mural art

Street Art for Mankind Battles Child Slavery with: Bruno Smoky & Shalak Attack, Mr. Cenz, Mr. Dheo, Victor Ash, Jo Di Bona, Trek6 and more

February 19, 2017

In its mission to shed light on the plight of child workers and raise funds to halt child slavery, Street Art for Mankind — a non-profit public charity that promotes art for social change — has engaged dozens of artists renowned for sharing their talents and visions in public spaces. Pictured above is a huge mural fashioned by Clandestinos currently on view at 7401 NW Miami Ct in Little River, Miami. What follows are several more images — some just seen this past week in Miami and others captured last month in New York City at the closing ceremony for #AtThisAge, the first United Nations exhibit featuring street art.

Clandestinos — Bruno Smoky and Shalak Attack — at The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) in NYC

London-based Mr Cenz, close-up, as seen in Miami

Mr Cenz at The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) in NYC

Portuguese artist Mr. Dheo in Miami

Mr. Dheo at The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) in NYC

Copenhagen-based Victor Ash in Miami

Victor Ash at The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) in NYC

Parisian artist Jo Di Bona in Miami

Jo Di Bona at The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) in NYC

Trek6 in Miami, his home town

And Trek6 educating youngsters on the art of the spray can on the Miami grounds of Street Art for Mankind

The dozens of murals remain on view through tomorrow, Monday, at 7401 NW Miami Ct in Little River. And, also, tomorrow, 70 masterpieces — from 4×4 feet to 40×8 feet — will be be auctioned. Check here for further info about the closing day’s activities and the auction that will raise funds for the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) to help rescue and rehabilitate enslaved children across the world. And there’s much ahead for Street Art for Mankind as exhibits, workshops and auctions are planned for Paris, Sao Paulo, Dubai and Seoul.

Photo credits: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 & 12 Lois Stavsky; 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 Karin du Maire

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.

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Speaking with JMZ Walls Founder and Curator Alberto Mejia

February 14, 2017

“Helping to make the JMZ lines more colorful one wall, one gate, one space at a time,” JMZ Walls continues to bring a diverse range of first-rate street art and graffiti — by both local and global artists — to South Bushwick. I recently had the opportunity to speak to its founder, Alberto Mejia.

When was JMZ Walls first launched?

In the fall of 2014.

What spurred you to initiate it?

I’d been living in Bushwick – off the JMZ lines – for 20 years. In the past several years, I saw positive changes in in other parts of Bushwick that I didn’t see happening here.

And many of these changes are directly related to the art that had begun surfacing on the streets.

Yes! My vision was to bring street artists, graffiti writers and muralists to my end of Bushwick. And I didn’t think that these genres should be kept separate from one another. Why shouldn’t graffiti writers share space with street artists and muralists?

I agree! And the visual impact of JMZ Walls has been great. How did you go about getting walls for artists?

I know many of the building owners. At first I started asking for gates, and soon the owners were offering walls to me.

Who were some of the first artists to paint for JMZ Walls?

The first piece was by a German graffiti writer, Byond. He was followed by Queen Andrea, Claw Money and Dasic Fernandez. I was inspired by Queen Andrea, in fact, to dedicate an entire block — Lawton Street — to female artists!

How do you decide which artists to include?

I’m interested in giving opportunities to local graffiti artists who haven’t had all that many occasions to paint in legal spots. And I love hosting talented artists from abroad who are seeking a space to paint. I also like giving opportunities to artists who don’t generally paint in public spaces.

Yes! I was introduced to several artists – including BK Foxx – through JMZ Walls. How has the local community responded to JMZ Walls?

Families have been very appreciative, and the kids love the art. I often hear them saying, “That’s cool!” when they pass by.

Yup! You have certainly enlivened this end of Bushwick! It’s worth a ride on the J, M or Z line out here just to see these walls you’ve curated! I’ve done it often! What – would you say – has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge has been financing it. Supplies and paints are expensive, and artists’ budgets are often limited. You can find out here how you can help support us through our recently launched GoFundMe Campaign.

Thank you for all that you’ve done for the community and for all of us street art and graffiti aficionados. We look forward to what’s ahead for JMZ Walls. And good luck with your GoFundMe Campaign.

Images

1. BK Foxx

2. Brazilian artists Thiago Valdi & l7m

3. Rio de Janeiro-based Marcelo Ment

4. Kesta

5. Montreal-based Philippe Mastrocola aka Spraycam

Photo credits: 1 & 2 Tara Murray; 3-5 Lois Stavsky; interview conducted and edited by 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.

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Tel Aviv Street Art: Klone, Foma, Dede, Adi Sened, Michal Rubin, Mr di Maggio, Jonathan Kis-Lev, Ros Plazma, Signor Gi and Murielle

February 4, 2017

Reflecting Tel Aviv’s restless energy, much of the street art that surfaces there emanates a distinct edginess. Pictured above are long-running pieces by Klone and Foma. Here are several more recently captured:

Jonathan Kis-Lev, Ros Plazma and more

Signor Gi

Murielle Street Art

Photo credits: 1 Sara C Mozeson; 2-8 Lois Stavsky

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

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Santurce Es Ley in San Juan, Puerto Rico: D*Face, Bik Ismo, Abey Charron, El Basta, Zio Ziegler, Morivivi, Seth, David Zayas and Pastel

February 1, 2017

The following guest post is by Houda Lazrak:

Since 2010, the annual urban art festival, Santurce Es Ley, has been gracing the walls of the downtown San Juan district of Santurce, revitalizing it with dozens of distinctive works by local and global street artists. Here are several that I came upon on my recent visit:

London native D*Face and Puerto Rican artist Bik Ismo

Puerto Rican native Abey Charron

The Puerto Rican Collective El Basta

West Coast – based Zio Ziegler

Puerto Rican Collective Morivivi

French artist Seth GlobePainter

Puerto Rican artist David Zayas (top) and Buenos Aires-based Pastel

All photos by Houda Lazrak

Note: 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.

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Sara Erenthal Gives New Life to Discarded Objects on Park Slope Streets

January 25, 2017

A self-taught, multi-disciplinary artist, Sara Erenthal has a strong presence on the streets of Park Slope, Brooklyn. We recently spoke.

You’ve established quite a presence here on the streets of Park Slope. What keeps you coming back?

There is a lack of public art in Park Slope, and there seems to be a hunger for it. Folks here have been so receptive to what I am doing. They seem excited to have something interesting and different to look at. Park Slope is where I am living these days, and so it’s easy for me to get around either by foot or by bike.

With the exceptions of the walls you are commissioned to paint, your canvas is almost always some type of discarded object. Why is that?

Since folks take many of my works home with them, I feel that I am saving trash from ending up in landfills. Also – what I am doing is not illegal. I cannot take the legal risks of doing unsanctioned artworks that could land me with a fine, time in jail or both.

You almost always seem to be drawing faces. Can you tell us something about them?

They are variations of myself – subconscious portraits. Growing up in a cloistered ultra-Orthodox world, I was limited to just one hairstyle. The changes in the hairstyles represent the changes in myself.

I’ve noticed folks stop and often photograph you while you are drawing. Do any particular interactions with passersby stand out?

Yes! Recently a woman ran after me as I was rushing out of my house — in my pajamas — to the local health food store to buy some ginger. I was sick at the time. She asked me if she could bring her father – a huge fan since he had seen my work on a mattress — to meet me. He showed up almost instantly for his daughter to snap a photo of the two of us — with me decked in my pajamas!

In addition to your work on found objects, you’ve also painted on a range of sanctioned surfaces this past year. Any particular challenges? Any favorites?

Painting on a shuttered gate was definitely a challenge as I generally paint on flat surfaces. Among my favorites is the artwork that I painted at D’Vine Taste.

Yes! I love the stark simplicity of the white on black. It’s beautiful! And what about the piano? How did that become your canvas?

A local pre-school threw it out last spring with a sign “Free piano.” Six months later it was still there. I asked then for permission to paint it. And I love that it is still there! I feel as though I gave it a new life.

You did! What’s ahead?

I am now preparing for a solo show to open at FiveMyles Gallery at 558 St Johns Place on March 9 from 6-9pm. And later in the spring, I will be exhibiting my work at Google’s New York site in Chelsea. An outdoor mural in Gowanus is also on the horizon.

I’m looking forward to it all! Good luck!

Photo credits: 1-5 & 7 Lois Stavsky; 6 Tara Murray; interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky

Note: 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.

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The RAW Project at Wynwood’s Eneida M. Hartner Elementary School: Jules Muck, Mr. June, Zed1, Kevin Ledo, Shepard Fairey, Paola Delfin, Case Macclaim, Jarvis Landry & Kai Aspire

January 23, 2017

Back in 2014, the RAW Project transformed Wynwood’s Jose De Diego Middle School’s stark walls into a vibrant, sumptious outdoor gallery. During last month’s Art Basel, a team of artists — from across the globe — brought beauty and intrigue to the walls of Wynwood’s Eneida M. Hartner Elementary School. Pictured above is Jules Muck at work. Here are several more images captured on site by travel and street photographer Karin du Maire.

Mr. June at work

Zed1

Paolo Delfin

Kevin Ledo — on left — with Shepard Fairey (w/assistants) and Paolo Delfin at work earlier on

Case Maclaim at work

RAW Project curator Robert Skran posing with Miami Dolphins’ Jarvis Landry aka Juice and Kai Aspire in front Kai’s and Jarvis’s collaborative artwork

All photos by Karin du Maire

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The Bushwick Collective and the Mana Urban Arts Project in Wynwood: Louis Masai, Davis McCarty, Michel Velt, Chor Boogie & Trek6, Sipros, Shepard Fairey and Fio

January 15, 2017

Last month during Miami Art Week, the Bushwick Collective once again collaborated with the Mana Urban Arts Project in facilitating first-rate public artwork in Wynwood, Miami. Pictured above is a mural by Louis Masai, along with an installation by Davis McCarty. Here are several more works captured by street photographer Karin du Maire.

Netherlands-based Michel Velt

West Coast-based Chor Boogie — in front of mural — and Miami’s Trek6

Brazilian artist Sipros

LA-based Shepard Fairey aka Obey Giant in front of one segment of his huge mural

Chilean artist Fiorello Podesta aka Fio

All photos by Karin du Maire

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A Visit to GAMA, a Creative Urban Arts Space, in Mexico City

January 8, 2017

While in Mexico City several weeks ago, I had the chance to visit GAMA, a distinctly impressive artists’ space and gallery in Colonia Hipódromo, and speak to its founder, Daniel Martinez and his partner, Kas Chudleigh.

This is such a wonderful space with so much positive energy. Can you tell us a bit about GAMA? There are quite a few people here. Who are you?

We are a group of artists that seek to nurture each other and others by collaborating, offering workshops, showcasing our work and providing opportunities for creatives.

How long have you been in this particular space? It is ideal.

We’ve been here on the ground floor of Comitán 10, Hipódromo since June 30^th.

How would you describe GAMA‘s mission?

With a particular focus on street art and urban art, we work with a diverse group of graphic designers, illustrators, photographers and muralists. We perceive the GAMA space as an education and resource center that offers a wide range of events, talks and exhibits, along with opportunities to collaborate with brands.

Can you give us some examples of the workshops offered here?

Upcoming workshops include: watercolor painting with Diego Andrad; working with 3-D in the gif format with Chacalall, and designing illustrations with Yolka Mx.

You’ve also curated outdoor murals. I visited the one painted by Werc and Gera Luz earlier today. When did you first become interested in street art?

In 2005 — over 10 years ago — I started creating stickers and wheatpastes. I also began following online what was happening throughout the globe, and then I spent time in Berlin and Barcelona, where I saw so much amazing art on public spaces.

What would you say is your greatest challenge at this point?

The major one is attaining the support we need to maintain the space.

What’s ahead? Any particular projects — besides all the wonderful things happening here?

We’d like to produce a series of documentaries about some of the artists we work with. We are especially interested in the creative process. What motivates and inspires artists? We’re also interested in establishing alliances with different cultural projects in Mexico and connecting to more emerging artists.

It all sounds great! How can folks contact you if they would like to visit or become involved?

They can contact us at contacto@gamacrea.com. They can also follow us on Instagram and on Facebook.

Images

1. Toxicómano

2. Root Rises

3. Yolka Mx

4. Werc and Gera Luz

5. Gleo

Photos and interview by Lois Stavsky

Note: 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.

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Speaking with Street Art Chilango Founders: Jenaro de Rosenzweig & Alejandro Revilla

January 3, 2017

While in Mexico City last month, I had the opportunity to meet up with Jenaro de Rosenzweig and Alejandro Revilla, founders of the hugely popular Street Art Chilango.

Just what is Street Art Chilango?

It is a company dedicated to promoting street art. Three divisions have evolved: 1. Social networking on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat; 2. Private and group tours that focus on street art in the city’s center and 3. Securing mural commissions for artists, many of whom are our friends, in both public and private spaces.

When was Street Art Chilango launched?

We launched it on March 7, 2013.

How did you and Alex meet? And how did you end up collaborating?

We met in Barcelona several years ago, and discovered — almost at once — that we shared a love for street art. I then went on my own to Berlin where I hung out with street artists and often ended up starting to paint at 3am in the morning! When I returned to Mexico, my ex- girlfriend suggested that I learn about the street art here in my own city. And so after taking photos, I decided to start a Facebook fan page and Alex — who had returned earlier to Mexico City — installed an API to search for the hashtag #streetartchilango on Instagram. That’s how it all began!

And what about the tours? What spurred you to start offering tours?

Since so few people seemed to know about the amazing street art here in Mexico City, sharing it with others seemed like the logical next step. And once we began offering tours, we then set up our office here in the center of town.

What about commissions? When and how did that start?

In October of that year, we were approached by a book publishing company, and so our first joint project was launched.

And since that first year? Who have some of your clients been?

We’ve done murals and live painting for restaurants, hotels, businesses and a range of companies from Starbucks to Facebook.

What would you say are some of your challenges?

Continually striving to be the best we can be despite distractions and staying true to the spirit of street art when dealing with commercial enterprises.

You two have worked together now for over three years. What would you say is the key to your successful collaboration?

We are both passionate about street art, but our experiences and backgrounds are different. I studied Electrical Engineering and Finance, and Alex has a strong background in Social Media. And so we bring different strengths to Street Art Chilango.

How can folks best contact you?

They can drop us an email at : contacto@streetartchilango.com

Images

1. Jenaro‘s famed colorful dog

2. One of Jenaro‘s signature Star Wars works

3. & 4. Commissioned murals painted by Street Art Chilango artists

5. A rotating outdoor canvas curated by Street Art Chilango, this one painted by IOU

Photos and interview by Lois Stavsky

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In Azcapotzalco, Mexico City: Tellaeche, Diana Bama, Pyska, Sego and More Mural Art

December 30, 2016

Shortly after I arrived in Mexico City earlier this month, I met up with the wonderfully knowledgeable Soylo. Passionate about the art that surfaces in public spaces — and always eager to explore and share insights into the minds that inspire it — he has been photographing graffiti and street art in his city since 2007. Among the artworks he introduced me to are a series of murals painted by Mexican artists for the project Memoria. Curated by Colectivo C, they surfaced last year in Azcapotzalco, an industrial district in the northwestern part of Mexico City. The mural pictured above is by Tellaeche, who had painted here in NYC at the Bushwick Collective. Here are several more murals inspired by the notion of Memory:

Diana Bama