This is the ninth post in an occasional series featuring the diverse range of artwork on NYC shutters:
Photos: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 9 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 3 Tara Murray; 5 & 8 Lois Stavsky
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NYC
Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, Roberto Clemente and Satchel Paige are among the legendary baseball players whose faces now grace a range of storefronts on and off River Avenue from 158th Street to 162nd Street. A partnership between the 161st Street Business Improvement District and 501 See Streets, this particular project is one of several initiated by 501 See Streets founder and director, Noah Sheroff. I recently met up with Noah to find out more about him and his Paint New York project.
You are on a mission to bring public art to neighborhoods in NYC and beyond. What spurred your interest in street art?
I grew up in a neighborhood that was largely void of art. When I first visited 5Pointz in 2011, I was struck by the beauty and energy of it all. The following year I went on a tour of the Bushwick Collective, and soon after that, I discovered the Welling Court Mural Project in Astoria, Queens. By then I was hooked! I knew that I wanted to bring art murals to communities that wouldn’t otherwise have them.
We are familiar with the murals you facilitated that have transformed the blocks around Yankee Stadium. Have you engaged other neighborhoods?
Yes. Danielle Mastrion painted a mural on Flatbush Avenue and Avenue H in Brooklyn; Miss Zukie collaborated with John Paul O’Grodnick on Benson Street.across from the Lewis & Clark School, and Marthalicia painted on Jerome Avenue and East 198th Street.
What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered?
It’s been a daunting learning experience! The community members are often apprehensive. Artists tend to question my motives. And the funders are hesitant to fund “a new kid on the block.”
What seems to be the main concern of the community?
They are concerned about the content – about offending the sensibilities of the folks who live in the neighborhood. That is one of the reasons artists are often asked to submit a sketch first.
You are in the process of forging alliances with several Business Improvement Districts. Are they generally receptive?
Yes, the BIDs are generally receptive. They see the art as a way to highlight their businesses, bring commerce to their neighborhoods and attract tourists. I am also forging partnerships with civics and other neighborhood organizations.
What’s ahead?
I’m interested in expanding Paint New York into more neighborhoods and working with a range of community groups. And at this point, fundraising is essential to cover expenses and to pay the artists for their talents and time.
Good luck! And we are looking forward to 501 See Streets bringing more art to our streets!
Note: Find out how you can help support Noah’s project here
Interview by Lois Stavsky; Images 1 & 2 Danielle Mastrion; 3 & 5 Lexi Bella; 4 & 6 Andre Trenier; photo credits 1 & 2 Lois Stavsky; 3-6 City-As-School intern Diana Davidova
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Almost 40 years ago the historic Old Bronx Courthouse building closed its doors. This past Thursday evening, the landmark structure reopened to host When You Cut Into the Present the Future Leaks Out, a thoroughly engaging multi-media exhibit, curated by Regine Basha for No Longer Empty. Featuring over two dozen artists on three levels, its title references the remix suggested by William S. Boroughs. Here are a few more images captured on Thursday:
Teresa Diehl, L-Alber-Into, Video and sound installation
Another view of Teresa Diehl‘s ever-transforming hallucinatory musical installation
Shellyne Rodriguez, Prototype For Belphegor’s Eye, 168 flesh-tint dyed mousetraps, rhinestones, gold chains, copper wire, plywood
Shellyne Rodriguez, Geperudeta, Ceramic
David Scanavino, Untitled, Linoleum tile
Ellen Harvey, Alien Souvenir Stand (close-up), Oil on aluminum, watercolor on gesso board, propane tanks, plywood, aluminum siding and poles, aluminum diamond plate, magnets
Lady K Fever, All Rise (close-up), Mylar on façade of building
The exhibit continues through July 19, along with a variety of programs ranging from fashion shows to presentations by such Bronx-based artists as Eric Orr, Per One and Joe Conzo. The old Bronx Courthouse is located at 878 Brook Avenue at East 161 Street and Third Avenue in the South Bronx.
Note: First photo features Deborah Fisher and Paul Ramirez Jonas, Something for Nothing, Mixed media, Custom designed neon sign
Research for this post by City-As-School student Diana Davidova; photos 1, 5, and 7 Diana Davidova; 2-4, 6 and 8 Lois Stavsky
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The extraordinarily gifted Belgian artist Roa has recently shared his talents and passion for the animal kingdom with us outdoors in Jersey City and indoors at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery. The following images were captured this past Saturday near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel, not far from Mana Contemporary where Roa created his works for Metazoa, currently on exhibit at Jonathan LeVine:
Close-up
Close-up with Roa at work
The mural, full view
And here is a sampling of ROA‘s interactive works at Jonathan LeVine, largely created on found, salvaged materials:
Sturnus Vulgaris, mixed-media
Composition II: Lutrinate, Salmonidae, Anguilliformes, mixed media
Sturnus Vulgaris, mixed media
NY Canidae, mixed media, rear
Metazoa continues through May 2 at Jonathan LeVine at the gallery’s 529 West 20th Street space.
Note: For a wonderfully interactive view of several pieces check out this post on Colosaal.
Photos of Roa in Jersey City by bytegirl; of Roa’s works at Jonathan LeVine, Dani Reyes Mozeson
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Until April 23 it is still possible to see Jamie Martinez’s distinctly wonderful art at Gallerie Protégé. Fashioned meticulously and inventively from triangles, Jamie’s works on display range from exquisite oil paintings to tantalizing abstract designs. Here is a sampling of the works from the exhibit, Hunt for Inspiration, curated by Oscar A. Laluyan:
Leopardo, 552 individual oil paintings on wood
El Lobo, oil on canvas
Abstract 15, digital c-print
Particularly exciting news for us street art aficionados is that several of Jamie Martinez‘s abstract works will be blown up between 6-9 feet for an upcoming public art project, Off the Grid: Innovations in Contemporary Abstraction. The works will remain on exhibit for a minimum of six months at the site of the West Village Triangle Park at 7th Avenue and 12th Street.
Note: Gallerie Protégé is located on the lower level of Chelsea Frames at 197 9th Avenue.
Photo credits: 1, 2, and 5 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 3 Lois Stavsky; 4 courtesy of the artist; the first image pictured is Mountain Cat, oil on canvas; the final image is Medusa, 414 individual oil paintings on wood.
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Some of NYC’s most vibrant and striking murals–on Boone Avenue between 172nd and 173rd Streets in the Bronx–were demolished last year to be replaced by residential buildings. But thanks to the efforts of SLO Architecture, various artists, neighboring Fannie Lou Hamer High School, Maria Krajewski, City-As-School students and several others, the spirit of Boone Avenue lives. Featuring dozens of images, interviews and more, the Boone Room website, constructed by City-As-School students, can now be viewed online. To celebrate its launch, the public is invited to join the City-As-School family, several of the artists and a host of performers and musicians tonight at Exit Room.
Artists interviewed for the Boone Room website include: Cope2, Eric Orr, Marthalecia and Valerie Larko who has preserved the walls in her amazing photorealistic paintings.
Kashink — who was visiting NYC from Paris — to the left of Lady K Fever
Tonight at 270 Meserole Street in Bushwick
Post by City-As-School intern Zachariah Messaoud with Lois Stavsky; photos 3 and 4 courtesy Maria Krajewski
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Yesterday famed artist Ron English brought his vision to the legendary wall on Bowery and Houston. We are thrilled that this space is once again serving as Downtown Manhattan’s most exhilarating, rotating, outdoor canvas.
The artist and his mural — to be further enhanced — featuring his iconic Temper Tot and his take on the American flag
Ron English‘s wonderfully sardonic commentary on it all
Another close-up
Note: Ron English continues to work on his mural on Houston and Bowery; he is to begin painting it today, further enhancing his amazing work!
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson
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In this third in our series of interviews with artists born abroad who have made NYC home, we feature Pesu. Inspired by hip-hop, Pesu began his art career back in Japan in 1996 as a graffiti writer. Here in NYC he is best-known for his live painting in various venues and the many Art Battle competitions he has won. His works on canvas in a multiplicity of styles — from stencil art to abstract art — increasingly attract collectors, as well.
When did you first visit NY? And what brought you here?
In 2001 I left Japan for Sacramento, California on a student visa. But life there was too slow for me. So in 2004, I decided to check out New York City.
What was your impression of it at the time?
I was thoroughly overwhelmed. I remember walking on 5th Avenue and crying – tears of joy! This city has everything: so much energy, art, graffiti, mix of people and amazing architecture. And there is always something happening here.
What is the image of NYC in your native country?
Back in Japan we think of NYC as the number one city in the world. It is the place of opportunity.
Do you think this is accurate? Why or why not?
Yes! I agree! Everything is possible here in NYC.
When did you decide to move here? And why?
I decided to move here the following year – in 2005. Why? Because I loved it!
How did your family feel about your move?
They were great. Everyone was very supportive. And they were always worried about me when I was doing graffiti back in Japan.
What were some of the challenges you faced when you first moved here?
I had to find a way to earn money. And I had to worry about having a visa. I also wasn’t used to living in such a competitive city.
You now have a great space in the East Village. Where did you live when you first moved here? And why did you choose that particular neighborhood?
When I first moved here, I lived in Bed-Stuy. I found the apartment through a broker. I chose Bed-Stuy because I love Biggie so much.
Have you encountered any prejudice here?
Yes. I’ve encountered some. Folks here are not all that accustomed to seeing Asians in the hip-hop scene.
How has your artwork evolved or changed since you came here?
I tend to use brighter, more vivid colors. My art is more alive here in NYC! And it’s become more professional.
How receptive have New Yorkers been to your artwork? To you?
They seem somewhat surprised by what I do, as they are not used to seeing Asians in this scene!
What would you like to accomplish here?
As an artist, I want to make people happy. And on a more personal level, I would like to bring my parents to America.
What do you miss most about your native country?
My parents and the food I ate back in Japan.
Interview by Lois Stavsky with City-as-School intern Zachariah Messaoud; photos 1-4, 6 (collab with Shiro) & 7 by Lois Stavsky; 5 by Zachariah Messaoud; images 2 & 4 are from Pesu’s blackbooks from the late 90’s.
Note: Several of Pesu’s works will be on exhibit in Brooklyn is the Future opening Friday at the Vazquez at 93 Forrest Street in Bushwick.
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Fusing elements of graffiti, painting, drawing and graphic design, N Carlos J creates masterful, atmospheric works both on and off the streets. He is particularly interested in the unconscious as it reflects our inmost emotions. We recently met up with the Brooklyn-based artist and had the opportunity to speak to him.
You have quite a presence in Bushwick and beyond these days — painting murals, organizing projects and now curating. Can you tell us something about your background?
I attended Art & Design in the 80’s, and I was around graff heads all the time back then. Like just about everyone else there, I got up when I could.
Do any early graffiti-related memories stand out?
The first time I tried to spray my name, I ended up covering my entire hand with Krylon paint. It was impossible for me to wash it off, and I knew I had better before my mother would see it.
I suppose your mom wasn’t too happy about what you were doing!
She wasn’t. She thought I was crazy!
Did you continue to study art in a formal setting?
Yes. I attended F.I.T., where I earned a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. But soon after, I took a 15-year break from art.
Why was that?
I was married, and I felt pressured to earn money.
But these days you are back into it.
Yes, 100% of my time now is devoted to art. When I’m not doing my own art, I am organizing projects, working on commissions or teaching art. And I am busy now curating an exhibit to open next Friday.
Now that art is playing such a central role in your life, do you feel that your formal art education was worthwhile?
Absolutely. It taught me discipline, and it helped me master technique and color theory.
Any thoughts on the graffiti/ street art divide?
I feel that they must coexist. It is a conversation that we must have.
What do you see as the future of street art?
Street artists are going to continue to treat themselves more like businessmen.
Yes, I can see that happening. But that’s a whole other conversation! How do you feel about the movement of graffiti and street art into galleries?
I love it!
Have you shown in galleries?
I’ve participated in many group shows and I’m working on two solo exhibitions for fall, 2015.
What about the corporate world’s engagement with graffiti and street art? How do you feel about that?
If it pays well enough, I have no problem with it.
What about the role of the Internet in this scene?
It is a blessing and a curse. It gives us exposure, and that is, of course, a good thing. But it makes it too easy for others to steal styles and ideas from us.
How would you describe your ideal working environment?
Painting outside on a summer day with hip-hop music blasting.
What inspires you these days?
Listening to music by Kendrick Lamar or CyHi the Prynce inspires me. And reading excerpts from books like A Tale of Two Cities or The House of Rothschild gets me in the right space.
Are there any particular cultures that you feel have influenced your aesthetic?
American pop culture, but Renaissance and post-impressionist painting have also influenced me.
What about artists? Who are some of your favorite artists?
Among those I particularly love are: Borondo, Connor Harrington and Alexis Diaz
Do you work with a sketch in your hand or do you let it flow?
Sometimes I work with a sketch, and sometimes I don’t.
Are you generally satisfied with your work?
No! I am a perfectionist.
How has your work evolved in the past few years?
I tend to more freely fuse figurative and expressionistic elements.
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
The artist is the keeper of the flame. We are what moves this planet.
What’s ahead?
I’m currently curating, Brooklyn is the Future, a huge, two-weekend long exhibit and charity event to open next Friday, April 17, at the Vazquez at 93 Forrest Street in Bushwick. Among the three dozen participating artists are: Damien Mitchell, Eelco, Ghost, Li-Hill, Mr. Prvrt, Rocko and Rubin. The artists are asked to envision the future of Brooklyn metaphorically or literally. I am also curating a show called Good Times Bushwick for Bushwick Open Studios opening on Friday, June 5 at Express Yourself Barista. It will include a gallery show, outdoor murals, along with a day party and a barbecue.
Wow! It sounds great! Good luck with it all!
Interview by Lois Stavsky with Houda Lazrak
Photos: 1 and 3 (close-up of panel for Brooklyn is the Future) courtesy of the artist; 2, 7 & 8 Lois Stavsky; 4 & 5 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 6 Tara Murray
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