The rooftop of the former Seward Park High School on Manhattan’s Lower East Side has evolved into one of NYC’s most enticing graffiti canvases. Following is a sampling of what we saw this past Sunday as Rooftop Legends, curated by New Design High School dean, Jesse Pais, celebrated its sixth anniversary.
Graffiti pioneer Part One
Smoke
Style masters Shank aka Dmote, Wane and Aplus
Photos by Lenny Collado and Tara Murray
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Crasty is just about everywhere here in NYC — from the footpath of the Williamsburg Bridge to way up high in Bed-Stuy. And — along with his variations — he can be found fashioned onto stickers throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. We recently caught up with him at the North Brooklyn Collective aka NBKC at 121 Knickerbocker Ave., where he’s been busy at work.
When did you first hit the streets?
Back in 2000, when I was eighteen.
Have you any preferred surfaces?
I love getting up everywhere and anywhere.
We see your characters everywhere. What keeps you so active on the streets?
I love getting up. I want to see my characters everywhere, and I feel I have a duty to keep graffiti alive.
Much of what you do is illegal. Have you ever been arrested?
Yes, a couple of times. But I’ve learned how to run fast.
Do you prefer working legally or illegally?
I enjoy both, but there is more fun and satisfaction from doing it illegally.
What percentage of your time is devoted to the streets?
I can’t measure it in hours. It’s my life style.
What was the riskiest thing you ever did?
Getting up on elevated trains as they were going by.
And why were you willing to take that risk?
The sense of adventure.
How does your family feel about what you are doing?
My mother worries.
How do you feel about graffiti and street art moving into galleries and commercial spaces?
It’s good. It gives me an opportunity to earn money from my art. And artists need to make money to do what they do.
Where have you exhibited?
I showed my work in Bed-Stuy at the Meat Market. I also exhibited along with Sucklord and Kosby in Chinatown. And I’m now here at the NBKC.
Any thoughts on the street art/graffiti divide?
I appreciate them both. I have somewhat of a preference for graffiti, but I see my work as blurring the line between both.
We see your stickers everywhere. Have you any favorite sticker artists?
Kosby, MQ, Kech, OC, Ader, Baser, Desa, 23145 and Pez from the coast.
Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?
I usually work alone, but I love collaborating with artists I like.
How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all of this?
It’s good and bad. It’s good because it allows people to see fresh graffiti. But it’s bad because it can make somebody famous who doesn’t get up much, and it encourages snitches.
What are some of the sites you follow?
I follow different tumblrs, 12oz Prophet, Fresh Paint and StreetArtNYC.
How has your work evolved through the years?
I began with one character and added three more. So there’s Crasty, Kami-kun, Money Cloud, and Joint-Kun. And my skills get better all the time.
What are some of your other interests?
Hip hop music. I’m a big fan of Big L, A Tribe Called Quest, Pro Era, Biggie, Smif-N-Wessun, J-Dilla, Wu-Tang and J-Billion. I love taking photos and making zines and videos.
What’s ahead?
More Crasty on the streets. Crasty toys and Crasty jewelry.
That sounds great! Good luck!
You can check out Crasty’s work, along with art by Vato, Kosby, Tone Tank, Wizard Skull and Trice this weekend at BBKC at 121 Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, alongside other openings in conjunction with Bushwick Open Studios. You can soon find more of Crasty’s work here and over at Making Deals. And Crasty sticker packs will be available for purchase this weekend.
Photos by Dani Mozeson and Lois Stavsky
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During the past few weeks, over a dozen first-rate artists have been busy gracing the walls of the Bushwick Collective with an extraordinary array of images. Here is a sampling of what’s been happening:
Brooklyn-based Beau Stanton at work
Zimad signs his piece
Sexer‘s completed masterpiece
Brett Flanigan and Cannon Dill — in from the West Coast
Col Wallnuts collaborates with Toofly
Brendon Rogers at work during his stopover in NYC
Creepy — in from Australia; segment of larger mural
Melbourne’s Facter at work
Brooklyn-based Sonni
And we can expect even more great art — along with: guest food trucks, Miami Food Machine, Mike N’ Willies and Hibachi Heaven; a beer tent, sponsored by Corona Familiar, Bodega Wine Bar, Pearls Social and Billy Club, Mesa Azteca and Codigo Music, LLC; several bands, including Wild Yaks, Dead Sexy Shelia, Big Volcano, Cardboard, Dian’s Coffee, Grand Resor and ShiShi and DJ Jah Star of Ninjasonik — at this Sunday’s block party celebrating the Bushwick Collective’s first anniversary. Bushwick Collective curator Joe Ficalora reports that among those artists painting live are: Franck Duval — in from Paris — on Flushing Avenue and Scott; Beau Stanton on Troutman between St. Nicholas and Cypress and Zimad and Sexer inside the beer tent, along with some surprise guests! Art, jewelry, clothing and more will be available from local merchants, and Limited Edition Bushwick Collective tee-shirts will be for sale. The official sponsor of this year’s event — held from 11am – 8pm at St. Nicholas Ave. and Troutman St. — is NOOKLYN.COM
Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky
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We discovered the wonderfully talented Onur Dinc while he was painting over at 5Pointz during his recent visit to NYC. We were delighted to have the opportunity to speak to him before he returned to his home in Switzerland.
Your artwork that has surfaced here at 5Pointz is exquisite. Have you a formal art education?
I apprenticed as a painter in my late teens. Then I studied set-design for four years in Solothum and graphic design for another three in Basel.
And when did you begin sharing your talents in public spaces?
Five years ago. That’s when I met Wes21 and KKade of the Schwarzmaler collective
We’re so glad you guys met! How do you feel about working outdoors in the public sphere?
It’s great. I love it, and I love meeting the many people who stop by.
How does your family feel about what you are doing? Are they supportive?
At first my parents didn’t encourage me. They were quite concerned. My dad, who had emigrated from Turkey to Switzerland, worked in a factory his entire life and felt uneasy about my not having a steady job. But these days, everyone in my family is proud of me and supportive.
What is your principal source of income these days?
Selling canvases and prints.
What about exhibits? When did you begin exhibiting your work in galleries? And where have you shown it?
I began six years ago when I was 27. I’ve exhibited in all of Switzerland’s major cities and in Germany.
Who are some of the artists who have inspired you?
The late Swiss painter, Ferdinand Hodler, and the contemporary Australian artist, Jeremy Geddess, come to mind. The American painter and photographer, Chuck Close, and the people around me — like Wes21, Schwarzmaler, Jörg Müller and Rodja Galli — have also influenced me.
What about artists getting up in public spaces? Have you any favorites?
I think Roa is wonderful. His skills are remarkable.
How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all this?
There’s too much information out there. There’s lots of dope work, but there’s also too much trash.
Any thoughts about artists — particularly street artists – working with corporations and brands?
I’ve done it, and I don’t like it. I often felt like I was selling myself.
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
I see the artist as society’s commentator and conscience, as well as its mirror.
What’s ahead?
I’d like to continue doing what I’m doing now. Painting both in my studio and in public spaces, exhibiting and traveling.
Good luck and we are eagerly awaiting your next visit to NYC.
Photo of Onur and Wes21 at work by Lenny Collado; all other images are courtesy of Onur.
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This is the ninth in a series of posts featuring images of girls — and women — who grace New York City’s public spaces:
Alice Mizrachi aka AM in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Cake in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Hef’s hastily-buffed piece in East New York
Toofly at the Bushwick Collective
Os Gemeos in Coney Island — since 2005
Noh J Coley at the Woodward Gallery Project Space on the Lower East Side
Swoon in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn garden
Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky
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While not conducting his post-doctoral research on Brain and Behavior at The Rockefeller University, Jerusalem native Yoav Litvin can be found on our city streets pursuing his passion for street art. We recently met up for a chat.
What spurred your interest in public art?
As a result of an injury, there wasn’t much I could do other than walk around. So that’s what I did. And once I began to notice street art, I couldn’t stop taking photos of it. I also appreciate the risks artists take when putting up pieces; it’s a rush I can relate to. And I admire the artists’ generosity in taking these risks to share their vision with the public.
What is it about street art that continues to so engage you?
I love its beauty and humor. I appreciate its aesthetic and the way it challenges convention. It is a beautiful, non-violent way to raise issues in the public sphere. And as a political person, I am drawn to the confrontational nature of much of it.
What do you see as the role of the photographer in today’s street art movement?
Because of the transient nature of public art, I see it as essential. The image is important, but so is its context and appropriate accreditation to the artist. And documentation of NYC’s street art trends is especially essential as this city is the world’s cultural Mecca.
Tell us a bit about your current project.
I’ve been working for over a year now on a book that profiles 46 of the most prolific urban artists working in NYC. It will feature images and interviews, along with some exciting supplements.
Have you any favorite artists whose works you’ve seen here in NYC?
There are too many to list. I love them all for different reasons.
How do you keep up with the current scene?
In addition to documenting what I see and speaking to artists, I follow popular street art blogs such as StreetArtNYC, Brooklyn Street Art and Vandalog. I also check Instagram daily for new images that surface not only on NYC streets, but across the globe. And I try to attend gallery openings as often as possible.
We certainly look forward to reading your book. Tell us more about its current progress. How close it is to publication?
I’ve finally completed the stage of collecting texts and images, and am currently working together with a first-rate designer. I am now seeking a publisher.
Yoav can be contacted at yoavlitvin@gmail.com
Featured photos are in the following sequence:
1) Dain. Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
2) Alice Mizrachi and Cope2. Boone Avenue, The Bronx.
3) Never Satisfied. Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
4) gilf! Grattan Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn.
5) Jilly Ballistic. Astor Place 6 Train station, Manhattan.
6) Enzo and Nio. Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
7) ND’A and Elle Deadsex. Jefferson Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn.
All photos by Yoav Litvin.
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Argentinian artist Sonni Adrian has been delighting us New Yorkers with his bold colors and playful themes since he moved here in 2011. We recently had the opportunity to visit his studio and speak to him.
When did you first begin creating art?
When I was about seven years old, my parents enrolled me in an afterschool art program. I loved it, and I spent hours there every day.
What about getting your artwork up in public spaces? When did that first happen? And where?
I started getting up about eight years ago in Buenos Aires. I began first with stickers, and then I moved on to paste-ups and wheatpastes.
What was your subject matter back then – when you first began?
It was mostly back and white icons of playful inanimate characters.
What inspired you to get up on the streets?
I was bored at my day job – where I spent all my time creating artwork for commercial purposes.
Have you any preferred spots or surfaces?
As I paint with acrylic, I prefer flat surfaces, rather than walls with bricks. But I love integrating windows into my pieces and I like interesting textures.
How do your parents feel about what you are doing?
At first they didn’t understand it. But now they appreciate it.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art these days?
Just about all of it!
What is the main source of your income as an artist?
I freelance as an art director for animation.
Have you a formal art education?
I studied graphic design for four years back in Argentina.
Have you any favorite artists? Influences?
I love Matisse. Among my influences are: Yoshitomo Nara, Japanese Kawaii style, and Disney’s first Mickey Mouse and Felix the Cat.
What about back in Argentina? Any favorite artists who paint in public spaces?
Tec, Chu, Ever, Kid Gaucho, Jaz, Gualicho, Parbo, Defi, BsAs Stencil, Pedro Perelman & run don’t walk are among my favorites.
Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
I love it all. All art that is on the street is “street art.”
How does the street art scene back in Buenos Aires compare to NYC’s?
There is much more freedom in Buenos Aires. You won’t go to jail there for painting on the streets. The atmosphere, in general, is more open and relaxed.
When you paint, do you work with a sketch in hand or just let it flow?
I always work with a sketch. My sketchbooks are my reference.
Are you generally satisfied with your final piece?
Never! I always feel I can do more.
You’ve had solo shows not only in Argentina, but in Miami and in NYC, and you’ve participated in group shows across the globe. Any thoughts about the move of street art into galleries?
It’s amazing! And a completely different experience. It’s quite a transition for any artist who is accustomed to painting on the streets.
What’s ahead?
I try not to think too much about that. But I know that I want to continue painting. I’m happiest when I’m painting, and I have quite a few exciting projects coming up. My long-term goal is to be able to do my own thing full time. And I would love to design a playground for children.
That sounds great! We’re certainly looking forward to that!
You can check out Sonni’s artwork tomorrow evening — as reMADE presents Sonni, Aaron Stewart, and Nile the Crocodile starting at 6pm at 469 DeKalb Ave.
Photos by Lenny Collado, Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky
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Hellbent’s artworks — from his signature jawbone to his geometric abstracts – are among our favorites, both on the streets and in gallery settings. His current solo exhibit, Even Romantics Love Violence, at Mighty Tanaka, along with recent works that have surfaced on NYC streets, reflects his skillful use of colors and patterns.
Son of a Gun (The Vaselines), Spray Paint on Canvas — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka
Hellbent’s sculpted signature jawbone in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka
Benediction (Thurston Moore), 2013, Spray Paint on Raw Linen — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka
Treasure Hunters (Calvin Love) 2013, Spray Paint on Panel — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka
And on the streets — at the Bushwick Collective with See One
On Bushwick door
And on the Bowery for New Museum’s Ideas City Festival
Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of Hellbent’s newest work to grace the walls of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky
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Italian artist BR1 is committed to creating work that transmits a message and raises awareness. His artworks have not only made it onto public spaces in Italy and beyond, but increasingly into galleries, festivals and art fairs, as well. Intrigued by his images that surfaced in Bushwick during his recent visit here, we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet up with him and ask him a few questions.
When did you start getting up?
I was about 14 when I started tagging in my native town of Torino, Italy. Then I gradually moved from stickers to posters to full size images.
What motivates you to get up on the streets?
Everything about the streets inspires me. I’ve always been attracted to walls. Walls talk to you. And I like to raise questions.
Like what kinds of questions?
I’m particularly interested in the image of the veil and all that it represents, particularly the clash of cultures. I’m intrigued by paradoxes.
As someone from South Italy, how did you become interested in this theme?
My grandmother wears a black scarf. Her sensibility is similar to women who wear veils.
Where have you gotten up besides Italy?
I’ve gotten my work out in England, France, Turkey and Spain. And here in the U.S. — in Boston and New York City.
Any favorite cities?
I like Paris as its people are generally open-minded. Istanbul was my least favorite.
What are some of your other subjects besides the veil?
I’m interested in billboard intervention. Billboards are a natural spot and easy to work with.
Do you have a formal art education?
No. My degree is in Law and my thesis was on the veil.
Any favorite artists?
I’m particularly inspired by Iranian photographers. I find Shirin Neshat’s work especially strong.
How do you feel about the movement of street art into galleries?
At first I did not like it, but now I see it as an opportunity. But I prefer to work with nonprofits.
What’s ahead?
I want to return to the U.S. and spend some more time here. I’d also like to continue studying the veil and work on installations, particularly using found objects.
The first image featured was photographed by Tara Murray in NYC; all other images are courtesy of the artist.
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We love JR and José Parlá’s The Wrinkles of the City, Havana not only for its exquisite beauty, but also for the artists’ mission. While in Cuba last year, JR and José Parlá’ interviewed dozens of senior citizens, whose portraits made their way onto Havana’s walls. Twelve of them featuring JR’s masterful photos fused with José Parlá’s stunning calligraphy can be seen through July 12 at Bryce Wolkowitz in Chelsea. Here are a few from this must-see exhibit:
Man with Can
Elio Milanés
Rafael Lorenzo and Obdulia Manzano
Alicia Adela Hernandez Fernández
And a close-up from huge outdoor mural featuring the regal Leda Antonia Machado
Also outstanding is a short, moving documentary on view at the gallery at 505 West 24th Street in Chelsea.
Photos of images by Lois Stavsky
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