NYC

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

{ 2 comments }

Street Art Couples in NYC: London Kaye, Belin, Uta Brauser, Damon Johnson, Frank Ape and Jordan Betten

May 25, 2015

This is the first in a series of NYC couples that were spotted around town:

London Kaye in Brooklyn

Belin in Manhattan

Unidentified stencil artist surfacing in different Williamsburg locales

Uta Brauser on van parked in Brooklyn

Damon Johnson in Brooklyn

Frank Ape in Brooklyn

Jordan Betten — in the backyard garden of Henley Vaporium in Manhattan

Photos: 1-5, Dani Reyes Mozeson; 6 & 7 Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

From Miami to NYC: Diana Contreras and Delvs at 12C Outdoor Gallery in the East Village and with Jenny Perez at JMZ Walls in Bushwick

May 21, 2015

While in NYC for the Fridge Art Fair, Miami-based artists Diana Contreras, Delvs and Jenny Perez graced our walls with their vibrant, infectious aesthetic.

Diana Contreras aka Didi and Delvs at work in the East Village at the 12C Outdoor Gallery, 12th Street and Avenue C

Diana Contreras aka Didi at work at 12C Outdoor Gallery

Delvs at work at 12C Outdoor Gallery

Delvs, Diana Contreras and Jenny Perez at work at JMZ Walls in Bushwick

Jenny Perez at work at JMZ Walls in Bushwick

Final piece for JMZ Walls

Photos: 1 & 6 Lois Stavsky; 2-5 Tara Murray

{ 0 comments }

Back to August Martin HS with 5Pointz: El Niño de las Pinturas, Ben Angotti, Nicholai Kahn, Trace, Skio, Elle, Andre Trenier, ZaOne & Meres

May 19, 2015

This past Sunday, the 5Pointz family continued its transformation of August Martin HS with some of the finest international, national and local artists adding their talents and visions to the extraordinary indoor gallery the school has become. Here’s a small sampling of more of the works that now grace the hallways and doors of the Jamaica, Queens high school:

El Niño de las Pinturas in from Spain

NYC-based Ben Angotti

Queens-based Nicholai Khan with August Martin student Justin Price (interviewed by Street Art NYC) and project co-curator Marie Cecile Flaegul

Trace, New Wave Crew at work

Skio in from Paris and Brooklyn-based Elle

Bronx-native Andre Trenier at work

NYC’s ZaOne

5Pointz curator Meres One

Note: The school will be open to the public on Thursday, June 11, from 4-8pm.

Keep posted to the StreetArtNYC Facebook page for many more images of the amazing artworks.

Photo credits: 1, 3, 6 & 8 Lois Stavsky; 2, 4, 5 & 7 Tara Murray

{ 1 comment }

Lee Quiñones Solo Exhibit at 291 Grand Street on the LES

May 17, 2015

Fusing his never-before-seen drawings with his newer works, Lee Quiñones‘s pop-up solo exhibit — presented by Nicole Klagsbrun — takes us on a fabulous foray into the rich history of one of NYC’s legends who has garnered acclaim for both his graffiti and his fine art. Here is a small sampling of what can be seen through June 7 at 291 Grand Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side:

Wild, Installation view

Hell Express, work study #3, 1979

Rust-oleum VS the Toys, 1981

Golpe de Suerte, 2013 – 2014, close-up

Crossing Delancey, 2014

The pop-up exhibit can be seen Wed – Sun from 11am – 6pm.

Note: First image is Iz the Wiz (The Fabulous Five), 1977

Photo credits: 1, 2, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 3 & 6 City-as-School intern Diana Davidova

{ 2 comments }

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

{ 0 comments }

Speaking with Miami-Based Peruvian Artist Diana Contreras aka Didi

May 13, 2015

Fusing her passion for street art with her mastery of classical painting, Miami-based Peruvian artist Diana Contreras aka Didi fashions whimsical portraits depicting her distinct notion of femininity. In NYC this weekend for the Fridge Art Fair, she will also be sharing her talents with us at JMZ Walls in Bushwick and at the 12C Outdoor Gallery in the East Village. I met Didi earlier this year in Miami.

When did you first paint in a public space? And where was it?

I first painted outdoors four years ago in Miami. I came late to the scene!

What made you decide to take your vision to the streets?

I love the idea of creating art for “the people” and sharing my vision with them. It’s so much fun! And it is also a great way for me to showcase my art.

You often paint beautiful images of lovely, sensual women. Why is that?

They’re fun; I can use any colors I want and I can add endless accessories. And I know women! I paint what I know!

Is there a message you want to convey?

I want folks who see my art to feel positive about themselves. If there is a central message, it is: Enjoy your life! And I also want girls to know that they have the power to follow their dreams and create themselves.

Are there any particular street artists who have inspired you?

I’ve been inspired by so many who have painted in Wynwood. Among them are: Miss Van, Fafi and Entes & Pessimo.

What is it like to be a female artist in Miami’s street art scene?

The street art scene has actually been very supportive. It was the guys, in fact, who encouraged me to get up! It isn’t difficult for us to get walls, and folks are interested in hearing our stories.

You are a full-time elementary school art teacher, as well as a studio painter and muralist. How do you manage to balance it all?

It’s difficult. I often feel that I am living two separate lives. I somehow manage because I love what I do so much. Both my lives give me tremendous gratification.

What’s ahead?

I’m headed to NYC for the Fridge Art Fair and while in NYC, I will be painting for JMZ Walls in Bushwick and for the 12C Outdoor Gallery in the East Village. I’m also excited to be participating in Boundless Brooklyn‘s upcoming group show of female artists curated by Claw Money. And I’m looking forward to a summer of traveling and painting!

It all sounds great! And I’m so glad you are on your way to NYC!

Photos of Diana’s images: 1, 2, 4 and 5 courtesy of the artist; 3 Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

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.