mural art

Gera Lozano Refashions the Essex Street Market with a Flavorful Feast of Luscious Colors and Abstract Shapes

July 13, 2016

Few Lower East Side spots are as tantalizing as the Essex Street Market. With its rich array of delicacies, it’s been one of our favorite haunts for years. And now with Gera Lozano‘s artwork gracing both its exterior and interior, it’s even more inviting! I recently met up with Lauren Margolis of the Lower East Side Partnership who gave me a bit of an update.

We love the the Essex Street Market‘s new look! What inspired the makeover?

With the development of the nearby Essex Crossing, the Essex Street Market was experiencing less foot traffic. Many people, in fact, didn’t realize that the Market was still open and functioning. We wanted to boost its visibility.

You certainly seem to have accomplished that! We street art aficionados were introduced to Gera Lozano‘s aesthetic largely through the murals she has painted with WERC in Brooklyn and Queens. We are delighted to see her work surface here. How did you decide which artist to commission for this project?

Natalie Raben, who oversaw the 100 GATES Project, was familiar with Gera’s work, and suggested that we bring her abroad for this project. And Gera was quite excited about this project when we approached her.

What about the design? How was that decided? What considerations went into it?

We were seeking an attractive, eye-catching design that represents the range of vendors at the Essex Street Market.

How have folks reacted to this transformation?

They love it. The response has been so positive. People have been commenting on it, posing in front of it and posting images it on Instagram!

What’s ahead for the Essex Street Market?

In 2018, it will be moving into the ground floor of Essex Crossing. All of the existing vendors will have a new home, and there will be space for additional vendors. Delancey Street Associates, the developer of Essex Crossing, will cover the cost of the move.

I’m glad we have Gera’s artwork in the meantime! And we look forward to seeing the art that is certain to surface there!

Note: The Essex Street Market is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm. The Market also houses Cuchifritos Gallery + Project Space that is open Tuesday – Sunday from 12-6pm.

Photo credits: 1 & 5 Tara Murray; 2-4 Lois Stavsky; interview with Lauren Margolis conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky

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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NYC Shutters – Part XI: Street Art and Graffiti by Eelco, Crash with Bio, Moody Mutz, Phetus and Jules Muck

July 11, 2016

This is the eleventh in a series of occasional posts featuring the art that has surfaced on NYC shutters:

Eelco on the Lower East Side

Crash and Bio on the Lower East Side

Moody Mutz on the Lower East Side

Phetus at the Bushwick Collective

Jules Muck aka MuckRock with the Welling Court Mural Project in Astoria, Queens

Photo credits: 1, 4 & 5 Tara Murray; 2 Dani Reyes Mozeson & 3 courtesy of John Woodward

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Girls on NYC Walls, Part XIX: D*Face, Pixel Pancho, Commodore, Faring Purth with Thievin’ Stephen and JR

June 28, 2016

This is the 19th in an occasional series of posts featuring images of girls — and women — who grace NYC public spaces:

D*face in Manhattan

Pixel Pancho in Manhattan

Commodore in Brooklyn

Faring Purth with Thievin’ Stephen in Brooklyn

JR in Manhattan

Photo credits: 1 & 3 Lois Stavsky; 2 & 4 Tara Murray and 5 Dani Reyes Mozeson

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.

Note: This blog will be on vacation through July 8. You can follow us on Facebook and on Instagram.

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Kids on NYC Walls — Part X: BK Foxx, Joe Iurato with Logan Hicks, Ernest Zacharevic, Swoon, Cekis and Rubin 415 with Joe Iurato

June 24, 2016

This is the tenth in a series of occasional posts featuring images of children that have surfaced on NYC public spaces.

BK Foxx with JMZ Walls in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Joe Iurato and Logan Hicks at the Bushwick Collective

Ernest Zacharevic — based on photo by Martha Cooper — in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

Swoon in Red Hook, Brooklyn

Long-running Cekis in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Rubin 415 and Joe Iurato with the Welling Court Mural Project in Astoria, Queens

Photos 1 Courtesy of John Woodward; 2-4 Tara Murray; 5 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 6 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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On RUBIN NEW YORK/SCANDINAVIA from Dokument Press

June 20, 2016

Recently released by Dokument Press, RUBIN NEW YORK SCANDINAVIA is a stunning survey of Rubin‘s distinct abstract and geometrical artworks that are rooted in traditional graffiti. With dozens of images documenting Rubin‘s journey — from Sweden, where he grew up, to NYC, where he is now based — Rubin New York/Scandinavia offers an overview of the works of an exceptional artist, who has brought a singular beauty to our NYC landscape.

The book’s succinct text by Björn Almqvist introduces us to Rubin’s experiences as a child of Finnish immigrants who made their way to Sweden in search of work. The alienation that Rubin felt among Swedes, along with the stark grey concrete walls of the housing complex that enveloped him, were calls to pick up a can and make a mark.

Inspired by Scandinavian design, Rubin has developed a unique aesthetic that uses geometrical, symbols in lieu of letters. With his splendid craftsmanship and unique aesthetic, he transforms the gritty language of graffiti into his own distinct expression that is as effective on the streets of the South Bronx, as it is inside a church yard or on the outside of a Manhattan boutique.

Rubin New York/Scandinavia also provides us with a handsomely curated survey of Rubin’s studio work that has been increasingly making its way into galleries.

Rubin New York/Scandinavia is a splendid ode to a distinctly wonderful artist. Its NYC release took place last month at WallWorks, where the artist’s works remain on exhibit through June 29th.

Images

1. & 2. Brooklyn, 2014

3. Brooklyn, 2014

4. Gothenburg, 1989

5. Brooklyn, 2015

6. Gallery nine5, 2014

Photo credits: Tony “Rubin” Sjöman and Mika Tuomivuo; all photos courtesy of Dokument Press; book review 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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Street Art Couples in NYC, Part II: Dasic, D*Face, Mr. Nerds, Jorit Agoch with Leticia Mandragora, Faith 47 and Sipros

June 15, 2016

This is the second in our series of NYC couples that were spotted around town. Pictured above is Dasic Fernandez as seen at the Bushwick Collective. Here are several more:

D*Face at the Bushwick Collective

Mr. Nerds at the Bushwick Collective

Jorit Agoch and Leticia Mandragora in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Faith 47 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Sipros, as seen earlier this year at the Bushwick Collective

Photo credits: 1-3 Tara Murray; 4-6 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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At Pow! Wow! DC with The Yok, Sheryo & Persue, Wooden Wave, Caratoes, Hoxxoh, Decoy, Vero, Jacob Eveland, HKS181, Naturel, Drew Merritt & Insa and more

May 31, 2016

Founded in 2010 by artist and curator Jasper Wong, Pow! Wow! has since staged several cultural festivals across the globe. While down in DC this past weekend, we had the chance to check out the final days of Pow! Wow! DC in the Capitol’s NoMa district. Organized by DC artist and designer Kelly Towles, Pow! Wow! DC features the talents of 17 local, national and international artists. Above is a segment from a huge mural painted collaboratively by the Yok, Sheryo and Persue. Here are several more images we captured:

Hawaiian duo Wooden Wave

Hong Kong-based Caratoes

Miami-based Hoxxoh

DC-based Decoy at work

Puerto Rican artist Vero

Richmond, Virginia-based Jacob Eveland, close-up from huge mural

Local artist HKS181 at work

DC-based Naturel

LA-based Drew Merritt and London-based Insa

Photo credits: 1, 3, 5. 7-10 Tara Murray; 2, 4 & 6 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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Street Art NYC Down in Washington DC with Kyle Hughes-Odgers, James Bullough, SatOne, Gaia, Eric B, Pose2 and Pener

May 20, 2016

On our recent visit to Washington DC, we came upon dozens of intriguing murals, representing a huge range of styles from abstract designs to photorealistic portraits. Featured above is a close-up from a huge mural by Australian artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers covering two sides of a four-story building in the District’s NoMa neighborhood. Here are a few more:

Berlin-based James Bullough, who grew up in DC

Munich-based SatOne

Baltimore-based NYC native Gaia, close-up of huge mural at The Fridge DC

DC artist Eric B

Bronx-native Pose2

Polish artist Bartek Świątecki aka Pener

And with the launch of POW WOW! DC tomorrow, DC will be home to dozens of more public artworks by local, national and international artists.

Photo credits: 1 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 2-4, 6 & 7 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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Bushwick Collective Founder and Curator Joe Ficalora on Community Engagement, Mana Urban Arts, Art Basel, the Bushwick Collective’s Upcoming Block Party and more

May 18, 2016

We recently had the opportunity to speak to Bushwick Collective‘s founder and curator, the indefatigable Joe Ficalora, as he readies for this year’s 5th Annual Block Party, June 3-5.

As you prepare for this year’s 5th Annual Block Party, can you share with us some of this past year’s highlights?

Last June’s Annual Block Party was certainly a highlight! The entire community came together as a family. It was a beautiful sight! A special highpoint of this past year was the Bushwick Collective‘s collaboration with Mana Urban Arts. We had the chance to go down to Miami in December during Art Basel. NYC artists, along with local Miami ones and artists from across the globe, painted together, transforming the inside and outside of the RC Cola Factory. It was a particular thrill to have seven-year-old Lola join us and watch her paint with Chor Boogie. We’ve also facilitated murals in Miami and Jersey City in coordination with Mana Urban Arts. And – more recently — during Frieze Art Week, we participated in Art New York on Pier 54 with Sipros in support of the Perry J. Cohen Foundation.

What would you say was your greatest challenge this past year?

My greatest challenge was dealing with all the marketers trying to hunt down walls. Now that this neighborhood is “cool,” they feel that they can take advantage of the public space without giving back.

What can we expect at this year’s Block Party?

There will be live painting, food trucks, local vendors, special activities for families with kids and surprise performers. A pop-up exhibition at 198 Randolph Street will feature artists from the The Parsons School of Design at the New School, the official sponsor of the weekend, along with local artists. The Museum of the City of New York will be projecting images of Bushwick from over 100 years ago and sharing a huge blown-up photo of Bushwick in 1909. All money from the artwork sold at the exhibit — that opens to the public at 7pm on Friday, June 3, and can be viewed on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm — will go directly to the artists. Local artists will also be exhibiting their work independently. Performers opening the weekend include: The BBoy Rebels (NYC Original Subway Dancers), DJ Mister Cee, Loaf Muzik, Monsters of Brooklyn, Thorough, Thirsting Howl lll, Styles P and Jim Jones. And on Saturday — in addition to JADAKISS — DJ Statik Selektah and friends, Lil Waah, Joell Ortiz, Dave East, Chris Rivers, son of the legendary Big Pun, and The BBoy Rebels will perform. Keep posted to our website for updates.

Who are some artists we can look forward to meeting?

Artists from everywhere will be painting. Among them are: D*Face, Case Maclaim, Sipros, Atomik, Don Rimx and Trans1. Local artists include: Giz, Tats Cru, Crash, Meres, Topaz, Plasma Slug, Lola the Illustrator and Hops 1.

That sounds great! What’s ahead for the Bushwick Collective?

We will continue to grow as an organization and evolve with time. We look forward to further collaborations with Mana Urban Arts. We also look forward to establishing new partnerships.

Images

1. Giz, Ghost, Such, RIS Crew

2. Sipros

3. Case Maclaim

4. Oji

5. Starfighter

Photo credits: 1 & 3 City-as-School intern Sol Raxlen; 2, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky with Sol Raxlen

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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Her Story, the First Annual Female Graffiti Series, Launches Uptown with Lady K Fever, Mel1, Rocky 184, Charmin 65, Miss Boombox, Gem13 and Neks

May 16, 2016

This past Saturday, Her Story, the first annual female graffiti series, was launched at the legendary Inwood wall on Isham Street off 10th Avenue . While visiting, I had the opportunity to speak to the inimitable Lady K Fever.

Can you tell us something about Her Story’s mission?

We women are underrepresented in the graffiti world. The mission of Her Story is to provide us female writers with a supportive environment to tell our stories while sharing our skills with others.

Whose idea was it? And how did the concept for such a project become a reality?

We’ve been constantly talking — among ourselves — about the need for more opportunities. We feel that we don’t have anywhere as many opportunities — or access to spaces — as guys have. And, by chance, several weeks ago, Crane invited us to paint here on Isham and 10th Avenue.

How did you decide which artists to include in today’s launch?

We’ve all known each other for awhile, have painted together before and we get along well together. We are looking forward to including additional female writers in future jams.

The vibes here are great! Everyone seems to be having so much fun. What is your impression of this launch?

It’s been excellent! So many people came by to watch us paint, including many legendary old school writers. It’s been busy!

What’s ahead for Her Story?

With the sponsorship of The Bronx Graffiti Art Gallery and Hush Hip Hop Tours, we will be painting for the next six months in five boroughs in three states. On June 25th you can find us at Tuff City. Future spots include: Graffiti Universe and Hackensack, New Jersey. We will also be involved in the New York Restoration Project. In collaboration with Bette Midler’s foundation, we will be painting in a garden on July 30th, as part of the series, Ladies of the Bronx, highlighting the elements of hip hop.

It’s all very exciting! Good luck!

Images

1. Lady K Fever

2. Mel1

3. Rocky 184

4. Charmin 65

5. Miss Boombox with Bom5 dancing to its beat; Gem 13 on right

6. Gem13

7. Neks

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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