mural art

DEMAND JUSTICE: A Collaborative Mural by LMNOPi and GILF! in Tribute to Kalief Browder at Henley’s Backyard Garden

July 8, 2015

Busy last week in the lovely backyard garden of SoHo’s Henley Vaporium were Gilf! and LMNOPi — two Brooklyn-based activist artists — collaborating on a mural in tribute to Kalief Browder. When we stopped by, I had the chance to speak to Gilf!

It’s wonderful to see the two of you working together. How did this collaboration come to be?

When Kimyon Huggins, the curator of the Secret Garden Series, hit me up to paint a mural, I immediately thought of LMNOPi.

Yes, it seems like such a natural collaboration. How did you decide on the subject of this mural?

My work has recently focused on ‎the kinds of issues and injustices related to the case of Kalief Browder‬. And since LMNOPi is such a wonderful portrait painter with a strong social and political consciousness, I thought we would work well together.

What — would you say — is the intent of your art?

The only reason I make art is to change the world.

And what is it about Kalief Browder‘s story that has triggered your work?

What happened to Kalief is, sadly, not unique. And it is outrageous. Yet, many people aren’t aware of these kinds of widespread injustices. Kalief was incarcerated at ‪Rikers‬ Island at age 16 for three years for a crime he never committed. Two of those three years were spent in solitary confinement. Eventually his case was dismissed. This past June, Kalief Browder committed suicide by hanging himself.

What would you like people who see the mural that you have fashioned with LMNOPi walk away with?

I would like them to question what happened and demand justice.

Yes, what happened to Kalief is such a blatant, horrific injustice. We certainly need to raise awareness of the need for radical change within our prison system.

Note: The mural will be unveiled this Saturday, July 11, at Henley Vaporium‘s backyard garden at 23 Cleveland Place, between Spring and Kenmare Streets, in Soho. The event is free and open to the public — with a BBQ and DJs — from 2-10pm. There will be a Q+A with the artists and curator at 7:30 pm.

Interview with Gilf! conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky.

Photos: 1 & 3 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2 & 4 Tara Murray

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At Coney Art Walls with: Lady Aiko, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Lady Pink, Kashink, Sheryo & the Yok, el Seed, Roa and Buff Monster

July 5, 2015

Featuring over two dozen beautifully-executed murals representing a diverse range of artistic styles, Coney Art Walls is a cause for celebration. Here are a few images captured this weekend.

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh pays homage to the long-time residents of Coney Island

Sheryo and the Yok

Roa, close-up

Curated by Jeffrey Deitch, Coney Art Walls is located at 1320 Bowery Street off Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island. And on Sundays — through September 6 — a curated summer music series and dance party happening takes place from 5pm – 11pm.

Note: First image is of mural by Lady Aiko. Keep posted to the StreetArtNYC Facebook page for many more photos of Coney Art Walls.

All photos by Lois Stavsky

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Centrefuge Public Art Project in Staten Island with: Erin Kelli, Mr. Prvrt & Col Wallnuts, ScrambledEggsit, Danielle Mastrion, Denton Burrows, ChrisRWK & Kwue Molly

June 21, 2015

The Centrefuge Public Art Project made its way to Staten Island this past spring, bringing color and intrigue to Wave Street off Bay, a short walk from the ferry. Among the works are these:

Mr. Prvrt and Col Wallnuts

ScrambledEggsit

Danielle Mastrion

Denton Burrows

ChrisRWK and Kwue Molly

And great news — especially for us Manhattanites — is that the Centrefuge Public Art Project‘s 17th cycle of murals is currently underway on the trailer at First Street and First Avenue.

First photo is of image by Erin Kelli

Photos: 1, 3-6 Lois Stavsky; 2 Tara Murray

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Street Art NYC at JIDAR Toiles de Rue in Rabat, Morocco with: Inti, Cisco, Kalamour, Jaz, Maya Hayuk, Simo Mouhim and Zepha

June 7, 2015

The following post is by Houda Lazrak, a contributor to StreetArtNYC and an M.A. candidate in Museum Studies at NYU.

Beginning on May 15th, the city of Rabat hosted JIDAR Toiles de Rue, the largest street art festival in Morocco to date. For nine days, over ten artists from across the globe — along with several local artists — endowed the historic city with marvelous, energetic large-scale murals. Launched by the non-profit organization Le Boulevard, JIDAR Toiles de Rue is Morocco’s premiere festival of this calibre and promises other fantastic walls to follow. Here are some of the images that I captured:

Chilean artist Inti

Spanish artist Cisco

Moroccan artist Kalamour, close-up

Argentine artist Jaz

Brooklyn-based Maya Hayuk

Moroccan artist Simo Mouhim

France-based artist Zepha, close-up

All photos by Houda Lazrak

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Mural Art Beautifies the 191st Street Subway Tunnel and Entrance with: Queen Andrea, Jessie and Katey, RRobots, Cekis and Cope2

May 28, 2015

The once drab and dull 900-foot long tunnel connecting Broadway and St. Nicholas Avenue at the 191st Street subway station is now a wondrous canvas featuring bright and bold graffiti and fine art. While visiting it last week, we had the opportunity to speak to Jessie and Katey, the Baltimore-based duo, who — along with NYC-based artists, Queen Andrea, RRobots, Cekis and Cope2 — were selected to paint murals along the tunnel.

We love the way you are beautifying this Upper Manhattan tunnel. How did you two first meet? And how did you two — Baltimore-based artists — become involved in this NYC project?

We met when we were both students at MICA: Maryland Institute College of Art. And about four years ago, we started painting together. We’ve both lived in New York, and when we heard about the Department of Transportation‘s open call for artists who specialize in painting large scale murals, we applied.

What aspect of the project most appealed to you?

We loved the idea of returning to NYC to paint such a huge, awesome space.

What was it like working with the other muralists on this project?

It was great, and getting to know them all was wonderful.

What about the Department of Transportation? What was it like working for the DOT?

It was the bomb! They even supported us with potties!

cope2-graffiti-tunnel-DOT

Were there any particular challenges?

At one point the walls cried, and we had to repaint some spots. But — overall — the entire experience was awesome.

Photos of images:

1. Queen Andrea, Lois Stavsky

2. Jessie and Katey, Lois Stavsky; 3. Dani Reyes Mozeson 4. City-As-School intern Diana Davidova

5. Queen Andrea, Dani Reyes Mozeson

6. RRobots, Dani Reyes Mozeson

7. & 8. Cekis, Dani Reyes Mozeson

9. Cope2, Tara Murray; 10. Dani Reyes Mozeson

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The Secret Garden Series Launches at the Henley Vaporium Backyard Garden in Soho with NDA and Iena Cruz

May 15, 2015

We stopped by the Henley Vaporium earlier this week to watch two of our favorite artists — NDA and Iena Cruz — as they were collaboratively painting a huge wall in the splendid backyard garden at 23 Cleveland Place. We also had the opportunity to speak to Kimyon Huggins, the curator of the newly launched Secret Garden Series.

This looks fabulous! Just what is the Secret Garden Series?

Beginning this month and continuing through late fall, several leading street artists and muralists will spend one week each month collaboratively painting the back wall of the garden at 23 Cleveland Place. During that week, visitors to the Henley Vaporium will be able to watch the artists in action. And at the end of the week, a reception will be held to unveil the final work and to celebrate the artists.

Your first public reception takes place this Saturday, May 16. What can visitors expect?

They can expect, of course, to meet and socialize with the artists and view the completed murals. They can also expect music by such DJs as DJ Jaclyn, KC and the Real Christiano?, along with food and drink. And they will find themselves among a great community of artists, art lovers, patrons and tourists from throughout the globe.

How did you discover this particular venue? It is lovely.

The owners are friends and I like their anti-establishment vibe. The Henley Vaporium is part retail store, part education center and part social hub. Featuring a huge lounge, performance space and outdoor garden, it is ideal. Each month smaller works of art by each of the artists will be displayed inside the Henley Vaporium. Along with limited edition photographs of the completed murals, they will be made available for purchase online, with 10% of the proceeds going to public arts advocate StreetArtNYC and vape industry advocate SFATA (Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association).

Which artists can we expect to see in the months ahead?

Other artists already lined up include GILF and Ivan Orama in June and Elle and Vexta in July.

It sounds great! We are looking forward to it all.

Note: The Henley Vaporium is located between Spring and Kenmare Streets and is easily accessible by public transportation.

Interview and photos 2, 4 and 5 by Lois Stavsky; photos 1 and 3 by City-as-School intern Diana Davidova

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The 5Pointz Family Returns to Queens — Transforming the Interior of August Martin High School: Meres One, TK-170, Will Kasso, Cey Adams, Zeso, Kid Lew, Part One, Miss Zukie, Reme 821, See TF, Cycle and more

May 11, 2015

This past weekend over 100 artists — including such graffiti legends as T-Kid 170, Cey Adams, Cycle, Claw Money and Part One — transformed the blank white walls of August Martin High School into a dazzling, brilliant canvas. Curatated by Meres One with Marie Cecile Flaegul, the freshly-painted artworks represent a multitude of cultures, sensibilities and styles. While visiting yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak to August Martin student, Justin Price.

This is all so amazing! Your school is an absolute wonderland! What inspired this magical change?

The walls in our school were recently painted white. They looked dull and unwelcoming. We wanted to bring color and life to our surroundings, so that we would look forward to coming to school. And we wanted to look at art that we could relate to and that reflected our culture.

Whose concept was this?

August Martin’s Future Project Dream Team surveyed 500 students to find out what change they most wanted in our school. The students’ consensus was that they wanted to change the appearance of the school’s interior.

Once you knew what you wanted to do, what were some of the challenges you faced?

We had to come up with a proposal and a budget. That took us at least a month. Then we had to identify artists who could work with us. That was our biggest challenge until we were introduced to Meres and Marie of 5Pointz.

How have things been working out since you met them?

Once we met up with Meres and Marie, everything went smoothly. Meres is an amazing artist and knows so many other amazing artists. And I just can’t say enough about Marie! She is so conscientious and caring.

Most of the students haven’t yet seen the murals. But what kind of response have you gotten from those who have seem them?

They love them. They can’t wait to pose for photos in front of them!

And how have the teachers responded to this project?

Their response has been positive. They know that if the students are happy and motivated, their jobs are easier.

And what about your principal, Ms. Smith?

She’s been 100% behind it. She’s worked hard to make sure that it happens and she has been here with us all weekend.

Why do you suppose there are so many underachievers among the students here?

Many of the students here lack the support systems they need, and they feel easily discouraged. So many are talented and really love discovering new things.

I don’t doubt it! What are your thoughts about this project and its possible impact?

I love it! It makes me so happy! And I think it will have a great impact on the other students.

Why is the project called Operation Skittles? I’ve been wondering about that!

Actually, there are two reasons! Skittles are colorful and this project brings color to our school. And Skittles are the favorite snack of Syreeta Gates, the Future Project Dream director here at August Martin.

Now that makes sense! How lucky you students at August Martin are to have realized Operation Skittles!

Note: Keep posted to the Street Art NYC Facebook page for more images and for news about an event at August Martin open to the public in early June.

Photos and interview by Lois Stavsky

1. T-Kid 170

2. Will Kasso

3. Cey Adams

4. Zeso and Awez

5, Miss Zukie

6. Kid Lew with August Martin principal Gillian Smith standing to his left

7. Part One

8. Meres One

9. Reme 821

10. Remiks and See TF

11. Cycle

12. Sjembakkus — in from Amsterdam

13. BK Foxx

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5Pointz Artists Paint 9/11 Commemorative Mural in Crown Heights, BK

September 12, 2014

For years, the former aerosol art Mecca 5Pointz was the site of a 9/11 commemorative wall that surfaced anew each September 11. This year, thanks to the efforts of Marie Cecile Flageul, the annual mural found a new home — on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Bergen Street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Fashioned by Meres, See TF, Remiks, Sloke, Spin, Danielle Mastrion and Lexi Bella, the mural pays special tribute to noted hip-hop historian and photographer Joe Conzo for his extraordinary efforts as a NYFD firefighter on Ground Zero. Here are a few more scenes captured yesterday:

Close-up featuring Joe Conzo, painted by See TF

Joe Conzo with See TF

Danielle Mastrion at work

And giving Spin a hand here

Meres at work

And drawing his iconic lightbulb for Cydney, a local student and his newest fan

Photos 1, 3, 5-7 by Lois Stavsky; photos 2 and 4 by City-as-School intern Tyler Dean Flores

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The Wallnuts, SHYE131 and Trans1 in Long Island City

July 5, 2014

One of the most dynamic graffiti productions in town can be found in Long Island City off Queensboro Plaza. Showcasing the talents of the Wallnuts, UK-based artists SHYE131 and Trans1, the murals exude an exuberant, infectious energy. Here are a few close-ups from the pride of the neighborhood:

Manny Muse, Wallnuts

Chester Wallnuts

Been3 Wallnuts

Col Wallnuts

SHYE131

Trans1

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Ad Hoc Art’s Fifth Annual Welling Court Mural Project — Part 1: Cekis, Alice Mizrachi, John Ahearn, Icy & Sot, LMNOP, KingBee and Toofly

June 15, 2014

Engaging a diverse array of artists, along with local residents — including dozens of children — the Welling Court Mural Project represents the best of the street art fests. Here are a few more images captured yesterday, as it celebrated its fifth year at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens:

Alice Mizrachi aka AM