On exhibit through February at Great Neck’s Gold Coast Arts Center is WALL WORKS: The Art of Graffiti featuring works by 5Pointz (Rest in Power) curator and CEO Jonathan “Meres” Cohen and other artists who found a home at 5Pointz. Here’s a small sampling:
Hunt Rodriguez and daughter, close-up from sculpture, “Rest in Power, 5Pointz” (Click on link for video clip with full view)
First image of Zimad and Meres, close-up from photo by Richard Alicia; all others by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
A wonderfully diverse group of artists have been busy these past 10 days fashioning the walls of Exit Room in preparation for tonight’s opening of Track 1, the first in a series of short exhibitions. Here’s a sampling of what’s been going down:
And here’s a close-up of a collaborative work in progress that we captured last Thursday:
Sonni, Marka 27 and Carlos Pinto
Other featured artists include: Chuck Berret, Ricardo Cabret, Chris RWK, Adam Dare, Jeff Enriquez, Art by Ken, Nepo, John Paul O’Grodnick and Gio Romo. There will also be a live musical performance by Mike Larry Draw X 86 SUPREME. Tonight’s opening takes place at 270 Meserole Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn from 6 – 11pm.
All photos of artists at work courtesy of Dariel Mtz and Zoe; photo of Sonni, Marka 27 and Carlos Pinto collaborative work in progress by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
Currently on view at the Elena Ab Gallery, 185 Church Street in Tribeca, the Collective Show celebrates a diversity of cultures, styles and techniques. Among those artists featured who have also shared their visions in public spaces are: Carlos Pinto, Ken Hiratsuka, Linus Coraggio, Megan Kindsfather and John Paul O’Grodnick. Here’s a sampling:
Another signature Carlos Pinto portrait
Internationally acclaimed sculptor Ken Hiratsuka, commissioned by Goldman Properties to create a huge granite sidewalk sculpture for 25 Bond Street
Celebrated metal sculptor Linus Coraggio, whose work is documented in Trespass by Carlo McCormick and Wooster Collective founders Marc and Sara Schiller
Megan Kindsfather, close-up
Among the other works on exhibit — of particular interest to us street art aficionados — is an early work attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Launched earlier this year by the painter Elena Ab as a meeting space for friends, artists and collectors, the Elena Ab Gallery is open daily from 12-8pm and by appointment.
First photo: Carlos Pinto, Keith Haring close-up by City-as-School intern Eduardo Dibone; all others by Lois Stavsky
{ 3 comments }
The brainchild of Dariel Mtz and Daniela Croci aka Zoe, Exit Room is more than just another art gallery. Located at 270 Meserole Street, minutes away from the Montrose Ave. stop on the L train and next door to the Well, it serves as an incubator and showcase for film productions, spoken word performances, musical presentations, as well as for visual art. The current exhibit, Outsight In, features works by Rimx, Danielle Mastrion, Nepo, Ricardo Cabret and Cern — all providing “insights through outside perspectives.” Here’s a sampling:
Cern, close-up
Rimx, close-up
Exit Room is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5pm to 8pm; keep posted to Exit Room’s Facebook page for news of upcoming events, including a video program on Thursday, January 16.
Photo of Dariel and Daniela by Stefano Ortega; Rimx, courtesy of Dariel; all others by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
The now-iconic trailer on First Street and First Avenue is undergoing yet another transformation. For its current cycle, Cycle 11, the Centre-fuge Public Art Project invited artists who’ve painted there this past year to return. Here are a few images captured earlier in the week from the still-in-progress huge, energetic collage of distinct styles.
Matthew Denton Burrows at work; Damien Miksza on left; Phetus on right
Phetus with Nicole Salgar & Chuck Berrett on right
CS-Navarrete at work
Royce Bannon with Miishab on right
Elle, Damien Mitchell and Korn
Keep posted to our Facebook page for more photos of the completed pieces.
Photo of CS-Navarrete at work by Lois Stavsky; all others by Dani Reyes Mozeson
{ 1 comment }
Opening tomorrow evening — Tuessday, November 26 — at the Dorian Grey Gallery in the East Village, Fine Flavas is an ode to the creative energy of the streets. Featuring an eclectic mix of artwork by SinXero, Andrés Correa, Will Power and Kool Kito, the exhibit continues through November 30. Here are a few more images:
Toronto-based Andrés Correa
The legendary Kool Kito, Ex-Vandals
Jersey City native Will Power
Dorian Grey Gallery — one of our favorite spaces for street art, graffiti and a range of contemporary art — is located at 437 East 9th Street between 1st Ave and Ave A.
First image is a collabo by SinXero with a vintage 80’s photo of Crazy Legs captured by the legendary Henry Chalfant. All others as identified; photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
Active on the streets of NYC for over 30 years, James Sexer Rodriguez has also achieved wide commercial success as a designer. His works on canvas, fusing elements of graffiti and realism, have been exhibited in galleries in NYC, the Caribbean and in Europe. His upcoming exhibit, Urban Convictions, will feature his new works — alongside new paintings by Zimad — this Friday evening at Rogue Gallery Chelsea, 508 West 26th Street.
When and where did you first get up?
I started tagging in notebooks when I was about 10. By the time I was 13, I was hitting the walls in the South Bronx with tags. And within a short span of time, the tags evolved into pieces.
What inspired you?
My ex-brother-in-law was a writer with B.A. (Bronx Artists), and my entire neighborhood was a breeding ground for writers.
Have you any early graffiti-related memories that stand out?
We used to steal ink from the supermarket and make our own markers. I remember spilling the ink all over myself, as I was getting ready to go bombing.
Did you represent any crews?
I was president of BA (Bronx Artists); other crews I represented include OTB, SYB, SSB and12 Disciples.
Have you ever been arrested?
I was caught several times, but booked only once – for a misdemeanor for public defacing. Basically, the police didn’t want to do the paper work, and so they just let me go. Things were different back in the day and they actually let us finish the pieces.
How did your mom feel about what you were doing back then?
My mom was oblivious to just how illegal graffiti was, but she always knew where I was going and what I was doing.
What is the riskiest thing you did?
Painting pieces in a tunnel with a one-inch clearance between the train and the wall.
Why were you willing to that that risk?
I wasn’t thinking! I was looking for fame. You couldn’t pay me to do it now!
Do you work with a sketch-in-hand or do you just let it flow?
About 90% of the time I work with a sketch. What I do these days is largely conceptual, and it takes planning.
Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?
I work on it until I am satisfied with it.
Have you a formal art education?
I went to Art & Design High School, where I was around writers like Doze, Crash and Seen, Paze, Size, Ence. I also attended FIT and did some courses at Parsons.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art?
95% of it. I live off my art. My kids and my art are my life.
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?
I wouldn’t say I’ve been influenced by any specific cultures. But life, itself, and growing up in the South Bronx and New York City have probably been my main aesthetic influences.
Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
I don’t like labels. I’m originally a graffiti artist, but I like street art. Street artists may use different techniques and tools, but they have given us all – including galleries — a new lease on life. Just look at all the attention Banksy and the art community have been getting since he began his residency on NYC streets!
How do you feel about that – the attention that Banksy has been getting?
It’s good. It keeps the art community healthy.
Why do you suppose the art world has been so reluctant to embrace graffiti?
Probably because of graffiti’s association with vandalism. It’s problematic to many.
Any favorite arists?
Certainly Picasso. He had so many styles and could do just about anything. Among graffiti writers, my favorites include Seen, Doze Green, Duro, Pase and Crash
How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all this?
It’s a blessing. You don’t have to have a million dollars to market yourself. The Internet has become a vital tool.
Have you any feelings about the photographers in the scene?
I am thankful for their coverage. But it’s important that they ask the artist’s permission and that they credit the artist whose work they are photographing.
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
The artist has a responsibility to share his God-given talents with the world.
What do you see as the future of graffiti?
Graffiti is here to stay. It’s exciting and invigorating, and it is attracting an increasingly diverse following.
What about you? What’s ahead for you?
Well, after so many years of painting and striving for better and better, there’s only one direction for me: UP. I refuse to stop. I will continue to document my imagination and my emotions on whatever surface is in front of me. I love sharing my art.
Interview by Lois Stavsky; photo 1, close-up from Sexer’s new self-portrait, courtesy of the artist; photos 2 and 3, from Sexer’s solo exhibit at 5Pointz, by Dani Reyes Mozeson; photos 4 and 6, with Zimad at 5Pointz, by Lois Stavsky; photo 5, Sexer painting at 5Pointz, by Tara Murray
{ 6 comments }
A diverse range of work from dozens of artists is currently on view at Heath, a gem of a gallery housed in a landmark townhouse at 24 West 120th Street in Harlem. Among the artworks — all 6 inches by 6 inches — are many by artists who also share their works in public spaces. Here is a sampling:
Harlem-based artist and curator Royce Bannon — whose iconic monsters can be found just about everywhere in NYC
NYC-based TMNK who maintains an active presence both on NYC streets and galleries world-wide
Lower East Side-based graphic designer and painter BlusterOne
One of Jenevieve’s intriguing urban landscapes
And another cityscape — this one by the prolific Joseph Meloy
Curated by Mike McManus, the exhibit continues through May 10.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
Just a short drive from NYC, a seemingly abandoned warehouse is home to a treasure trove of urban images — from sundry tags to stylish graffiti to wondrous murals. Based in Jersey City, the Green Villain serves as a gallery, a studio space for artists and musicians, a lounge, a showroom and more. Mesmerizing images — by both local and international artists — grace its interior and outdoor walls. Here are a few captured on our recent visit:
Newark-based Mr. Mustart, close-up from huge murals on interior walls
Then One, Mr. Mustart and Nasko artwork — for sale
Tags, tags and more tags!
Sqew
And among the dozens of images gracing the outside —
French writer Ezor
And currently underway are plans for the Green Villain’s first NYC event.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
{ 0 comments }
