While exploring the streets in the vicinity of the PATH train’s Newport Station, I came upon a series of intriguing murals curated by Green Villain. Featured above is by Greetings Tour with Victor Ving. Here are several more.
Veer One and Tiper
Nychos, close-up
Photo credits: 1, 2, 4-7 Lois Stavsky; 3 Tara Murray
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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Ranging from the comical to the fantastical, dozens of characters grace the walls of Chicago’s Bloomingdale Trail aka the 606. Pictured above is a close-up from a huge mural by Mr. Thor and others. Here are several more we captured last week:
Cujo, Dred Ske, Rahmaan Statik and Max Sansing
Photo credits: 1, 2, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 3 & 6 Tara Murray
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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Launched by the Wabash Arts Corridor and Columbia College Chicago, WAC Big Walls Festval continues to transform Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood into a vibrant outdoor museum. Pictured above is Brazilian artist Kobra‘s tribute to legendary blues musician, Muddy Waters. Here are several more murals — gracing the walls of the Loop — that we captured while visiting Chicago this past week:
Argentine arist Marina Zumi, close-up
Dutch artist Collin van der Sluijs
Chicago’s Don’t Fret on college debt!
Chicago’s Likes1
Chicago’s Amuse 126
Photo credits: 1-3 Lois Stavsky, 4-7 Tara Murray
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The exterior of Logan Square’s former Megamall, along with its adjoining parking lot, boasts over two dozen first rate murals. Pictured above is by Amuse 126, who curated the art that was painted on the soon-to-be demolished Megamall building. Here’s a sampling of art on the building and in its adjoining parking lot.
Photos by Tara Murray
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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Moscow-based artist Yulia Vanifatieva aka Hula recently made her way to NYC and left her mark in Bushwick, Brooklyn. After she’d finished painting several outdoor murals in collaboration with JMZ Walls, I had the opportunity to meet up with her and find about a bit about the young Russian artist and her Pink Power art project.
When did you first get up in a public space?
A lot of my childhood friends were painting on the streets, and it was something that I had always wanted to do. But I didn’t attempt to until four years ago when I was already a university graduate.
And what was it about street art that appealed to you? That made you want to try it?
I liked the idea of expressing my individuality in a public space.
How did the other street artists respond to you — as a woman in the scene?
At first no one took me seriously. But that has been changing.
Have you collaborated with other street artists?
I’ve never deliberately collaborated, but it’s happened accidentally — when friends start painting on a wall after they’ve seen me begin. Then it — unintentionally — evolves into a team effort!
Do you work from a sketch when you paint?
I have a basic sketch, but I don’t really refer much to it or think about the process. I just do it!
Do you have a formal art education?
Yes. I graduated from the Ivanova State Textile Academy in 2008 with a degree in Fashion Design. And then between 2010 and 2012, I studied Visual Communications at the British Higher School of Art and Design. But I’d been drawing all my life, and I always knew I wanted to be an artist!
What has been your main source of income — as an artist?
Designing window displays for high-end department stores.
Can you tell us something about your particular aesthetic? How has it developed?
I am interested in experimenting with different surfaces, styles and materials. While studying Fashion Design, I began to use magazines as my canvas. I created fashion illustration sketches with cosmetics instead of with paint and with money instead of with paper. I am increasingly interested in concepts.
Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?
At first, I’m not! It takes me awhile to like it.
How has your work or process evolved within this past few years?
Initially, it was difficult for me to execute what I had envisioned. But that has gotten much easier.
Have you any favorite street artists? Artists who have inspired you?
Among my favorites are Anthony Lister and Herakut.
Yes! I can see their influence. They are among my favorite ones, as well! Has your family been supportive of your career choice?
Always! My parents have always encouraged me to follow my passions. They understand how challenging and exciting an artist’s life is.
We street art aficionados have come to identify you with your Pink Power project. Just what is the concept behind it?
It is a celebration of female power. The concept behind it is that a woman can be strong, clever and beautiful. A woman’s seemingly delicate veneer should not be confused with or mistaken for weakness.
You recently participated in Moscow’s Artmossphere Street Art Biennale. Can you tell us something about that?
Moscow’s Artmossphere Street Art Biennale is a huge showcase of international street art. This year’s marks its second anniversary. I was among 42 international artists — including Miss Van, Li-Hill, M-City and the London Police — and 26 Russian artists whose work was presented.
That’s quite impressive! You’ve painted several walls here in NYC — most recently in collaboration with JMZ Walls. What is your impression of our city?
I love it here. I love this city’s energy and its free atmosphere. NYC is such an open-minded place.
What’s ahead?
I’d like to do less commercial work so that I can focus further on developing and refining my own aesthetic and artistic vision.
https://vimeo.com/177523035
That sounds great! Good luck with it all!
Photo credits: 1-3 Lois Stavsky; 4-6 courtesy of the artist; interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky with assistance from Anastasia Foresman whose translation skills came to the rescue!
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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Several stunning new murals recently surfaced on Morgan Avenue and Stagg Street in Bushwick. While visiting Livestream last week, I spoke to visual artist and curator Bianca Romero about Skillosophy, the movement behind these artworks.
Just what is Skillosophy? And when was it launched?
It’s an exhibition/showcase series that takes place four times a year with a focus on multi-disciplinary artists. It was launched last year by the co-founders of Lyricist Lounge & Defiant Ent and Livestream. For this past quarter, Danny Castro — Lyricist Lounge co-founder — and I decided to feature outdoor murals for the fall exhibition during Bushwick Open Studios, in addition to the art that is on exhibit inside the Livestream headquarters.
What spurred you to add this outdoor element to Skillosophy?
Typically, Skillosophy is indoors, inside the Livestream studio space. But we wanted to take it outside for Bushwick Open Studios. It seemed like a great way to give exposure to the talented muralists and street artists, and it was a great addition to our Block Party to have it done live. We loved the communal and public aspect of it.
You’ve done a wonderful job of curating it all. The art both inside and outside is wonderfully eclectic and is beautifully presented. Have you a background in art?
Both my parents are artists. My father, in fact, was a pioneer in graphic design and has taught design at the School of Visual Arts and at the Parsons School of Design. My mother was a fashion designer, and I, myself, am an artist.
And can you tell us a bit about Livestream? When was it first founded and what is its mission?
It was founded in 2007 with the mission to make any every event available live online through video.
And how has Livestream responded to Skillosophy?
The love it. They’ve thoroughly embraced it. They love the idea of bringing the extraordinary talents of Bushwick into our offices. A walk through our offices — that are covered with work by local artists — is like a walk through the neighborhood!
Who is Skillosophy‘s audience?
All art lovers! Anyone who loves any aspect of art — music, dance, film or visual art. The venue has hosted hip-hop shows, film industry mixers and skillshares in addition to art exhibits. We’ve had a very diverse audience…from working class folks to art collectors to party people!
How can folks best keep up with your events? And how can they arrange a visit to Livestream‘s headquarters for private viewings of the indoor art?
They can follow Skillosophy on Instagram, and they can contact us at skillosophyshow@gmail.com to schedule a private viewing and inquire about pricing and events. And any artist or performer interested in participating in a future Skillosophy exhibition and showcase can contact as at this email, as well.
Images
1 & 2 Fin DAC at work
3 Rubin at work
4 Danielle Mastrion and Lexi Bella
5 Jerms
6 Misha T
Photo credits 1-5 & 7 Karin du Maire and 6 Tara Murray; interview with Bianca Romero conducted by Lois Stavsky
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For the past several years, Queens-based photographer Raphael Gonzalez aka Zurbaran1 has been creating intriguing, visually dynamic images of street art, often focusing on the artists at work. Within the past year, his photos have made their way into several shows including his first solo exhibit, The Hand of An Artist. He has also been featured in Yoav Litvin‘s blog, 2createart. I recently had the opportunity to meet up with him.
I love what you are doing! When did you first begin to photograph NYC’s street art and graffiti?
About four years ago.
What inspired you to do so?
Several years ago, my daughter visited Berlin and returned home incredibly excited about the street art she had seen there. Her enthusiasm, along with the photos that she showed me, inspired me to check out what was happening on the streets of NYC. And I first became serious about it all in October, 2013 when Banksy hit NYC with his month-long day residency Better Out Than In.
Within the few years that you’ve been shooting street art, you seem to have established friendships with many of the street artists you photograph. Can you tell us something about that?
The very first street artist I met was Alice Mizrachi. I was standing in front of her mural at Welling Court when she noticed me. She was living right there at the time, and — almost at once — came out in her pajamas to speak to me! I was so impressed by her intelligence and craft. I photographed her in front of her mural, and we struck up a friendship right then. She was the first street artist I photographed and spoke to. Since that day, I’ve become friends with many more.
You’ve been photographing many artists as they work. How have they responded to this? Are they open to it?
The response has been great! And when I share the photos I’ve taken with them, they are so appreciative.
That’s great! As street art is so ephemeral by nature, it’s so important to document it. And I’m a huge fan of artful photographers who document the process. I notice that you’ve focused quite a bit on the artists’ hands.
Yes, I like observing their hands in action. And photographing hands gives me a chance to use my long lens which I love doing!
And you’ve also begun collaborating with some of the street artists whose works you photograph. How do you go about engaging them?
Yes! I love collaborating. The process makes me think a little differently, and the artists have been wonderful. Among them are Fumero, Giz, Trans1, Noir, City Kitty. Some I’ve approached, and others have approached me.
What are some of the challenges that you face in seeing your projects through?
There’s never enough time. And there are so many artists! Going through all the photos that I take and then editing them is a lengthy, time-consuming process.
How has the scene changed since you first started photographing street art?
There are fewer walls, and street art has become more commercial. And it seems that in the past few years, street artists have achieved celebrity status. It’s almost like they are the new rock stars!
What’s ahead for you?
I would like to engage in more collaborations…different in nature than the usual ones!
I look forward to seeing them all, and I will be keeping up with you — in the meantime — via your Instagram!
All photos © Raphael Gonzalez aka Zurbaran1; interivew conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky
Images
1. El Niño de las Pinturas, Brooklyn Is the Future, Brownsville
2. Hendrik Beikirch aka ECB, Bushwick
3. Dasic Fernandez, Welling Court Mural Project
4. Fanakapan, Bushwick Collective
5. Noir, as featured in Raphael Gonzalez‘s solo show at Fatty’s in Astoria, Queens
6. Futura, Bushwick Collective
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Queens-based artist Steve Lew aka Kid Lew recently brought his talents and vision to Toronto’s Enterprise Boulevard. The new urban complex — known as Downtown Markham – is now graced with a huge, brilliantly hued 40’x50’ mural, featuring Kid Lew’s iconic characters. Situated on the northeast corner of the Remington Contemporary Art Gallery, it can be seen for miles and by thousands of folks daily as they pass by on Highway 407. I recently spoke to the artist about his experience.
Can you tell us something about this project? What brought you to Toronto?
I had been invited by Broadway Bound — a fine arts and entertainment company — to paint an outdoor mural in Downtown Markham. I had submitted a few ideas, and one was accepted.
And how did you initially connect with Broadway Bound?
I had met Shelley Shier, the founder of Broadway Bound, at the Dorien Grey Gallery back in 2012. I was one of the street artists who had collaborated with Hank O’Neil aka XCIA for the exhibit Street Artists Unite. We’ve stayed in touch since.
Your mural is huge! How long did it take you to paint it?
It took 12 days, working 8-10 hours each day.
What were some of the challenges presented by this project?
I almost always paint standing on the ground. But this time I started on the third floor of a building. I immediately got over my fear of heights! It was also rainy and very windy. I could feel the lift swinging from side to side! Sometimes the wind actually sprayed the paint! Then when I walked around the hotel, I felt as though everything beneath me was moving! I had a serious case of lift lag!
I’ve been a huge fan of your characters since I first discovered them years ago — on the streets and in galleries! Can you tell us something about them? What initially inspired them?
I was intially inspired by cartoons. I began as a young child copying Disney characters. And later on my main influences grew to include: graffiti, skateboarding, NYC pop culture and — in general — life in this city. But my greatest inspiration in Keith Haring. And because I am color blind, I tend to use colors that appear brightest to me — those that can be seen at night.
And who are these characters? What do they represent? And how have they evolved through the years?
They’re often not as bright as they appear to be. They represent different phases in my life. And as my life evolves, my characters continue to evolve, as well. Both my technique and design have become more refined through the years. I am also more responsive to my audience.
What’s next?
I hope to return to Jersey City to complete the mural I’d begun with Will Power and Ree. It is a huge mural that was put on hold. I’m, also, looking forward to painting more large-scale murals in a range of cities. And I am participating this weekend in the New York Comic Con, where you will be able to purchase custom used Montana Gold Spray Paint cans and ink drawings on spray painted subway maps. I will be signing some at 2pm at Booth 603 with Clutter Magazine.
Good luck with it all! And I look forward to checking out your mural when I visit Toronto.
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; all photos courtesy of the artist.
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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Celebrated for his captivating characters that have surfaced throughout the globe, Buff Monster forever delights us with his playful imagination and creative energy. In addition to painting murals across the world, the wildly talented and prolific artist has fashioned a wide array of artworks from prints and stickers to vinyl toys. He has also collaborated with numerous brands. Curious about this collaborative process, I recently caught up with him where he had just finished painting a mural in partnership with Miller Lite at Dobbins Street and Norman Avenue — where Williamsburg meets Greenpoint.
You were born in Hawaii and lived on the West Coast for several years. What brought you to NYC?
I’ve been to all 50 states, but I’ve only lived in states with good weather. I lived in LA for 15 years, and I grew tired of the same climate all the time. I needed a change. I wanted to be somewhere where there are seasons. I was looking for something different — personally and professionally.
And has NY met your expectations?
Absolutely! I love it! NYC has brought me new opportunities and projects. And snow is amazing! But you wouldn’t catch me painting outdoors in the winter!
You’ve created dozens of murals on the streets and an incredible range of your own products. You’ve worked, as well, with many brands. Among them are: Disney, Converse, Hello Kitty, Samsung, Nike, Coca-Cola and here with Miller Lite. What are some of the challenges that working with brands imposes?
The challenge is to make it work for everyone — for me, for the company I’ve teamed up with and for its intended viewers. Any collaboration I take on has to be consistent with my brand, and it has to make sense! A successful collaboration forces me to think. And I like to think! I like challenges!
What about this particular project — this collaboration with Miller Lite? What’s happening here?
This blank canvas was donated to me by Miller Lite as the first installation of its Our Can, Your Canvas project, a program aimed at celebrating the character and soul of iconic neighborhoods. My challenge was to capture the distinct spirit of Brooklyn — its energy and integrity. And so I came up with symbols that represent Brooklyn as I see it.
You studied Business Administration and Fine Art at The University of Southern California. How has your education in business administration impacted your art career?
It made my art career. If you don’t make money from what you do, it is just a hobby.
We love your characters. Your Melty Misfits are so much fun. What are some of your influences?
Among them are: Heavy Metal, Pop Art, ice cream, Japanese culture and graffiti.
How has your artwork evolved through the years?
It has become more expressive.
What’s ahead?
I’m headed now to the Life Is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada where my Self Portrait will be on display at the Crime on Canvas group exhibit. ( Buff Monster has since returned and is now at work in Jersey City with Mana Urban Arts Projects.)
Note: Buff Monster’s mural for Our Can, Your Canvas remains up through October 30.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 4 & 8 Tara Murray; 5 Courtesy of Our Can, Your Canvas 3, 6 & 7 and interview Lois Stavsky;
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The Education Is Not a Crime Campaign, a street art campaign for educational equality in Iran, continues to grace Harlem with stylishly expressive, mural art on the theme of education. Within the last two weeks, four artists brought their skills and visions to PS 92 — located at 222 W 134th St. Pictured above is Brooklyn-based See One at work. What follows is an interview conducted on site with Not A Crime founder, Maziar Bahari — a journalist, filmmaker and activist who had been arrested without charge in Iran and detained for 118 days during the 2009 Iranian election protests.
Can you tell us something about the Not a Crime Campaign? Its mission?
The Not a Crime Campaign is an awareness-raising campaign about the educational discrimination directed primarily against the Baha’is in Iran. The Baha’is of Iran are the largest minority in that country. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, they have not been able to enjoy their rights as citizens in terms of employment and education. Our campaign focuses solely on education and the fact that the Baha’is in Iran can not teach or study in universities.
Why did you choose to use street art to get your message across?
We thought that the best way to fight against suppression and bigotry is with arts and creativity. We’ve been involved with street art, music, film… At this moment the major part of our campaign involves street art. Why street art? We live in a digital age. And we thought it would be interesting to have something really analog like street art and mix it with digital technology.
Our campaign is all about dialog and discourse. And through street art we can have different layers of dialog and discourse. I am not a Baha’i myself, so I have this dialog with the Baha’i community. And, then as a team, we have a dialog with the artists and with Street Art Anarchy, the organization that helps us choose the artists and negotiate the walls. The artists, then, have a dialog with passersby. Then the passersby have a dialog among themselves. And then we create a video about each wall and we put it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. And, finally, viewers from all around the wall can interact with the videos.
What are some of the challenges presented by this project?
We face some challenges, but they are nothing compared to what some people go through every day in different countries. People who are arrested just because they want to be educated…people who are tortured just because they want to teach, to study. I’m almost ashamed of talking about our challenges, which are really minor. But NYC is a big, crowded city with a bureaucratic government. And each wall requires negotiating with the building owners, and there are many by-laws that restrict what we can do. But, again, these challenges are minor.
How has the response been? And why Harlem?
The reaction of the Harlem community has been amazing. We have found a home in Harlem. We chose Harlem because the people here understand discrimination. Harlem is in NYC, and the media attention to NY is always amazing. And we wanted to be in NY where world leaders gather in September for the United Nations General Assembly. But also Harlem is synonymous with the Harlem Renaissance. And we see that people react to our walls here in ways that many people in other places didn’t. People in Harlem get our message immediately, and they appreciate the way we do things. And in addition to working with the street artists who create these beautiful works of art, we also work in the community in terms of outreach and other subjects.
What’s ahead?
A continuation of what we’ve started. To have more connections with the community…to see what they want from us… what we can offer them in terms of providing our expertise with street art or music. And to talk about the subject that’s dear to everyone around the world — and especially the people in Harlem — the subject of education and discrimination.
Thank you so much for the interview, Mr. Bahari. And good luck with the campaign.
Interview conducted by Karin du Maire and edited for Street Art NYC by Lois Stavsky
Images
1. See One at work
2. Maziar Bahari, founder of Not A Crime campaign, as captured during interview
3. Tatyana Fazlalizadeh at work
5. Lmnopi mural in progress
6. Lmnopi, close-up with young admirers
7. Marthalicia
Photo credits: 1-3 & 5 Karin du Maire; 4 Tara Murray and 6 & 7 Lois Stavsky
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