As the line between street art and public art continues to blur, we find ourselves increasingly intrigued by the range of public art that surfaces in NYC parks. What follows is a sampling of what we’ve captured these past few months in Battery Park.
German sculptor Fritz Koenig, the Sphere, the sole surviving artwork from the grounds of the original World Trade Center
This past Sunday. a group of veteran writers — several members of the legendary Mission Graffiti Crew — brought their classic graffiti styles to Bushwick. Here are a few more images captured:
Opening this evening from 6-9pm at World Trade Gallery is Off the Wall,an exhibit featuring artwork by some of our favorite artists. We recently had the opportunity to speak to its curator, Joshua B. Geyer.
What is the concept behind this exhibit?
I wanted to showcase in a gallery setting artworks by a diverse group of high-caliber artists who work in public spaces, as well as in their studios. My current job is just a few blocks away from the Top to Bottom Mural Project on 21st Street. I pass it every day, and I love it. I thought it would be a great idea to feature those artists, as they are among the best anywhere.
I first found out about the availability of the space three weeks ago. One of my friends who works in World Trade Gallery offered me the opportunity to curate an exhibit beginning in mid-March.
What was your greatest challenge in getting this together in such a short timespan?
My greatest challenge was selecting the artists. There was so much talent to choose from. Close to 50 outstanding artists have painted in the Top to Bottom Mural Project. I also wanted to take into consideration the input I was given from the team — James P Quinn and Geoff Kuffner — who implemented the project.
Do you feel that you have accomplished your mission?
Yes! The artworks in Off the Wallare representative of the diverse range of outstanding pieces that have surfaced at 43-01 21st Street in LIC since this past September. And this space couldn’t be more ideal!
We love your flyer. Did you design it?
It was a collaborative venture between See One and me. The photo is mine and the actual design is See One’s.
What’s ahead?
I’d love to build a relationship with World Trade Gallery, and I look forward to curating more exhibits featuring artists whose works are seen on our streets.
Currently on view at Eden Fine Art in SoHo is No Days Off, an ingenious installation of vibrant images in a range of media by the wonderfully gifted Queens-based graffiti master Hoacs. While visiting the space this past Friday — while Hoacs was adding the final touches to No Days Off for his Saturday evening opening — I had the opportunity to speak to him.`
This is amazing! What a brilliant installation! How long have you been working on it?
I began several months ago — in mid-December.
Integrated within the huge pieces painted on the walls is a range of media here. I love the varied surfaces you’ve painted on. Can you tell us something about that?
Yes! With the exception of several canvases, everything has been painted on pieces of discarded wood that I found. I hand sanded and treated them all before painting on them. Each is distinct.
What would you say was your greatest challenge in executing the installation — as everything seems to work so well together?
My chief concern was my choice of colors. It is important to me that the individuals walls — particularly those across from one another — work well together.
This space and this neighborhood couldn’t be more perfect! How did this wonderful space come your way?
A friend of mine, the jeweler Mr. Flawless — another Queens native — knows the owner of this gallery and introduced us.
What would you say is the principal difference between working on the streets and working in an indoor space like this one?
When I paint outdoors, I am at the mercy of the elements — the cold, the heat, the rain, the winds — and I often stop what I’m doing to speak to folks who drop by. I also tend to paint with others. Here — I am in my own world!
Are you satisfied with the way it is looking?
Yes! I got to do exactly what I wanted to do!
What about the title of the exhibit, No Days Off?
Graffiti is a passion that comes with huge demands! There are “no days off” for a graffiti writer!
How can folks see the exhibit?
Eden Fine Art SoHo is s located at 470 Broome Street and is open seven days a week, 9AM to 9PM.
Launched and coordinated by the West Harlem Art Fund, Fusion NY presented a series of panels, tours, performances and pop-up exhibits earlier this week – Armory Week 2016 – in various venues throughout Harlem. Of special interest to us graffiti and street art aficionados were the panel discussion, Basquiat Still Fly @ 55, moderated by Jeffrey Deitch and the pop-up exhibit, Street Art Gone Fusion Crazy, curated by Lady K Fever and Savona Bailey. What follows are a few more images by artists — who also use the streets as their canvas — that we captured on our visit to Street Art Gone Fusion Crazy this past Wednesday.
On view through tomorrow at 548 West 28th Street is Urban Reference, an engaging exhibit of works in a variety of media by Lorenzo Masnah,Alex Seel and Guillermo Perez. When I visited earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak to Lorenzo.
Just what is going on here?
When an opportunity to exhibit art in this space came our way, we decided to launch a show on the theme of urban life. It is what we know best!
There seem to be a few different motifs going on here.
Yes! Alex‘s photos were shot in Colombia’s capital city, Bogota. He spent several weeks there working on a documentary focusing on the city’s street life Highlights include: live bombing by APC members, including Stinkfish; an interview with Bogota’s legendary MC, Manny from the underground rap group, Crack Family and advice from assorted characters who dwell on the streets of Bogota.
Guillermo Perez was born in the Dominican Republic into a family of master painters. On exhibit are his small works referencing people he’s met in the urban sphere.
How did you all three meet?
A number of years back, we shared the same living space in Bushwick — before the neighborhood became so gentrified.
You are continuing your series of dancers and musicians here, along with new works with a distinct urban flair and outsider sensibility. What are your primary media?
I work with the “tools of the trade,” — Mean Streak markers and paints on a huge range of surfaces. And I find myself incorporating graffiti elements.
How did you get the word out about the exhibit — on such short notice?
Largely through Instagram and Facebook. And, of course, we let all our close friends know.
How can folks see the exhibit?
It will continue through tomorrow, Friday. We are on the third floor of 548 West 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.
Note: Lorenzo can be contacted at thirdwolrdpirate@gmail.com to confirm a visit
Images:
1. Lorenzo Masnah
2. Alex Seel
3.Guillermo Perez
4. Lorenzo Masnah, close-up
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky
Photo credits: 1 Lois Stavsky; 3 Dani Reyes Mozeson& 4 courtesy of Lorenzo Masnah
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.
This past Friday, we visited Fillin Global’s inaugural showing of curated art at Castle Fitzjohns on the Lower East Side. Featuring a diverse range of creative artworks by over two dozen artists in different media, the exhibit exudes a wonderfully expressive energy. Among the artists whose works we saw are many who also bring their talents to our city’s streets. While there, we had the opportunity we had the opportunity to speak to Thomas Feinstein — of Fillin Global — who curated the exhibit with co-curator Jackie Collins.
This exhibit is amazing! There are so many different styles and techniques represented here, and everything seems to work together. Just what is Fillin Global?
FILLIN is an artist agency, representing innovative artists from across the globe.
How did you get such a varied, talented group of artists together in one setting?
Many are friends. Some I’ve known from my childhood growing up in Long Island. Let’s just say I was a bad kid!
How long did it take you to get this exhibit together?
I began working two months ago for a February 19 launch. But during the final week, I barely slept at all.
What were some of the challenges that came your way in getting this all together?
The biggest challenge was working with such a wide range of styles and media and making it all flow.
How have folks responded to the exhibit?
They love it!
What’s ahead?
We are planning an event in a huge warehouse where artists will be able to paint directly on the walls. It will take place this summer.
That sounds great! Good luck and congratulations on this inaugural show.
Note: Today, Sunday, Feb 28, is the final day to check out the Fillin Global’s inaugural exhibit. The gallery — located at 98 Orchard Street — will remain open until 10pm.
And a range of tags — many, also, legendary — that surfaced on canvas opening night
Curated by 212 Arts director Marc Leader, Graffiti Legends remains on exhibit through next Tuesday at 240 East 4th Street. Hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and Sunday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Apostrophe began as a gallery and performance space in Bushwick in 2012, and it has since evolved into a series of pop-up exhibits and events. As a collective, it is designed to offer exposure to artists while sparking a creative energy that can be experienced by everyone. Our last exhibit, Subway Show, took place at the Kosciusko Street stop on the J train. The subway passengers, along with anyone else who came by, were treated to art, music, a comedic performance and refreshments!
Our concept came before the name. The name was inspired by the title of Frank Zappa’s eighteenth album Apostrophe’. It suggests an inclusive fusion of energies.
What is Apostrophe’s current mission?
The mission of our current project Base 12 is to highlight the art of twelve talented artists in a dozen diverse, unconventional settings, while making their art accessible to folks who might not otherwise see it. When art is shown exclusively in gallery settings, its audience can be limited.
What kinds of alternative settings are you referring to?
Of the nine upcoming pop-up shows here in NYC, three will take place on subway platforms, three in museums and three in parks. They will all engage passersby in non-traditional ways. Details will be announced the day of the event via Instagram and Facebook.
That sounds great! How did you select the artists?
Some had participated in exhibits in our former Bushwick space; others we met through friends. And some we discovered through our open call for submissions. We’ve all gotten to know one another, and we all work well together. Once a month we come together, and we critique each other’s artworks. We love not only the works of the artists we are showing, but their energy, as well!
Do you both have a formal art education?
We both went to art school, but neither of us finished. We grew up, though, in a family of artists and have always engaged in art-related projects here and abroad.
What’s ahead?
In addition to what will be happening here in NYC, we are planning three exhibits and events abroad: at Alan Istanbulin Turkey; at corretger5 in Barcelona, and at a gallery space — to be announced — in London.
It’s all very exciting! Lots of luck! We will definitely keep posted to your Instagram.
