Stickers are having their day! Just about any walk through any of NYC’s five boroughs is certain to delight the sticker aficionados among us. Featured above is the ubiquitous Cheer Up. Several more stickers seen on my meanderings around the streets of the Big Apple follow:
Chris RWK (bottom) collabo w/anonymous artist and another artist to be identified
Doaz and Zero Productivity collabo
Eye Sticker goes blue in Brooklyn!
Roycer and Matt Siren
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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Colombian American artist Felix Morelo is increasingly engaging and provoking passersby with his intriguing ephemeral chalk spots that surface in some of New York City’s most trafficked sites. We were delighted to recently have the opportunity to pose a few questions to the artist.
When and where did you first hit NYC streets with your spirited chalk spots?
I began in the summer of 2009 with a “Good Luck Spot” in Union Square.
What spurred you to do so?
I was originally painting thousands of faces – mostly of children — on the city’s sidewalks. I thought of these faces as a community of spiritual seeds. An artist friend suggested that I take my concept further. I then came up with the idea of chalk spots that would directly engage the community.
And why did you continue working with this concept?
I felt that what I was doing was unique. I loved that people began interacting with my public art and with each other. And I liked the recognition I was getting!
Were there any responses to your street art that particularly stand out?
For the most part, people embraced and enjoyed the “Good Luck Spots.” I began experiencing negative feedback after I started drawing “Bad Luck Spots.” What stood out were the threatening email messages that I received from people who wanted to harm me.
Yes. We are curious about both your “Bad Luck Spots” and your “Suicide Spots.” What prompted you to create your first “Bad Luck Spot?”
At the time I was drawing “Good Luck Spots,” I myself was having a lot of bad luck. I was dealing with homelessness, joblessness and the loss of a partner. Creating “Bad Luck Spots” was cathartic for me, as it helped me get these bad feelings out of my system. Drawing both “Good Luck Spots” and “Bad Luck” ones reflect life itself – its yin and yang.
What about your “Suicide Spots?” They seem to have spurred quite a bit of controversy.
It’s a matter of free speech. Chalk isn’t permanent. I like the way these controversial spots stir debate and reflection. People’s reactions to them give me insight into human psychology.
Have you ever felt unsafe while drawing your spots on the streets?
I sometimes feel unsafe when I’m looking down. The worst thing that happened, though, was when someone threw water on me and then got in my face.
Besides the wide variety of spots you presently create, do you do anything differently now from when you first started using the street as a canvas?
When I began, I worked only with skinny white chalk. Three years ago, I tried drawing with thick colored chalk, and I liked the results. The colors spice up the message and more readily capture people’s attention.
How do you choose the sites for your spots?
I look for places where I can attract the most people and a certain type of people — those who are eager to engage and are open to new experiences.
Where else – besides New York City – have you drawn your spots?
I’ve drawn these spots in many places. Among them Colombia, Ecuador, Miami, Indianapolis. Cincinnati and Kentucky. I’d like to bring them to London.
What’s ahead?
I’ve participated in dozens of group exhibitions in a wide range of spaces, but I’m ready now for a solo exhibition in a gallery setting. I’m also in the process of collaborating with 10 different artists, and I would like to see those pieces exhibited together. And, of course, I’ll still be active on the streets conjuring new “spots,” to be drawn alongside the original “Good Luck Spots.”
Good luck with it all! We are looking forward to seeing your artwork both on the streets and in galleries. We love viewing it here on East 23 Street — both inside and outside Epiphany Library NYPL.
Interview conducted by Lois Stavsky and Tara Murray
Photo credits: 1-3, 5 & 6 Lois Stavsky and 4 Tara Murray
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This past May, a wonderfully diverse group of artists brought their skills to South Street Seaport, marking the third year that the You Are Not Alone community-based art project curated a huge 160 ft long wall in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. These murals’ message of hope is particularly timely this month, September — National Suicide Prevention Month. Featured above is the work of the Washington Heights-based graphic designer and illustrator Yuma York. Several more images from this year’s You Are Not Alone Murals Project 2024 at the Seaport follow:
Detroit-based designer and hand lettering artist Lauren Hom
Local street artist and animator Sara Lynne Leo
NYC-based multi-disciplinary artist, designer and typographer Juan Carlos Pagan
Sydney, Australia-born, NYC-based multidisciplinary artist Vexta
New Jersey-based hand-lettering artist and muralist Olga Muzician
Brooklyn-based muralist, teaching artist and illustrator Peach Tao
British multi-disciplinary artist David Puck
Launched in 2019,You Are Not Alone Murals was founded by multimedia artist and art director Annica Lydenberg aka Dirty Bandits and Samantha Schutz, mental health advocate and the author of the highly acclaimed memoir I Don’t Want to Be Crazy.
And do remember, “You are not alone!” If you or someone you care about is in need of support or information, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., ET. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
Note: Find out here about You Are Not Alone Murals’ first annual t-shirt collaboration and fundraiser!
Photos of artworks, Lois Stavsky
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On the occasion of Boone Avenue Walls‘ tenth anniversary, dozens of local, national, and international artists brought their remarkable skills and diverse styles to the Bronx neighborhoods of West Farms and Hunts Point. The image featured above was painted by the legendary Bronx-born graffiti pioneer Chris “Daze” Ellis. Several more images of the completed murals — all captured by street art/graffiti aficionada Kristy Calabro — follow in this first of a two-part series documenting this year’s extraordinary Boone Avenue Walls,
Bronx-bred artist El Souls
Canada-born, Bronx-based artist, curator and arts educator Lady K Fever
London-based veteran writer Corze
The inventive 3Modes aka Professor M
Queens native graffiti writer and fashion designer Claw Money
Queens-born and based artist Belowkey,
The remarkable, ever-expanding Boone Avenue Walls was founded and is curated by the veteran Bronx writer WEN COD.
Photos: Kristy Calabro
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On Thursday, August 22nd, First Street Green Art Park once again hosted a Landmark Festival event under the curatorial direction of the indefatigable Kath Storch. Murals by established artists who had painted on huge canvases earlier in the month were once again displayed, while artists painted alongside them. The vibrant mural featured above was crafted by the wildly talented Lower East Side-based artist Doves. What follows are several more images captured during the event by photographer Ana Candelaria.
French artist Jaek El Diablo at work
Jaek El Diablo, Mural on canvas
Veteran graffiti pioneer and designer Stash with Shiro‘s characters to the right and left
Queens legends Jerms and Topaz paint the renowned rapper/producer Large Professor
NYC-based, Japanese hip-hop culture enthusiast and artist Shiro
Bronx-born and bred Andre Trenier
Photos: Ana Candelaria
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On the weekend of June 15, First Street Green Art Park was home to dozens of legendary artists, first-rate photographers, and graffiti aficionados as they came together to pay tribute to Fun Gallery co-founder Patti Astor, who had passed away in April. The first art gallery in Manhattan’s East Village to feature the works of such noted artists as Futura 2000, Lady Pink, Lee Quinones, Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Fun Gallery ran out of a small storefront but had enormous impact.
The mural featured above was painted by 5POINTZ founder and the wonderfully versatile artist Meres One. Several more images captured last week in this event curated by Kate Storch, Jimmy NYC and Crime79 follow:
Lower East Side native and former Keith Haring collaborator Angel Ortiz aka LA2
Veteran writer Dezo, TC5 with Kate Storch on left
The prolific Japanese writer, muralist and designer Shiro One
Uptown-based designer, painter and muralist Al Ruiz
The legendary graffiti pioneer Stash
Veteran East Harlem-native writer and painter Delta2
NYC-based photographer Matthew A Eller, Segment from larger wall of photos featuring Patti Astor in a range of settings
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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The 13th Annual Bushwick Collective Block Party brought a wonderfully diverse array of local, national and global artists to Brooklyn’s iconic outdoor gallery. The huge, beguiling dog featured above was painted by Denver-based Patrick Kane McGergor against a deftly-executed cityscape crafted by multidisciplinary artist Chris Haven.
In this Part II of At the Bushwick Collective are several more images of artworks that have surfaced this month at the Bushwick Collective, curated by its founder, Joe Ficalora.
Miami-based Nate Dee, “Brooklyn Trogon”
Austin, Texas-based Taiwanese-American artist Candy Kuo at work on mural in collaboration with Wade Indeed
Completed mural by Austin, Texas-based artists Candy Kuo and Wade Indeed
French artist Enzo Yurrebaso, segment of captivating mural
Los Angeles-based Robert Vargas, segment of huge powerful mural at the intersection of Wycoff and Troutman
Connecticut-based Corey Pane, Portrait of wife, Kailah King, and baby daughter
Photos of artworks: Lois Stavsky
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Last weekend — as the Bushwick Collective presented its 13th Annual Bushwick Collective Block Party — a wonderful array of local, national and international artists shared their talents and visions with us. The captivating image featured above was painted by the masterly Chilean native artist Claudio Picasso aka CP Won. Several more images that we captured follow:
The delightfully versatile Carson DeYoung aka Deps One
The ever-clever gifted nomadic artist and designer Never Satisfied
The ingenious Peruvian native artist Sef
Sef captured in action
The legendary South Bronx-based Puerto Rican artist Sandro Figueroa aka Sen2
The indefatigable Bushwick Collective founder and curator Joe Ficalora to the left of Queens-based artist madvaillan
Photo credits: 1-4 and 6 Lois Stavsky; 5 & 7 Ana Candelaria
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From her strikingly expressive stickers and wheatpastes to her distinctly alluring mural art and paintings, Eye Sticker creates a wonderfully diverse range of visually seductive artworks. I was delighted to recently have the opportunity to interview the talented artist.
When and where did you first get up?
It was in 2020 on the streets of the Village, where I was living at the time. I put up a sticker of an eye. That was the first time I ever shared anything in a public space.
What inspired you to do so?
It was something that I’d always wanted to do. And during the pandemic, I finally had the time to do it. I love street art, and I wanted to be part of the scene.
And why an eye? What inspired that?
Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica inspired it. I was drawn to its eye.
Have you any preferred surfaces?
I love smooth surfaces – as smooth as possible – in high traffic spots. I like hitting the Williamsburg Bridge
Would you rather work with permission or without it when you’re out on the streets?
Without it! I love making art anywhere, but if what I’m doing is legal, it doesn’t feel like street art.
Does any specific work you shared on the streets stand out to you?
My most meaningful one was the Trump troll wheatpaste. I designed it back in 2020. It was the biggest street art piece I’d done to date and getting it out there made me feel like a real street artist.
What about experiences or encounters while getting up? Have you any particularly memorable ones?
Yes! I was about to put up a new piece at Freeman Alley late at night when a homeless woman with luggage approached me. Something about her terrified me. I started to run and she ran after me. I then tried to distract her by pointing to the sky. I said, “Hey, look at that!” She did and I quickly made my escape!
Do you prefer working alone or with others?
I generally like to work alone, but I like collaborating with other artists on stickers. Among the artists I’ve collaborated with are Chris RWK and ButtSup.
Have you exhibited your work in gallery settings? If so, where?
Yes! I’ve exhibited in several places. Among them are: 17 Frost, Artel, All Street, The Glass Box Gallery, 188 Allan Street and One Art Space.
Have you any particular cultural influences?
Urban architecture and urban life, in general, are my biggest influence. I used to work as an architect.
How do you feel about the movement of street art and graffiti into galleries?
I like it! It gives me an opportunity to meet new people who have similar sensibilities.
And have you any feelings — positive or negative — regarding the engagement of graffiti and street artists with the corporate world?
I have no problem at all with it, so long as what is being promoted aligns with my values. It’s great for artists to get to do what they love to do and get paid for it!
How does your family feel about what you are doing?
They’re my biggest fans.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art?
100%. I also work as a designer.
Have you any other avid interests?
Vegan food.
How do you feel about the role of social media in this scene?
I hate that we artists need to engage with it.
Have you a formal art education? If so, do you value it?
Yes. I studied Architecture at Shenkar College in Tel Aviv. And I do value it because it helped me develop a good sense of design.
When you paint murals – as you’ve begun to do recently – do you work with a sketch-in-hand or just let it flow?
I work with a sketch, but I would like to be more spontaneous.
Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?
Yup! I won’t stop working on it until I am.
How important is commercial success to you at this point in your career?
At this point it isn’t important. Right now my focus is on gaining experience.
Are there any particular challenges that you’ve had to overcome these past few years?
Yes. I was sick with Lyme disease for over two years. It affected every aspect of my life, including my art. It made my art darker.
As an American/Moroccan/Israeli artist, how have the recent events in the Middle East impacted you?
It took me over a month to overcome the initial shock as to what happened in Israel on October 7. My entire body was in a state of shock. And once the reality had set in, I felt I had to get a message out on the streets. Inspired by the kidnapped posters I began seeing taped onto all kinds of surfaces, I designed my own featuring a real baby who had been kidnapped – covered by a strip of tape. I then began posting them in public spaces.
What’s ahead?
More solo shows and more large murals. It’s been wonderful to paint on the streets here in Downtown Brooklyn and to have the opportunity to engage with passersby who have shown me so much love!
Note: You can find out more about Eye Sticker and visit her shop here.
Eye Sticker interview conducted by Lois Stavsky with Rachel Alban and edited by Lois Stavsky
Photo credits: 1. 6, 7 & 8 Lois Stavsky; 3, 4 & 5 courtesy Eye Sticker
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In addition to hosting dozens of intriguing wheatpastes and stickers, Freeman Alley is also home to several rotating beguiling murals — many fashioned by artists who are briefly visiting NYC. The geometric image pictured above was painted by French-Peruvian artist Hydrane. Several more murals, captured on my recent visit to this iconic location, follow:
Venezuelan artist Uloang paints the Mexican fictional character El Chavo
NYC-based Michael Alan Alien
London-based Fat Cap Sprays
Texas-based Floyd Mendoza
Brooklyn-based Kosuke James
NYC-based Ratchi
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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