2‘s later works on canvas and plywood — all elegantly displayed at ACA Galleries.

“Interplanetary Deity 2,” ca. 2016, Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

“Untitled,” Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on plywood

“Implosion 2.” 2015, Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

“Chromatic Implosion,” ca. 2016, Paint marker and spray paint on canvas

“Untitled 3,” 2010, Mixed media on plywood

“Another Time and Space,” ca 2013, Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

T.O.N.Y Oy/Not/Vehme/Yeldi, 2016, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

T.O.N.Y Oy/Not/Vehme/Yeldi, 2016, spray paint and acrylic on canvas, detail

Curated by ACA Galleries curator Mikaela Sardo Lamarche and IGTimes founder David Schmidlapp, “PHASE 2: Myth Conception…” can be viewed Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00am – 6:00pm at ACA Galleries, 529 West 20th Street,

Note:

Thursday May 11th @ 7pm
“Funky Nous Deco” and Beyond
Special presentation of PHASE 2 graphic works from his seminal hip hop fliers, IGTimes and album covers to his digital installations and backdrops with Pete Nice, Co-Curator, Universal Hip Hop Museum and David Schmidlapp, founder of the IGTimes and special guests.

Photos of artworks by with City-As-School intern Antonio Gomez and Lois Stavsky

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ChrisRWK Solo Exhibition, “Promise Made. Promise Kept,” Opens Saturday, February 11, at Harman Projects

February 9, 2023

With its fusion of graffiti, comic and fine art aesthetics, ChrisRWK‘s artworks — both on and off the streets — have long captivated us. His beloved robot character has made its way onto just about every surface — from stickers to canvasses to huge vehicles to massive walls. Opening this Saturday evening at Harman Projects is his solo exhibition, “Promise Made. Promise Kept,” showcasing a range of new artworks, including a 3D rendition of his iconic robot.

Featured above is ChrisRWK‘s mixed media painting “Tale Be Told,” one of his 12 x 12 inch artworks on exhibit. Several more images of artworks from “Promise Made. Promise Kept” follow:

True to the Blue, 12 x 12 in.

Lost Amongst Ghosts and Shadows, 12 x 12 in.

Beat the Odds, 6 x 6 in.

At the Top of My Lungs, 12 x 12 in.

For Giving, Bronze Sculpture

A reception for “Promise Made. Promise Kept” will be held this Saturday evening, February 11, at Harman Projects from 6-8pm. Located at 210 Rivington Street on the Lower East Side, the gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am – 6pm. “Promise Made. Promise Kept” remains on view until Saturday, March 4th

And be sure to check here to read Gallery Director Raul Barquet‘s illuminating interview with ChrisRWK, published this past week in Juxtapoz.

All photos courtesy Harman Projects

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Kenny Scharf: “WOODZ ‘N THINGZ” Continues through June 25 at TOTAH on the Lower East Side

May 26, 2022

Whether viewed outdoors or indoors, Kenny Scharf’s infectious aesthetic is always a delicious visual treat. Currently on view at TOTAH on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is WOODZ ‘N THINGZ, a series of dazzling paintings that delight our senses and heighten our consciousness as they reflect the ecological threats our natural world faces — while suggesting alternative ways of dealing with its fragile state.

Pictured above is WOODZ, fashioned in 2022 with oil and acrylic on linen within a powder coated aluminum frame. Several more images from the legendary artist’s second solo exhibition at TOTAH follow:

ZPRUNGZ, 2022, Oil and acrylic on linen with powder coated aluminum frame, 70 x 90 inches

Kelp Us, 2022, Oil, acrylic, spray paint & silk screen ink on linen with powder coated aluminum frame, 48 x 60 inches

WORLDZEND, 2022, Oil and acrylic on linen with powder coated aluminum frame, 70 x 90 inches

PHILIPS TIME TO GO, 2022 Oil on Phillips flat screen TV, 20 x 30 x 5 inches

Located at 183 Stanton Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, TOTAH is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11AM to 6PM.

Photos of images: 1 & 3 Lois Stavsky, 2, 4 & 5 Atlas Torres

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“New In 22” at Woodward Gallery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side

March 7, 2022

For close to three decades, Woodward Gallery has been enriching Manhattan’s Lower East Side with wonderfully enticing exhibitions and public art projects. On view through March at its 132A Eldridge Street space is New In 22 featuring strikingly expressive new works by 14 contemporary artists in a range of media. And among these artists are many who also share their talents in public spaces. A selection of images by these artists — whose particular aesthetics often blur the line between urban and fine art — follow:

NYC-born and based Puerto Rican mixed-media artist Jose Baez, “Visionary King,” 2021, Mixed media collage, spray paint, oil and acrylic on canvas (including found objects and materials)

New Jersey-based Hungarian-American urban folk artist RH DOAZ, “Always Inhabit Your Space 6,” 2021, Aerosol spray paint, oil, wood stain on reclaimed pine

The legendary Brooklyn-based artist Moody, “Alternating Portals,” 2022, Acrylic on wood panel

Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist DM Weeks, “Fight or Flight,” 2021, Acrylic, spray paint, and oil on canvas

Brooklyn-born, Dallas-based artist JM Rizzi, “Verbal Stick Up,” 2021, Mixed media on canvas NYC-based multidisciplinary artist Matt Siren, “The Tragedy of Time and Space, 2022,” Hand painted with acrylic and glitter embellishments on wood panels

Hudson Valley-based neo-expressionist artist Cosbe, Soft Spot, 2022, Acrylic and mixed media on acrylic panel

Also on view in New In 22 is a wonderfully eclectic range of strong works by: Susan Breen, Tommy Flynn, Sabina Forbes II, Val Kilmer, Margaret Morrison, Alex Racine and Daniel Rosenbaum.

You can visit New In 22 in person at Woodward Gallery‘s street level exhibition windows 24/7. You can also see it online on WoodwardGallery.net, on Artsy.net and on the virtual Artsy Viewing Room. A full color digital catalogue is available for free here and softcover catalogue is available to order here.

Images courtesy Woodward Gallery

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Spanish Artist Pejac Responds to Environmental and Social Ills in Poignantly Expressive Artworks

January 5, 2022

While many of us were pondering the world’s fragile state in the early months of the pandemic, the brilliantly inventive and socially conscious Spanish artist Pejac was busy creating art in response to it. And this past fall, he shared his vision in APENA, a ten-day exposition held in a former train manufacturing site in Berlin. Over 40 new artworks — addressing such themes as environmental pollution, climate change, the refugee crisis and inequality — were displayed in eight different rooms and spaces. Several play on classical paintings; all are at once poetic and unsettling,

The image featured above, “Counterweight,” was fashioned in 2020 with oil, acrylic and spray paint and mounted on a wooden stretcher. Several more images of Pejac‘s artworks — all painted since the early days of the pandemic — follow:

“Urban Albatross,” Oil, acrylic, spray paint and charcoal on paper mounted on wooden stretcher

“H20,” Charcoal, Pencil, conté, and gold leaf on paper mounted on wooden stretcher

“Bad Time for Lyrics,” Brass, bronze and wood

“Swirling,” Oil, acrylic and spray paint on paper mounted on wooden stretcher

“Oppressed IV,” close-up; Chalk and pencil on paper

And you can view the remarkable APNEA Exhibition here:

All images courtesy Majka Tkacik – Project Manager, Suben Art

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Richard Hambleton and His Contemporaries: Al Diaz, Ken Hiratsuka, Scot Borofsky Continues at Ideal Glass Studios Through July 30

July 24, 2021

Richard Hambleton and His Contemporaries: Al Diaz, Ken Hiratsuka, Scot Borofsky, an exploration of the unsanctioned street art movement in New York City in the 1980s — through four of its most significant visionaries — continues through Friday, July 30, at Ideal Glass Studios.

The image featured above, Jumper, was fashioned in 1995 by the late Canadian artist Richard Hambleton, referred to by many as the “Godfather of street art.” Hambleton’s mysterious, mesmerizing silhouetted figures, variations of his iconic “Shadowman,” made their way into hundreds of alleyways and buildings throughout NYC after he had moved to Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Several more images on exhibit in Richard Hambleton and His Contemporaries follow:

Also by Richard Hambleton, “Untitled 1,” 1994, Acrylic on canvas, 70.5 x 62.5 inches

NYC native Al Diaz — prolific text-oriented street artist who had collaborated with Jean Michel Basquiat on SAMO© and maintains an active presence on the streets today — “Forgotten Names,” 2019-20, Mixed media on canvas, 30 x 40 inches

Also by Al Diaz, “Ghost Painting,” 2021, Mixed media on canvas, 21 x 30 inches

Japanese sculptor Ken Hiratsuka — who worked with hammer and chisel to create intricate designs underfoot — “Islands,” 2021, Bluestone, 23.5 x 18 x 3 inches

Also by Ken Hiratsuka, “All Night,” 2010, Black granite, 38 x 26 x 1.5 inches

Vermont native Scot Borofsky — known for his site-specific works referencing ancient art from various cultures — (from left to right) “Farmer’s Daughter,” 1986, Krylon spray paint on linen, 60 x 42 inches; “Yellow Angel,” 1986, Krylon spray paint on linen, 60 x 42 inches; “Meditating Figure,” 1989, Krylon spray paint on linen, 72 x 72 inches

The exhibition can be viewed daily through Friday, July 30m from 2-6pm at Ideal Glass Studios. located at 9 West 8th Street in Greenwich Village. For viewings all other times, you can contact Salomon Arts Gallery at (212) 966-1997 to book an appointment.

Special thanks to Ana Candelaria, who attended the press reception earlier this week and photographed select works to share with us

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“POLARITY: New works by CLARENCE RICH & MR. MUSTART” Continues at Jersey City’s PRIME Gallery through April 13

March 11, 2021

Prolific, passionate, and hugely inventive, both Clarence Rich and Mr Mustart are among Jersey City’s most prominent street artists. POLARITY: New works by CLARENCE RICH & MR. MUSTART, showcases their talents — individually and collaboratively — in a tantalizing exhibition that continues through April 13 at Jersey City’s PRIME Gallery. The image pictured above, 3rd Eye, was fashioned with mixed media on canvas by Clarence Rich. Several more images from the exhibit — curated by PRIME Gallery director, Maria Kosdan — follow:

Mr Mustart, Polaris, Mixed media on canvas, 11 x 14”