NYC

Amanda Marie Brings Her Alluring Storybook Characters to Welling Court, to 12C Outdoor Gallery and to Manhattan’s Quin Hotel

June 23, 2015

Colorado-based painter and stencil artist Amanda Marie has brought her alluring storybook characters to the streets of NYC and to the Quin Hotel.

At work at 12C Outdoor Gallery, on 12th Street and Avenue C

Completed mural at 12C Outdoor Gallery

Outside the Quin Hotel, as seen at night

And from, Good Story, her tantalizing exhibit of mixed-media works — whose titles suggest a somewhat subversive facet to her presumably innocent storybook characters — inside the Quin Hotel:

Drinking Partners

We Are Doing This Our Way

Bird-Riders, close-up

Curated by Hyland Mather and DK Johnston, Good Story remains on exhibit through mid-summer inside the Quin Hotel at 101 West 57th Street at Sixth Avenue.

Note: First image is at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

Photos: 1, 4-6 Lois Stavsky; 2 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 3 & 7 Tara Murray

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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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At Manhattan’s Uptown Open-Air Gallery with Trans1, Noir, Ree, Rocky184, Keon1 and T-Kid170

June 19, 2015

Always a showcase for NYC — mostly veteran — writers, the always-rotating walls off the 1 train on 207th Street and 210th Street increasingly host artists from abroad. Here is a sampling of what was sighted this past week:

London-based Trans1

London-based Noir

NYC-based veteran writer Ree

Bronx-based veteran writer Rocky184

Veteran writer Keon1, mgs gnd

Legendary Bronx-native T-Kid

Photos 1-5 and 7 by Lois Stavsky; 6 courtesy of Keon1

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Sing for Hope Brings Artful Pianos to NYC Public Spaces: Marc Evan, Jessica Browne-White, Keith Haring Foundation, Jose Aurelio Baez and Franck de las Mercedes

June 17, 2015

marc-evan-public-art-nyc

In tune with its mission of Art for All, Sing for Hope has recently brought 50 artfully designed pianos to a range of public spaces throughout the boroughs. Here are a few:

Marc Evan, Transcendental Resonance, Furman Street & Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn Bridge Park

Jessica Browne-White, Reflection/Transformation, close-up, Water Street & Anchorage Place, under the Dumbo archway

Keith Haring Foundation, Untitled, 62nd Street and Columbus Avenue, Lincoln Center

Jose Aurelio Baez, New York Street Music, 7802 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights

Franck de las Mercedes, Post No Bills, Astor Place

Through Sunday, June 21, the pianos will remain on view throughout the five boroughs and will continue to host impromptu concerts. After Sunday, Sing for Hope will donate them to NYC schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations in need.

Photos: 1 & 3 City-As-School intern Diana Davidova; 2 Lois Stavsky; 4-8 Tara Murray

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The 6th Annual Welling Court Mural Project Launches in Astoria, Queens with: Icy and Sot, Chris Cardinale, LMNOPI, Wane, RRobots, Evan Cairo, Sinned, See One, Queen Andrea and more

June 13, 2015

Curated by Ad Hoc Art, the Welling Court Mural Project is once again bringing a wonderfully diverse array of public art to Welling Court and its neighboring blocks in Astoria, Queens. Here is a sampling of what’s been happening as artists ready for today’s official launch:

Chris Cardinale

LMNOPI

Wane

RRobots and Evan Cairo to his right

Sinned

See One

Queen Andrea

The 6th Annual Welling Court Mural Project officially opens with a block party today, Saturday, June 13, at 30th Ave & 12th Street from 12-8PM.

Note: First image is of Icy & Sot.

All photos by Tara Murray.

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Bushwick-Based Scholastic Award Alumnus Timothy Hyunsoo Lee on Scholastic, Artistic Passion, Identity, Public Art and more

June 12, 2015

While attending last Friday’s reception for the Art.Write.Now.2015 National Exhibition featuring the winners of the The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, I was introduced to the wonderfully talented Bushwick-based Scholastic alumnus Timothy Hyunsoo Lee. Earlier this week we visited his studio.

When and how did Scholastic first identify and award your talents?

I was a student at Hunter High School back in 2006 when I received my first Scholastic Award on a regional level. I had been participating in Hunter’s after-school art program and was encouraged to submit my art to Scholastic’s annual contest. Then in 2008 I was given a national award from Scholastic for my portfolio.

Since then, you’ve won many other awards and fellowships — including the VSA Emerging Young Artist Award from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and the International Emerging Artist Award in Dubai. You’ve also participated in several solo and group exhibitions here and abroad. At what point did you decide to devote yourself to art?

When I first began attending Wesleyan University, I assumed that I would become a doctor. But during my junior year, I decided that I wanted my pursuit of art to be more than just a hobby. It had become my passion. And so I graduated Wesleyan with a double major: a B.A. in Neuroscience & Behavior and Studio Art.

I can see that. Your visual art definitely reflects your background in science.

Yes, I’d say that my work represents a fusion of the artistic and the scientific in its representation of my struggles with my identity as a Korean-American — and the anxiety that its expectations incurred.

Upon graduating from college with your double major, what direction did your passion then take?

I rented a studio in Williamsburg and I taught art for two years.

Now with a studio in Bushwick, you devote yourself full-time to creating your own art. What moved you in that direction?

The turning-point was my 2013 week-long art experience, known as the Art.Write.Now.POP-UP!, a short-term residency that took place in the front window of The Scholastic Store in SoHo.

What was that like?

It was the first time I had ever engaged the public while creating art, and it was amazing. I was used to spending up to 12-13 hours on end working alone in my studio. It was an incredible feeling to see such a diverse group of passersby stop to look at my art and respond to it. I was overwhelmed by their engagement. Knowing just how much my art could impact others moved me to want to create my own art full-time.

What’s ahead?

In September I will be exhibiting in Istanbul, and I am preparing for a second solo show at the Sabrina Amrani Gallery, the Madrid-based gallery that represents me. I’m also looking forward to sharing my vision with the public on an open space somewhere here in NYC.

That would be great!

Note: Through tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, you can check out Timothy’s work in the group show a curious blindness at the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery at Columbia University.

Photo credits: First image is courtesy of the artist; 2 Tara Murray; 3 & 4 Lois Stavsky and 5 Timothy Lee

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No Longer Empty Presents A Timeline of Handstyles: Signatures from the 1960’s to Present Day Across from Old Bronx Borough Courthouse

June 10, 2015

Conceived and curated by Lady K Fever, A Timeline of Handstyles: Signatures from the 1960’s to Present Day, presents an extraordinary array of writers’ signatures spanning three generations. While visiting the space — across from the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse — I had the opportunity to speak to Lady K.

I love this! There is so much history here. What prompted you to organize this?

When I first hit the streets, I did so as a tagger. And the first book I ever read on this culture, The Faith of Graffiti, alerted me to the significance of the tag. On a more personal level, this wall is also my way of paying homage to the old school writers who were so supportive of me when I first moved to NYC.

This wall serves as a canvas for early legends, as well as for some of the new artists on the scene. How did you get the word out?

I spoke to a number of writers from different generations, and asked them to invite others.

What were some of the challenges you faced in curating this?

Figuring out the logistics of it all, engaging younger writers, and dealing with the inevitable politics.

Were there any particular surprises?

Folks rumored to be dead suddenly surfaced! Seeing Swan 3 was, perhaps, the biggest surprise! What a pleasure that was! And I was surprised — and delighted — that so many folks were willing to travel here from afar to tag this wall.

What’s next?

I’d love to curate a huge warehouse and engage far more people.

The mural will remain on view through the end of this month — with a special public viewing on Sunday, June 28, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Note: Special thanks to Delicioso Coco Helado for providing the space and supporting the project.

Photos: 1-7 Lois Stavsky; 8 & 9 Lady K Fever

Note: Photo 2 features Charmin 65 and Swan 3; photo 3 Stella Isabella; photo 4 Nicholai Khan; photo 5 Dun One; photo 6 Meek; photo 7 Broham380

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Juguetería/Toys Warehouse — Interactive Exhibit by Studio Sweet Home — to Open at Exit Room NY for Bushwick Open Studios

June 4, 2015

The Studio Street Home duo — Colombian native Yeimi Salazar and Puerto Rican native Melvin Sanchez — began collaborating six years ago, soon after they met in NYC. Their first solo exhibit will open tomorrow and Saturday at Exit Room NY during Bushwick Open Studios. While visiting Exit Room last week, we had the opportunity to speak to its art director Daniela Zoe.

It’s great to see Exit Room NY so alive again! What a wonderful home for Studio Sweet Home‘s first solo exhibit!

Yes! To coincide with Bushwick Open Studios, I wanted to feature artists with a unique multidisciplinary approach. And I’m delighted to host Studio Sweet Home here at Exit Room NY, as J uguetería/Toys Warehouse is a great opportunity for the artists, our space and the public.

Can you tell us something about this upcoming show? What will Juguetería/Toys Warehouse feature?

There will be paintings, installations, sculptures, video projects, and performances. There will be something for everyone – as Juguetería/Toys Warehouse is not just an art exhibit, but an interactive experience. A participatory performance will be held at 7pm on both opening days.

Have you worked with Studio Sweet Home artists Yeimi Salazar and Melvin Sanchez in the past?

Yes, they have participated in group shows before here at Exit Room NY.

What was it about Yeimi Salazar and Melvin Sanchez that initially drew you to them?

Their mastery of their craft, their talents and their versatility. And I love the way their works attract participants.

What do you expect those who visit the show to take away from it?

The constructed objects and scenarios are certain to engage the viewer’s senses. There will be so much to see, stories to hear and objects and people to touch. And there are many subtle, suggestive, somewhat ironic, messages.

What’s ahead for Exit Room NY?

We are expecting a visit from a legendary street art crew in August. We will keep you posted!

It sounds great! Good luck! We are looking forward to it all!

Note: The exhibit’s opening will take place tomorrow and Saturday, the first two days of Bushwick Open Studios. The exhibit will then continue until June 26. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Friday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. EXIT Room is located on 270 Meserole Street, a short walk from the Montrose stop on the L train.

Interview conducted by City-As-School intern Diana Davidova. All photos courtesy Studio Sweet Home and Exit Room NY.

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The Impact Show, El Momento del Impacto, Continues at Williamsburg’s Cafe de la Esquina with: Savior Elmundo, Danielle Mastrion, Esteban del Valle, Juan Carlos Pinto, Albertus Alburg, Ben Angotti and more

June 2, 2015

Highlighting the impact that Mexican civilization has had on other cultures, The Impact Show, El Momento del Impacto, presents a stunning array of artworks that reflect various aspects of the Mexican experience. Here are a few more images that can be seen in the backyard garden of the lovely Cafe de la Esquina in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Danielle Mastrion

Esteban del Valle, close-up

Juan Carlos Pinto

Albertus Alburg, close-up

Ben Angotti

Curated by Savior Elmundo and Frankie Velez, the Impact Show remains on view for the next several weeks — with a closing party 7-10pm on Thursday, June 25 — at 225 Wythe Avenue, a short walk from the Bedford stop on the L train.

Note: First image is a close-up from Savior Elmundo‘s Frida.

Photos: 1 – 6 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 7 Lois Stavsky

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Veteran Writers on a Graffiti Mission in Bushwick: Checker 170, Styx, Ghetto 149, Keon, Chris 217, Mark 198 and more

May 31, 2015

Mission Graffiti arrived in Bushwick earlier this month featuring several veteran writers who generally paint in Upper Manhattan and in the Bronx. Here are a few images of their wall in progress:

Styx and Ghetto 149 at work