Pyramid Oracle

An art lover and dear friend to so many street artists, East Village–based Steve Stoppert is a local legend. True to his motto, “Just Paint,” he is the force behind one of NYC’s most visible public spaces – the wall facing the Second Avenue subway station. Dozens of artists have painted there, and dozens more wait their turn. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Steve in his Second Avenue apartment that brims with art — from floor to ceiling — in just about every media and style.

We are fortunate that you have made New York City your home. Where were you born? And what brought you here?

I was born in Pontiac, Michigan — a northern suburb of Detroit. I came here in 1992 for two weeks to remodel my sister’s bathroom. And I never left. She was living on East 6th Street at the time.

What was it about NYC that so drew you in?

The music scene. It was magic!  Seeing the Pavement at the Mercury Lounge on the Lower East Side. Hanging out at CBGB on the Bowery…

And what about NYC’s art scene?

I used to go on my own to the Met. But it wasn’t until an artist friend took me on a tour of the museum and introduced me to Cézanne that something clicked!

What is your first street art/graffiti-related memory?

Definitely Shepard Fairey. Seeing Andre the Giant everywhere!

And how did you become so deeply involved with the current scene?

I started going out with Fumero late at night. I was his “look-out.” I remember thinking, “If only I’d had an aerosol can in my hand when I was 15!”

How has the street art scene changed since you first began paying attention to it? 

It’s different. These days, there are lots of fluffy paste-ups, and just about everyone is documenting it. But I still love it.

What is your favorite aspect of the scene?

I love the hunt. When I first began in 2010, I was obsessed with Jim Joe. I used to hunt for him daily. I chased him everywhere between the Lower East Side and Tribeca competing with folks on Tumblr for the most Jim Joe sightings.

For the past several years you’ve been curating a hugely visible wall right on your block. How do you decide which artists to feature?

I have a list of about 80-100 artists who’ve approached me. We simply select a name at random from a hat. Each month the wall changes.

What has the experience been like?

I love it. I love working with artists. I don’t even mind when they’re flakey or late. I just go with it.

How do you deal with the ever-present politics in this scene?

I ignore it completely.

Do any memorable experiences stand out? 

Fun times! When City Kitty got up on the wall and changed it 6-8 times within three months. And, of course, riding on my bike at 3am to 4am with flashlight and bike light – not knowing what I will see that I haven’t seen before.

What do you see as the future of this scene?

It seems to be at an all-time high with its increasing appeal to commercial buildings and high-end hotels.

Yes! It certainly has changed since I first fell in love with it! And we are thrilled that you are doing what you are doing. The wall that you curate is one of our faves.

Images:

1. Steve Stoppert in front or wall painted last Sunday by Key Detail

2, Noted California-born artist and musician Paul Kostabi

3. The itinerant Sirus Fountain aka Pyramid Oracle

4. Bronx-based Zimad

5. Brooklyn-based Argentine artists Magda Love and Sonni

6. The prolific Optimo NYC aka Optimo Primo, Werds and No Sleep

7. Brooklyn-based Argentine artist Ramiro Davaro-Comas

Interview conducted by Lois Stavsky and Ana Candelaria and edited by Lois Stavsky

Photo credits: 1-3 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 4, 6 & 7 Ana Candelaria

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This is the seventh in a series of occasional posts featuring the range of curious characters that have made their way onto NYC open spaces:

London-based Fanakapan at the Bushwick Collective

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French artist Bebar in Brownsville, Brooklyn

Bebar

Mexican artist Telleache at the Bushwick Collective

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Pyramid Oracle at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

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Mr Nerds at the Bushwick Collective

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

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After spending five months in London, Pyramid Oracle is back for a bit in NYC.  Opening today at 6pm at City Bird Gallery is Return, a five-day show featuring work he developed in the UK. We met up with the artist yesterday, as he was getting ready for this evening’s exhibit.

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Your works began surfacing here on NYC streets about two years ago. We were struck at once by their haunting, somewhat melancholy, beauty. What is the inspiration behind these works?

I’m inspired by the people, places and things I’ve experienced. I try to capture wisdom from the great mysteries, while depicting our existence in a sort of subliminal lull. I’ve been particularly inspired by the Native Americans I’ve met in Montana and New Mexico.

Pyramid-Oracle-wood_1

When and where did you begin sharing your work in public spaces? 

I started around 2008 doing work throughout the Midwest.  My work first started getting recognized primarily in Chicago. 

What motivated you to get up on the streets?

I was hanging around train riders, graff artists and vagabonds. I was doing most of my work while traveling and spending so much time on the street that it seemed like the natural thing to do.

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Where – besides NYC, Chicago and London – have you gotten up?

Minneapolis, Baltimore, Philly, Portland, and Miami. And in Iowa — Cedar Rapids, Iowa city, Ames, Fort Dodge and Des Moines.  

Just who is Pyramid Oracle?

Pyramid Oracle represents the body of work that I am developing. It is constantly evolving.

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Who are some of your influences?

Among the artists whose works have resonated the most with me through the years are: Gaia, SwoonMata Ruda, LNY and OverUnder.

What would you like folks to come away with after seeing your work? Have you a message to convey?

It is open to interpretation, while its primary purpose is to facilitate a means of reflection and illumination.

Pyramid-Oracle-Return

Return opens this evening at 6pm at City Bird Gallery and remains on exhibit through Sunday. The gallery is located at 191 Henry Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Interview by City-as-School intern Diana Davidova with Lois Stavsky; photos 1-3 Lois Stavsky; 4 Diana Davidova

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This is the fifth in an occasional series featuring images of New York City’s doors that sport everything from tags and stickers to sophisticated images.

Beau Stanton on the Bowery, close-up

"Beau Stanton"

EKG in Crown Heights, Brooklyn

EKG

Kenny Scharf in Manhattan

"Kenny Scharf"

Pyramid Oracle on the Lower East Side, close-up

"Pyramid Oracle"

Cost and Enx in Tribeca

"cost and enx"

Michael De Feo on Manhattan’s Lower East Side

"Michael De Feo"

Good and Shiddy in Bushwick, Brooklyn

"good and shoddy"

Photos: 1, 4 & 5, Lois Stavsky; 2, 3, 6 & 7, Dani Reyes Mozeson

Note: This blog will be on vacation through Friday. Follow me in Miami on Facebook and Instagram.

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