solo exhibition

East Harlem-Based Crochet Artist Carmen Paulino Shares Her Tantalizing Talents at “Art on the Ave” Creative Space at 812 Lexington Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

December 14, 2024

I first noticed Carmen Paulino‘s tantalizing talents several years ago when I came upon her distinct yarn-bombing street art in my Upper West Side neighborhood and in East Harlem. I was mesmerized! Carmen is now sharing her scintillating skills, soulful spirit and boundless passion with visitors to Art on the Ave’s Creative Space at 812 Lexington Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. On my recent visit, I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to her at her solo exhibition “Stitch Theory.”

This is so wonderful! How did it happen? What a perfect space for a solo exhibition!

I’d worked with Barbara Anderson, the cofounder of Art on the Ave, back in 2020. Art on the Ave transforms vacant storefronts into galleries, providing us local artists with the opportunity to exhibit and share our artwork, while actively engaging with the community at large. And in the early days of the Covid pandemic, Barbara invited me to participate in a project launched by Art on the Ave in Washington Heights. We continued to stay in contact, and in early November, she invited me share my crocheted artworks at this Lexington Avenue space.

How did you decide what to exhibit?

At the time I was invited, my mind was focused on our natural environment, and I wanted to raise awareness of environmental issues — such as the increase in flooding — that have impacted places dear to me. And so I decided to feature my piece “Let’s Save the Planet,” that had been exhibited at a fiber festival in Brooklyn back in 2019. I also drew on current events — such as the infamous Art Basel banana — and a range of themes that are particularly relevant to me and my community. And, of course, I want to get the message out that “Anything Is Possible,” and that just about anyone — of any age — can learn how to crochet and love doing it.

What has the experience of exhibiting in this space been like for you?

It is a dream come true! It’s mind-blowing and humbling. And it brings me one step closer to my goal of blurring the line between yarn bombing and fine art. I participated last year in the Metropolitan Museum’s MetFest, but that was only for one day. It would be wonderful to see my yarn-bombing, along with the fiber art of other yarn bombers, exhibited inside the museum.

Are there any moments in this particular setting that have stood out to you? 

I’ve loved it all. I love interacting with all the folks who pass through. But I especially love when children visit. Earlier this week, a local preschool class of three and four-year olds came by. What a joy watching them interact with my yarn art! They were particularly delighted by my pink cake and thrilled that they were allowed to touch it.

What’s ahead?

As of now, I have several murals coming up, a window I will be decorating, another gallery exhibit I will be hosting and a fashion show I will be working on.

That sounds great! How can folks see this exhibition before it closes on Tuesday?

I will be here at 812 Lexington Avenue — between 62nd-63rd Streets —all day tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos, Lois Stavsky

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LeCrue Eyebrows: “Thoughts Moving Forward” Continues Through August 25 at Van Der Plas Gallery on the Lower East Side

August 16, 2024

Marked by a distinctly endearing visual language, LeCrue Eyebrows‘ artworks exude both soulfulness and strength. His solo exhibition “Thoughts Moving Forward” — continuing through August 25th at Van Der Plas Gallery — showcases a wide array of his works, each with its own narrative. Featured above is She Nodded In Affirmation — fashioned this year with acrylic on canvas. Several more images — all captured by photographer and Street Art NYC contributor Ana Candelaria — follow:

With Seeds, 2024, Acrylic on canvas

The House We Make, 2024, Acrylic on canvas

It’s in the Tea, 2024, Acrylic on canvas

All That You Rule (R) and Day by Day (L), 2024, Acrylic on canvas

Wide view of select gallery space

Located at 156 Orchard Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Van Der Plas Gallery is open Mon-Sun: 11am-6pm.

Photos: Ana Candelaria

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NICK WALKER | A PORTRAIT OF A VANDAL Continues Through the Summer at 685 Third Avenue in Manhattan

May 23, 2024

The following post is by guest contributor Kristy Calabro 

On May 15, I attended the opening reception for the wonderfully inventine NICK WALKER | A PORTRAIT OF A VANDAL. Continuing through the summer at 685 Third Avenue, the exhibition features a delightful series of works on canvas and on paper — largely referencing Nick Walker‘s iconic vandal.

Faceless, concealed subjects, all enveloped in an air of mystery, abound. Among these are tantalizing variations of  the bowler-hatted “Vandal” — reputedly his alter-ego.

A particular highlight of the exhibition is Nick Walker‘s beloved “Vandal Child,” sporting a ski mask and clutching a spray can in each hand, inspired by a photo of the artist’s daughter.

A pioneering stencil artist, Nick Walker has been enriching urban landscapes from London to New York City, from Honk Kong to Paris and beyond for decades. Produced by DK Johnston with support from BGO, NICK WALKER | A PORTRAIT OF A VANDAL presents a rare opportunity to view the legendary artist’s remarkable talents in another setting.

Post and photos submitted by street art enthusiast, arts writer and photographer Kristy Calabro and edited by Lois Stavsky

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Angel Ortiz (LA2): Ode 2 NYC Continues at Chase Contemporary in Soho Through June 18

May 31, 2023

Proclaimed by his former partner Keith Haring as the “Graffiti King of the Lower East Side,” Angel Ortiz aka LA2 is increasingly gaining the admiration and acclaim that he deserves. A self-taught artist, he has fashioned a distinct aesthetic that has evolved into a stylishly striking synthesis of graffiti, pop art and fine art.

Ranging in tones from black, white and gray to bright, bold hues, Angel’s new works on exhibit in “Ode 2 NYC” at Chase Contemporary vary from the seemingly simple to the remarkably intricate. Exuding a magical energy, together they are a glowing testament to LA2’s singular intuitive skills, as well as the perfect pean to NYC.

Featured below are several more images captured from the exhibit:

“Shazbot,” 2023, Acrylic and marker on canvas

“Rainbow Swirl,” 2023, Acrylic and marker on canvas

“Tiffany,” 2023, Acrylic and marker on canvas

“Subway,” 2023, Acrylic and marker on canvas

“DJ LES, 2023, Acrylic and marker on canvas

Exhibition curator and gallery co-owner and director Christopher Pusey with “Silver on Blue,” 2022, Acrylic and silver marker on canvas

“Ode 2 NYC” can be viewed through June 18 at Chase Contemporary, 413 West Broadway in Soho: Monday and Tuesday, 10 AM–6 PM; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 AM–7 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10 AM–8 PM and  Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM.

Photos and post by Lois Stavsky and City-as-School intern Antonio Gomez

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“PHASE 2: Myth Conception…” Continues Through June 30 at ACA Galleries in Chelsea

May 9, 2023

Currently on view at ACA Galleries in Chelsea, “PHASE 2: Myth Conception…” traces the development of the late visionary stylemaster’s distinct aesthetic from 1972 through 2019. Among the artist’s wide-ranging works included in this hugely comprehensive survey are: PHASE 2‘s hip-hop flyers, IGTimes graphics, varied works on paper, embossed aluminum plates and tantalizing sculptures — in addition to his works on canvas and plywood.

A first generation writer and hip-hop pioneer, PHASE 2 evolved into an astonishingly innovative contemporary artist, blurring the lines between style writing, urban art and fine art. Intricate and immensely intriguing, the works that he created in the last decade of his life exude a distinctly esoteric beauty.

“Don 101,” the image pictured above, was rendered back in 2008 with with ink marker on IGTimes, vol.4. What follows are several of PHASE 2‘s later works on canvas and plywood — all elegantly displayed at ACA Galleries.

“Interplanetary Deity 2,” ca. 2016, Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

“Untitled,” Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on plywood

“Implosion 2.” 2015, Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

“Chromatic Implosion,” ca. 2016,  Paint marker and spray paint on canvas

“Untitled 3,”  2010, Mixed media on plywood

“Another Time and Space,” ca 2013, Paint marker, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

T.O.N.Y Oy/Not/Vehme/Yeldi, 2016, spray paint and acrylic on canvas

T.O.N.Y Oy/Not/Vehme/Yeldi, 2016, spray paint and acrylic on canvas, detail

Curated by ACA Galleries curator Mikaela Sardo Lamarche and IGTimes founder David Schmidlapp, “PHASE 2: Myth Conception…” can be viewed Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00am – 6:00pm at ACA Galleries, 529 West 20th Street,

Note:

Thursday May 11th @ 7pm
“Funky Nous Deco” and Beyond
Special presentation of PHASE 2 graphic works from his seminal hip hop fliers, IGTimes and album covers to his digital installations and backdrops with Pete Nice, Co-Curator, Universal Hip Hop Museum and David Schmidlapp, founder of the IGTimes and special guests.

Photos of artworks by with City-As-School intern Antonio Gomez and Lois Stavsky 

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ChrisRWK Solo Exhibition, “Promise Made. Promise Kept,” Opens Saturday, February 11, at Harman Projects

February 9, 2023

With its fusion of graffiti, comic and fine art aesthetics, ChrisRWK‘s artworks — both on and off the streets — have long captivated us. His beloved robot character has made its way onto just about every surface — from stickers to canvasses to huge vehicles to massive walls. Opening this Saturday evening at Harman Projects is his solo exhibition, “Promise Made. Promise Kept,” showcasing a range of new artworks, including a 3D rendition of his iconic robot.

Featured above is ChrisRWK‘s mixed media painting “Tale Be Told,” one of his 12 x 12 inch artworks on exhibit. Several more images of artworks from “Promise Made. Promise Kept” follow:

True to the Blue, 12 x 12 in.

Lost Amongst Ghosts and Shadows, 12 x 12 in.

Beat the Odds, 6 x 6 in.

At the Top of My Lungs, 12 x 12 in.

For Giving, Bronze Sculpture

A reception for “Promise Made. Promise Kept” will be held this Saturday evening, February 11, at Harman Projects from 6-8pm.  Located at 210 Rivington Street on the Lower East Side, the gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am – 6pm. “Promise Made. Promise Kept” remains on view until Saturday, March 4th

And be sure to check here to read Gallery Director Raul Barquet‘s illuminating interview with ChrisRWK, published this past week in Juxtapoz.

All photos courtesy Harman Projects

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“Eyes of the Street” Showcases the Talents of Brazilian Afrofuturist Muralist Enivo at the Consulate General of Brazil in New York

January 31, 2023

Born in 1986 in São Paulo, the hugely beloved Brazilian artist Enivo began getting up on his native city’s streets at age 12. His artwork has, since, surfaced on walls, in festivals and in galleries worldwide.  It has been presented, too, in such prestigious institutions as Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo and National Museum of Brasilia.

As an art educator, Enivo has inspired and trained hundreds of young people from “underprivileged neighborhoods.” And, together with a group of other artists, he founded the A7MA Gallery in Vila Madalena, where he has curated over 70 exhibitions, providing artists with opportunities to showcase and sell their art.

During his recent NYC residency, Enivo created a body of new work, Eyes of the Street. “In the art studio, I combine my street and academic knowledge, mixing graffiti materials with oil paint,” he explains.

Featured above is the artist posed next to his recent oil painting, Jacaré — fashioned with oil, spray paint and pastel on canvas. What follows are several more images captured at the reception following Enivo‘s talk with “Eyes of the Street” curator Simon Watson.

Self Portrait (Arrive in NYC), Oil, spray and pastel on canvas,

Sleeping! Oil, spray and pastel on canvas

Tudo Joia, Oil, spray and pastel on canvas

“O Circo Novo” Jonato, Oil, spray and pastel on canvas

Queen Bee, Oil, spray and pastel on canvas

Self Portrait / Julião Máscaras, Oil, spray and pastel on canvas

Enivo’s canvases will remain on display at the Brazilian Consulate, located at 225 East 41st Street, until the end of February.

Photos: Lois Stavsky

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LeCrue Eyebrows First Solo Exhibition, “Primal Form,” Continues at Van Der Plas Gallery

October 8, 2022

When I first came upon LeCrue Eyebrows‘ artworks on the streets of my city, I was struck at once by its singular authenticity. Each piece intrigues, as it exudes a distinct aura of mystery. Visual meditations on such universal themes as love, loss and longing, the works are subtly strong and strikingly beautiful.

Not to be missed is the Queens-based artist’s first solo exhibition at Van Der Plas Gallery. At once quietly raw and soulfully elegant, each work tells a story – to be freely interpreted by its viewer.  And each piece was created freely and spontaneously, as nothing that Lecrue creates is premeditated. The act of painting, itself, is to the artist “an intense form of meditation.”

The beguiling image pictured above, “Move with Me,” was fashioned this year with acrylic on canvas. Several more images I captured while visiting “Primitive Form” last weekend follow:

“Own Storm,” Acrylic on canvas, 2022

“Stand With Me,” Acrylic on canvas, 2022

“Her Breath in Time,” Acrylic on canvas, 2022

“Just Beyond the Window,” Acrylic on canvas, 2022

And on a somewhat different note — “Together,” Mixed media on cold press paper, 2022

“Primitive Form” continues at Van Der Plas Gallery through October 23. Located at  156 Orchard Street, the gallery is open Mon-Tue: 12pm-5pm, Wed-Sat: 11pm-6pm and Sunday: 11am-5pm. A closing reception will take place on Friday, October 21 from 6-8pm.

Note: You can take a 3D tour of “Primitive Form” here.

Photos of artworks, Lois Stavsky

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“Jean-Michel Basquiat: Art and Objecthood” Continues Through Saturday at Nahmad Contemporary

June 7, 2022

On view through this coming Saturday, June 11 at Nahmad Contemporary is “Jean-Michel Basquiat: Art and Objecthood.” Curated by Basquiat scholar Dr. Dieter Buchhart, it is the first exhibition dedicated solely to the artist’s use of found objects and unconventional materials in his works. The image pictured above was fashioned in 1985 with acrylic, spray paint, oilstick, hardware and twine on found wood. Several more images captured on my recent visit to the gallery follow:

Untitled, 1985, Oil and oilstick on wood

Untitled (1960 Yellow Door), 1985, Oil, oilstick, Xerox collage and metal on wood door

Self-Portrait, 1985, Acrylic, oilstick and bottle caps on wood

Multiflavor, 1982, Acrylic and oilstick on canvas mounted on upcycled wood

Procession, 1986, Acrylic and wood relief on wood

Located at 980 Madison Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Nahmad Contemporary is open Monday – Saturday
10AM – 6PM.

Photos of images: Lois Stavsky

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Kenny Scharf: “WOODZ ‘N THINGZ” Continues through June 25 at TOTAH on the Lower East Side

May 26, 2022

Whether viewed outdoors or indoors, Kenny Scharf’s infectious aesthetic is always a delicious visual treat. Currently on view at TOTAH on Manhattan’s Lower East Side is WOODZ ‘N THINGZ, a series of dazzling paintings that delight our senses and heighten our consciousness as they reflect the ecological threats our natural world faces — while suggesting alternative ways of dealing with its fragile state.

Pictured above is WOODZ, fashioned in 2022 with oil and acrylic on linen within a powder coated aluminum frame. Several more images from the legendary artist’s second solo exhibition at TOTAH follow:

ZPRUNGZ, 2022, Oil and acrylic on linen with powder coated aluminum frame, 70 x 90 inches

Kelp Us, 2022, Oil, acrylic, spray paint & silk screen ink on linen with powder coated aluminum frame, 48 x 60 inches

WORLDZEND, 2022, Oil and acrylic on linen with powder coated aluminum frame, 70 x 90 inches

PHILIPS TIME TO GO, 2022 Oil on Phillips flat screen TV, 20 x 30 x 5 inches

Located at 183 Stanton Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, TOTAH is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11AM to 6PM.

Photos of images:  1 & 3 Lois Stavsky, 2, 4 & 5 Atlas Torres 

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