Street Art NYC | From the streets of New York

The X-Spot Arrives in East Harlem with Custom Graffiti Art and more by Topaz, Jerms, Treat Street…

November 11, 2014

Topaz – one of the most active members of the hip-hop and 5Pointz communities – began customizing T-shirts when he was in junior high school. His most recent venture is the X-Spot, a unique space at 2 East 116^th Street in East Harlem. We recently visited him and had the opportunity to speak to both Topaz and Jay, the manager of Production X.

How did you guys come up with the idea to open such a space?

We grew up together in Rego Park, Queens, and we’ve been working together for years. We’ve actually had two stores before – one in Paterson, New Jersey and the other in South Carolina. We wanted to do something different from what we’d done in the past.

In what ways is this venture different?

Our emphasis here is on providing services and maintaining a gallery. It is production-based. Although we sell graffiti art on canvases, select magazines — like the latest issue of Flashbacks — and CD’s, our space here is not primarily a store or shop.

What are some of the services that you provide?

We provide clients with all forms of graphic design — customized murals, logos, portraits, canvases, T-shirts and more.

It sounds – and looks – great! Whom do you see as your principal clientele?

At this point, it is largely the hip-hop community – rappers and entertainers. But, ideally, the general public, especially as graffiti continues to gain respect and recognition as an art form.

This is such a great location! It’s right off 5^th Avenue in East Harlem and down the block from the 2 and 5 subway lines. How did you guys come up with such a great locale?

A lucky set of circumstances – as Jay’s cousin had previously worked at this location.

The artwork on display here is primarily by you, Topaz, Jerms and Treat Street NY. Are you open to other artists participating in your projects?

Absolutely. Talented and committed artists can stop by our space or drop us an email at ProductionX@aol.com or LordRoccolypse@aol.com.

Photo credits: 1. and 2. Topaz by City-as-School intern Tyler Dean Flores; 3. Jerms by Lois Stavsky; 4. Jerms, Topaz & Blone by Lois Stavsky; 5. Treat Street with Jay (X-Productions) by Lois Stavsky; 6. Treat Street, as commissioned by Derek Jeter’s nephew, by Lois Stavsky and 7. Poet, Pace, Jerms, Sav, Ice and more by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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NYC Shutters – Part VII: Elle, Foxxface, Biark, Caratoes, Claw Money & Lexi Bella, Madsteez, UR New York and Queen Andrea

November 10, 2014

This is the seventh post in an occasional series featuring artwork on NYC shutters:

Elle at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

Foxxface in Bushwick

Peruvian artist Biark in the Rockaways

Caratoes in the Bronx for the Tag Public Arts Project

Claw Money and Lexi Bella at the Bushwick Collective

Mark Paul Deren aka MADSTEEZ on the Lower East Side

UR New York in Bushwick

Queen Andrea in the East Village for the LISA Project

Photos: 1, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 2, 6-8 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 3 by Tara Murray

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Stickerbomb Features over 180 Skull Stickers from across the Globe

November 9, 2014

Researched and edited by Ryo Sanada and Suridh Hassan of Studio Rarekwai, Stickerbomb Skulls is an extraordinary collection of skull stickers certain to appeal to those of us who love street art. Ranging from the humorous to the morose, the stickers included in the newest addition to the Stickerbomb peelable sticker book series encompass an array of styles and cultures. And as Finland’s Micke Nikander – whose image is the first one featured in the book — suggests, the skull is the one thing we all share as it “follows us from cradle to grave.”

Micke Nikander

Colombian artist Matacho Descorp

Australian artist Mike Watt

Singapore-based artist One Two Delta

Welsh artist Mr. Kobo

Here in NYC, the Stickerbomb peelable sticker book series, published by Laurence King, is available at Strand, Barnes and Noble, McNally Jackson and at the Museum of Modern Art Bookstore.

Book review by Dani Reyes Mozeson; first two stickers — Run DMC & the Notorious Big — by Japanese artist Motohiro Nezu

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In Prospect Heights, Brooklyn: Meres, See TF, NME & Danielle Mastrion

November 8, 2014

Gracing Prospect Heights — a short walk from the Brooklyn Museum — is a wondrous wall fashioned last month by Meres One, See TF, Danielle Mastrion and NME. Here are a few more images:

NME and Meres

See TF

Danielle Mastrion

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson; the first photo features Meres One and See TF

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Speaking with Matthew Denton Burrows

November 6, 2014

A wonderfully talented fine artist and illustrator, Matthew Denton Burrows began sharing his distinct vision with us on public spaces in January 2013. We recently had the opportunity to interview Matthew whose first solo exhibit opens tomorrow at 8pm at Greenpoint Gallery.

We first discovered you over at East First Street when you were painting for the Centre-fuge Public Art Project. Can you tell us something about that? How did it come about?

When I was in grad school at SVA, I was the only one in my program who was into street art. I loved the concept of sharing one’s art in a public space. And one of my professors who knew about Centre-fuge suggested I contact the folks running it. And so I applied, and in February 2013, I painted my first public piece on a huge trailer off First Street.

What was that experience like?

It was nerve-wracking! I generally work with pen and ink and colored pencils on paper in my studio. It was a new experience, and strangers were observing me at work over the course of five days. But I was instantly hooked! The interaction with the community was addictive!

We’ve since seen your artwork elsewhere.

Yes, I’ve painted in Bushwick, at the Northside Festival in Williamsburg and in Miami.

Your artworks on paper are quite different from what we’ve seen on the streets. They’re intricately detailed and extraordinarily complex, both visually and conceptually. When did you first begin drawing?

I’ve always been drawing! When I was in elementary school, I used to get into trouble for drawing so many people with guns!

You work just about full-time as an artist these days. At what point did you decide that you wanted art as a profession? And are you happy with that decision?

At the end of my sophomore year at Lehigh University, I decided to major in art. And, yes, I’m definitely happy with that decision. I love what I do, and I’ve sold a substantial amount of work.

You’ve had a formal art education. Can you tell us something about it? And was it worthwhile?

I received a BFA from Lehigh University, where I had the school’s first-ever solo art show just a year into my degree. Back in New York City, I earned an MFA in Illustration at the School of Visual Arts. My formal education is worthwhile only because I was first self-taught.

How do your parents feel about what you are doing these days?

They’re very supportive. My mom is an artist and she loves street art!

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

All of it! When I’m not creating my own art, I work as project manager and assistant curator of the Centre-fuge Public Art Project. And I am also the CEO and co-founder of the recently launched company, Dripped on Productions.

Has your aesthetic been influenced by any particular cultures?

A multitude of cultures, particularly marginal ones.

What inspires you these days – both in the studio and on the streets?

I’m always inspired by the energy of my native city, NYC! But current events, my experiences, my travels, and alternative cultures also fuel my creativity. And I’m an avid reader. When I read that Rio had won the bid for the Olympics, and the World Cup, for example, I did extensive research that evolved into a body of artwork.

What are some of the particular issues that concern you?

I’m especially interested in matters related to the environment, social inequality and the impact of technology.

How, then, do you feel about the increased link between art, particularly street art, and corporate or for-profit enterprises?

I think the link, which seems to be growing stronger, is a positive thing. I think it will help enhance the movement in terms of fans, but there is always a danger when a pure artistic expression — such as street art — binds with the corporate world. The corporate world has the ability to suck the creative purity out of things. But artists need to be paid like anyone else, and if an artist can find a link where they still feel integrity and creative freedom, I would support it.

How has your work evolved in the past few years?

I feel that I’m influenced more and more by street art.

Have you ever collaborated with another artist?

No! But I’d really like to.

Do you work with a sketch in hand?

No. I have a general idea of what I want to do and my work evolves organically.

What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

To expose others to a more interesting world. To remind people that something exists beyond their everyday lives.

What’s ahead?

My first solo exhibit, Are You Aware of The Ongoing Experiment will be held tomorrow, Friday, November 7, at Greenpoint Gallery from 8 -12 pm. I am headed to Art Basel next month. And in January I am participating in a group show in Aspen, Colorado.

Interview by Lois Stavsky with City As School intern Tyler Dean Flores; photos: 1 and 4, courtesy of the artist; 2, Tara Murray; 3, 5, and 6, Lois Stavsky

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Joel Bergner on Art and Life in the Za’atari Syrian Refugee Camp

November 4, 2014

We first met Joel Bergner aka Joel Artista two years ago when he was painting in Bushwick. We fell in love at once with his intensely vibrant images, reflecting a distinct global aesthetic. Since then, Joel — who refers to himself as a “nomadic artist, educator and advocate for social change” — has led community projects across the globe, including in the Za’atari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. We recently had the chance to speak to him about his experience there.

Since we last saw you in NYC, you’ve worked with youth throughout the globe, including in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. What took you to this particular setting?

I like to work where I can do the most good. I’m interested in using public art projects to engage young people in marginalized communities in exploring issues that are important to their lives — and in sharing their messages and visions with others. I had partnered with the organizations aptART and ACTED. And when a program funded by UNICEF offered me the opportunity to work with youngsters in the Za’atari refugee camp, I took it.

Can you tell us something about the circumstances of the folks in this refugee camp?

The 100,000 Syrians in Za’atari were among the millions escaping the government forces of Assad’s regime. When they fled their homes in Syria, they left everything behind. When they arrived in Jordan, the Jordanian government allowed them to take refuge. But it also put many in sprawling camps in remote, harsh deserts where their lives have been on hold ever since. While they are legally prohibited from working or doing business, the informal market is booming. It’s inspiring to witness just how resilient the people are.

What is daily life like inside the camp?

It is a tense atmosphere. Many of the folks have been traumatized — both emotionally and physically. Almost all have witnessed or experienced violence and the death of loved ones. One 11-year-old boy, for example, rolled back his long sleeve to show us his severely disfigured arm. He told us that government agents had electrocuted him because his father had been a soldier who had switched allegiances to the Free Syrian Army. In Za’atari, people are kept separate from Jordanian society. People are frustrated due to restrictions on their water, food and movement, and there are protests and violent incidents fairly often.

How did the youngsters respond to your workshops?

The kids loved it. They loved mixing colors, learning artistic techniques, painting and simply creating. They painted public murals, their wheelbarrows and they made kites. They also learned about hygiene, water conservation, and conflict resolution, which are important issues in the camp. My co-workers were Syrian refugee educators and artists who led the workshops with me. The goals of this project are: to give voice to refugee children through the arts; to connect them to positive role models, and to engage them in educational and creative activities so that they can play a role in rebuilding their communities. The art features positive messages and uplifting imagery intended to liven up their environment. Also, the project provides opportunities to local artists and educators, as some of them have been hired for similar projects after this one ended.

What — would you say — was the greatest challenge facing you?

Maintaining order. The kids, most of whom went to school in Syria, now roam the refugee camp with few rules or structured activities. They are very rough and frequently get into fights. Yet, at the same time, they are also really sweet and friendly. So while working with them is challenging, it is also very enjoyable!

What were some of the highlights of your residency in Za’atari?

There were many. Among them: forming relationships with the Syrian refugee adult workers; getting to know the kids; learning basic Arabic and bringing color to a place so desperately in need of it.

Interview by Lois Stavsky with Dani Reyes Mozeson

All photos courtesy of Joel.

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Boundless Brooklyn & myplasticheart Present Water Towers Designed by: NoseGo, the Drif, Toofly, Rob Plater, Darkcloud, Stencil1 & more

November 2, 2014

Over two dozen talented toy designers and graphic artists — many of whom also work on the streets — customized water tower models using Boundless Brooklyn’s Water Tower kits. The results are on exhibit through November 21 at myplasticheart at 210 Forsyth Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Here are a few more images by those artists who also use the streets as their canvas:

And Stencil1 — as seen from the outside looking in

For those of you who would like to try designing your own water tower, kits are available here.

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson; the first image is of NoseGo

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Inside the Studio: Live Art with Craig Anthony Miller and Laolu Senbanjo at the pdn PhotoPlus Expo

November 1, 2014

Amidst the cameras, printers and sundry photography gear at this year’s pdn PhotoPlus Expo, we discovered DUMBO’s Craig Anthony Miller aka CAM at work, along with the Nigerian artist and musician, Laolu Senbanjo. Here are a few more images that we captured yesterday at the remarkable installation, Inside the Studio, presented by Nikon at the Javits Center.

Another image of Craig Anthony Miller aka CAM at work

Laolu Senbanjo at work

Collaborative artwork by Craig Anthony Miller aka CAM and Laolu Senbanjo

And a huge fragment of another collaborative piece

The pdn PhotoPlus Expo continues through today, Saturday.

Photos 1, 2, and 3 by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 4 and 5 by Lois Stavsky

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FIT Students and Alumni Take to the Street with Chalk

October 31, 2014

Earlier this week, FIT students and alumni took to sharing their skills with the public outside FIT’s buildings on Seventh Avenue between 27 and 28 Streets. Here’s a sampling of what went down:

Angel Garcia with Darien Merriett at work to his left

Jhowee Chiang — work in progress — to the right of unidentified artist at work

Victor Saint-Hilaire, close-up

Daisy Ruiz

Anita Stevens Rundles

Chase Michaelis — segment — to the left of artists to be identified

Meagan Meli to the left of artists at work

Photos by FIT alumnus Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Banksy in New York: Writer and Photographer Ray Mock Chronicles Banksy’s New York Residency

October 30, 2014

The following guest post is by Houda Lazrak, a graduate student in Museum Studies at New York University.

Last October, the British stencil artist Banksy paid an unexpected visit to New York City. And fervently chronicling the elusive artist’s daily workings — during his month-long residency — was writer and photographer Ray Mock. The founder of Carnage NYC, Mock presents — in Banksy in New York — a comprehensive and insightful account of the month that captivated us street art aficionados, along with so many other New Yorkers.

For each of Banksy’s pieces, Mock offers a short narrative, providing insights into the various sites and neighborhoods, as well as into the artworks and the reactions they elicited. Each account is complemented with a range of photographs — from selected close-ups to shots of strangers’ poses with the pieces.

In addition to chronicling the pieces that surface throughout the month, Mock shares first-hand insider anecdotes. We follow him on his adventurous rides to the designated locations and we meet some of the others out there — who, too, are obsessed with locating and photographing every Banksy piece that appears. Mock also offers us intriguing background information. He recounts, for example, how a half-joke by a local resident to charge for photographs of the East New York beaver stencil resulted in a price tag of $20 for each photograph shot that day.

As Banksy’s pieces — particularly those that are politically-motivated — are contingent on location, the local viewers’ reactions and interpretations are part of the process. Banksy’s piece, Ghetto 4 Life, in the Melrose section of the Bronx, for example, did not go over well with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, who had loved Banksy’s previous Ronald McDonald installation.

Despite all the attention Banksy’s residency received in the media, Mock provides us with something that was lacking — an overarching personal account of Banksy’s legacy on this city’s urban and social landscape. We speculate, along with Mock, on Banksy’s possible intentions and we embrace the artist’s uncensored creative expression.

In addition to the limited edition of the book — with a screen printed cover — which can now be purchased via Ray’s site, a new hardcover edition will be available for pre-order on his site starting on November 3. It will also be in bookstores by Thanksgiving.

All photos by Ray Mock

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