the Yok

Speaking to Joseph Ficalora: Curator of Bushwick Five Points

October 8, 2012

Within the past year, the walls along Scott, Troutman and St. Nicholas in Bushwick, Brooklyn have evolved into a vibrantly intriguing outdoor gallery. We recently had the opportunity to pose some questions to its curator, Joe Ficalora.

What inspired you to transform this neighborhood into such a wonderful open-air gallery?

I’ve lived in this neighborhood all my life. Growing up here, I was not even allowed to play outside. The delis were drug spots, and the surrounding blocks teemed with prostitutes and junkies. I was continually exposed to hookers and gangs. My dad was murdered right down the block as he was leaving the L train Jefferson Avenue station. As artists and creative types began moving into the neighborhood, things changed. And after my mother’s death, I was moved to transform the cold industrial aura of this area into something that would revive me and provide the artists with a space to showcase their talents. I am trying to create an environment that I couldn’t get as a child.

Wow! You are certainly succeeding. Bushwick Five Points has become one of our favorite spots in NYC! How do you manage to have access to so many walls?

Some are family-owned and others I’ve negotiated with their owners. Once these building owners see a finished wall, it is not difficult for them to recognize that the artwork surfacing here is far more appealing than random tags and unspeakable words!

We’ve noticed and love just how varied the artwork is here – in terms of both artists’ backgrounds and styles. Have you any favorites?

I love them all, and I love the mix! Each piece is special to me. I love watching everything from the progress of the artists to the reactions of the passersby.

How do you decide which artists to feature on the walls here at Bushwick Five Points?

I look for passion and integrity. I always meet the artist first, and we walk through the neighborhood together. I show them the walls, and I tell them a bit about the other artists who’ve painted here. If I like the artist’s work and feel right about the artist, it’s a go!

How do you decide which walls go to which artists?

We discuss which spaces are available and the artist then chooses his or her canvas.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

I admire the graffiti that has been surfacing in the vicinity of Morgan Avenue. But I love the varieties of expression that street art offers.

How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all this?

I think it’s beautiful. We all get to see and appreciate what’s surfacing throughout the world.

What’s ahead?

I’m not looking long-term. I’m enjoying what I’m doing now. And I’d love to keep doing what I’m doing the rest of my life!

That sounds great! We are so glad you are doing what you are doing.

Special thanks to Bodega Wine Bar for the delicious complimentary snacks we were served while interviewing Joe.

Images beginning with top: Nick Walker, Danielle Mastrion and Concrete Jungle, photo by Dani Mozeson; Icy and Sot, photo by Lenny Collado; Priscila De Carvalho, Maria Berrio & Miriam Castillo, photo by Lois Stavsky; Never, photo by Lois Stavsky; The Yok and Sheryo, photo by Dani Mozeson; Rimx, photo by Dani Mozeson; Dan Witz, photo by Dani Mozeson; Hellbent, photo by Tara Murray; OverUnder and LNY, photo by Dani Mozeson; Jim Avignon, photo by Lois Stavsky

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Centre-Fuge Public Art Project — Cycle 4 with Sheryo & the Yok, Lexi Bella, Deps1, Never, Beau, Adam Kidder, the Muffin Man & Zera

July 24, 2012

The Centre-Fuge Public Art Project has again transformed a once-abandoned trailer into one of the East Village’s most enticing visual works. Here are some images from Cycle 4 that can be seen on East First Street off First Avenue.

More after the jump!

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Speaking with the Yok

July 3, 2012

For the past two years the Yok’s wondrous characters have been gracing the walls of New York City. We recently posed a few questions to the Yok:

We are thrilled that you have been so active in NYC. What brought you here?

I had always wanted to see New York. It’s where all this rap/spray business began, so I wanted to see it for myself.

More after the jump!

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NYC Shutters – Part II: Other, Cekis, The Yok, Kram, Free5, Zam Art & Esu

June 28, 2012

This is the second in an occasional series of artwork on NYC shutters by both local artists and those visiting from across the globe:

Canadian Troy Lovegates aka Other on Manhattan’s Lower East Side

Chilean Native Cekis @ Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

More after the jump!

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Welling Court Mural Project 2012 with Joe Iurato, Toofly, Chris Cardinale, Katie Yamasaki, Flying Fortress, Sheryo & more

June 22, 2012

For the third consecutive year, dozens of talented artists graced the walls of the Welling Court neighborhood of Astoria, Queens with a diverse range of images. We visited several times this past week beginning with the day before the Welling Court Mural Project, organized by Ad Hoc Art, held its official opening. On our most recent visit, we had the chance to observe and speak to neighborhood residents – all of whom expressed tremendous pride in their neighborhood’s visual landscape (and curiosity, as well, about the artists). Here are a few images whose progress we observed:

New Jersey-based Joe Iurato aka .01

More after the jump!

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In Bushwick: Flying Fortress, Nychos, Most, Chris & Veng, Daek, Sheryo, Never, The Yok and Dark Clouds

June 15, 2012

Some artists are working alone; others are hitting the walls collaboratively. And while many are long-term NYC residents, quite a few are just passing through. Together, they are transforming Bushwick’s visual landscape. Here are a few images we caught this past week:

Flying Fortress and Most in from Germany and Austrian artist Nychos with NYC’s Chris and Veng of the Robots Will Kill collective

More after the jump!

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The Yok, Sheryo & Never in Bushwick, Brooklyn

April 9, 2012

Distinct backgrounds, nationalities and styles seamlessly came together this past weekend on Bushwick’s Moore Street. Despite the fierce winds, the mood was mellow as the Yok, Sheryo and Never – all based in Brooklyn these days – graced the visual landscape of their current locale.

After some months abroad, Australia’s Yok is back in action here in NYC with his wondrous characters.

Working alongside the Yok, is Singapore native Sheryo. A member of the Army of Snipers crew, she has been sharing her talents and her uncanny, oddly appealing, characters with folks around the globe for the past few years. Currently based in Williamsburg, she recently began getting busy here in NYC.

And adding to the cast of characters and intriguing narrative is Never’s — constantly evolving — signature owl.

Photos by Lenny Collado and Tara Murray

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5Pointz: A Global Graffiti Mecca

January 20, 2012

Under the leadership of the indefatigable Jonathan “Meres” Cohen, Long Island City’s 5Pointz has evolved into a first-rate open-air street art museum. Even with the threat of closure looming, its huge walls remain a canvas for artists who travel to NYC from across the globe. Here’s a small sampling of their contributions to this mecca of aerosol art:

Beastman, Australia:

Beastman at 5Pointz in New York