This is the first in a series of posts featuring the range of creatures that share our streets with us:
Roa in the Brooklyn Navy Yard
Never at the Bushwick Collective
DalEast in Dumbo
Craig Anthony Miller aka CAM in Dumbo
Mr. Prvrt at the Bushwick Collective
Jordan Betten in Chelsea
Willow in Gowanus
KingBee in the East Village
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson, Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky
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Chilean artist Dasic Fernández has been captivating us with his sumptuous styles since we first met him up in the Bronx, while painting a bus in collaboration with Cekis. We recently caught up with him in Newburgh, New York, where he’d been busy at work transforming the city’s visual landscape.
When and where did you first get up?
I was 13 when I started tagging in Rancagua, Chile.
What inspired you?
The hip-hop scene! Graffiti was part of the movement. And I knew how to draw – so that was my way into it.
Have you any early graffiti memories?
Nothing specific! Just hanging out late with my best friend and bombing.
What percentage of the time is devoted to your art?
One hundred percent! If I’m not doing it, I’m thinking about it or dreaming about it.
Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
Everything I’ve learned about painting on the streets and appropriating space I learned from graffiti. I never felt any tension between street artists and graffiti writers. I still use the same fat cap to paint as did to tag.
How do you feel about the movement of graffiti and street art into the galleries?
I respect it only when artists have had long courses in the streets first and continue painting in the streets once they’ve shown their work in galleries.
Have you exhibited in a gallery?
I had my first solo exhibit in Santiago, Chile in 2009.
Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?
I’d rather work by myself. I feel more comfortable, and I can take my time.
How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all of this?
I don’t use it much. I feel like graffiti belongs on the streets. At first, I didn’t even photograph any of my works. But when a graffiti book came out that didn’t include any of my work, I decided that I had to.
Do you have a formal arts education?
I studied architecture back in Chile, but I quit less than a year before earning my degree.
What is your ideal working environment
The streets. That’s where I feel most comfortable. It is my natural environment. I love connecting with people while I’m painting outside. It makes me happy.
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?
The mural culture in South America and Chile’s political murals, which are poetic and graphic. And I have also been influenced by hip-hop culture.
Do you work with sketch-in-hand or do you just let it flow?
When I’m commissioned to do a wall, I generally have to have a sketch. But other times, I’ll simply photograph the wall before I paint it
Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?
Never! Sometimes I’m close to being satisfied, but I’m never completely satisfied. I’m far too critical.
How have your work evolved throughout the years?
I paint on a bigger scale and I use more colors.
Any feelings about photographers?
They used to bother me, but now they don’t. I still don’t like, though, when they upload photos of unfinished pieces.
Why do you suppose the art world has been so reluctant to embrace street art and graffiti?
Because it’s the most powerful graphic movement out there.
Where have you painted?
I’ve painted throughout Chile and in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru and in Canada. And in the US, I’ve painted in Chicago, Texas, Michigan, and New York.
Have you any preferred spots or surfaces?
I like when a wall has context to spare, so that it can assume an identity through a mural.
What’s ahead for you?
Many personal projects with different timelines. I’m working now on completing a series of commissioned walls and canvases. I’m then planning to return to Chile and work on a book featuring my artwork. Then – more walls and an art festival that I’m organizing in New York and probably a solo exhibit. Basically I’ll keep flowing, painting and traveling. And there’s more!
Interview by Lois Stavsky with Tara Murray; photos 1. with Okuda and Rubin in Bushwick by Lois Stavsky; 2. in Bushwick by Tara Murray; 3. with Rubin in the Bronx by Tara Murray; 4. in Newburgh school by Lois Stavsky; 5 & 6. in Newburgh, NY by Lois Stavsky 7. with Logek in the Bronx by Tara Murray.
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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
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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
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The founder of New York Street Gallery, a collective of international artists working together in NYC, Dariel MTZ is committed to providing outdoor canvases to a global network of street art and graffiti artists.
Tell us a bit about New York Street Gallery.
I started this project with my girlfriend, Daniela Croci aka Zoe, in January, 2013. We wanted to provide a platform for street artists to collaborate with those artists who may have never used the streets as a canvas.
How did it all begin?
We started by painting the exterior walls of my father’s tire shop in Bushwick. The response was so positive that we expanded to other walls, including some in Williamsburg.
Who are some of the artists involved in your project?
Among the many talents are: Nepo, Don Rimx, Iena Cruz, Vato, Alex Seel, Pixel Pancho, LNY, Guillermo Perez III, David Rothman and Kike Seba.
How has this project impacted you personally?
This project was an invitation to the culture. It has given me the opportunity to learn first-hand about street art and graffiti.
What about Zoe? What is her role?
She is the official filmmaker of this project. She has documented all that has happened so far.
What’s ahead?
This coming Friday, November 15, we will be showcasing the works of a group of extraordinarily talented artists at The Well on 272 Meserole Street in Bushwick.
Where would you like to see your project in five years?
I’d like to see us manage a gallery space, organize festivals and provide opportunities for artists to do big productions. It’s all about creating opportunities for the artists. You can follow us on Intagram @nystgallery.
Good luck! It all sounds great.
Interview by Lenny Collado; photos of Nepo, Pixel Pancho and LNY by Tara Murray
Editor’s note: Our blog will be on vacation through Monday, November 25. You can follow us on Facebook and on Google+. And be sure to keep posted to The Aqueduct Murals. Organized by the always-wonderful Joe Iurato, this meeting of street art and horse racing features an amazing array of artists including Logan Hicks, Chris Stain, Zed1, Faith47 and Rubin 415. It opens to the public at noon on Saturday, November 23 followed by a reception from 6-10pm, with an opportunity to meet the artists, along with the jockeys and trainers of New York racing. Lois Stavsky
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We are thrilled that Puerto Rican native Nepo has brought his superb skills to us here in NYC, delighting us with his wondrous characters, sensuous styles and bold colors. He’s been busy in Bushwick these days, where he will be painting live and exhibiting his work with New York Street Gallery next Friday, November 15th.
When and where did you first get up?
I began bombing and tagging my name back in 1996 in Puerto Rico. I was 16.
What inspired you to start writing?
At first I didn’t write. I used to help my friend Ensa with his fills when he did pieces. I also served as his look out. Eventually I started tagging. And Ensa was the one who gave me the name Nepo. It was kind of a joke, but it stuck.
Had you any preferred surfaces back then?
No. It was location that mattered. We focused on getting a spot where as many people as possible would see the work. Surface didn’t matter. Although, I’ll say, I do love shutters. They present a challenge I enjoy.
Do you paint with any crews? Or do you paint alone?
Both. I get up by myself and I also paint with El Coro and NST – both here and in Puerto Rico.
Have you exhibited your work?
I have. In Puerto Rico, I contributed to Carry On, a collective that went on to tour in Boston and in Oakland. I had two solo shows back home, and I’m working on an upcoming one here. I’m also now preparing for a group show with Bushwick’s New York Street Gallery.
How do you feel about the movement of street art and graffiti into galleries?
Artists need to make money. In Puerto Rico, there are underground art galleries that support graffiti and really show love for it. I haven’t felt that here in NYC.
How does your family feel about what you do?
My mother and father didn’t get it for a long time. They thought it was crazy that I was spending so much time and money without getting paid. But then after they attended some of my shows and read about me in the news, they knew that I was progressing as an artist. And they grew to appreciate it.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art these days?
I’m almost always working on a canvas, flyer, T-shirt, print, painting or wall. It may not yet be 100%, but I hope it will soon be.
Have you earned any money from your artwork?
I have. I designed a sign for the Well Project that brought me some money. And I will soon begin working for the Roberto Clemente Center, painting outdoors with five other artists.
Any thoughts on the graffiti/street art divide?
I have tremendous respect for graffiti and I identify with it. But these days I’m more of a street artist or muralist. I like doing legal walls because I can take my time. There is a divide, though, even though many street artists started as graffiti writers.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
I’d like to do something with Os Gemeos. And if they were still alive, I’d work with Diego Rivera and Basquiat. Ha-ha!
Do you have a formal arts education?
Yes. I studied art with a focus on traditional graphics, silkscreen, etching and printing.
Are there any particular cultures you would say have influenced your aesthetics?
The many bright colors that I use and the animals I reference are influenced by Puerto Rican culture.
Do you work with a sketch in hand or do you work free hand?
For murals, yes, I use sketches, especially for proportions.
Are you generally satisfied with a completed work?
Yes. When I have given my all to a particular project, the quality is there.
When you look back at what you’ve done in the last two years, is there anything you would have done differently?
I’d have done bigger work, larger scale murals and more of them. Here in NYC, I’ve done four and that’s not enough.
How has your art evolved throughout the years?
Initially, I began with paint brushes. But because I love to learn and expand, I moved on to spray paint and became obsessed. I continue to enjoy learning new spray paint techniques.
What was the riskiest thing you’ve done as a graffiti writer?
Ha-ha! I actually tagged the door of a Senator’s house in Puerto Rico. My friends and I were drunk, and we decided to tag it at four in the morning. Since we didn’t have our cameras with us, we ran home to get them. But by the time we returned, someone was already power-washing the tags off the building.
How do you feel about the photographers and bloggers on the scene?
We need them. Their job takes time and love. It’s not just about the artists; it’s also about the people who share their love for what we do with others.
What’s ahead?
I’m part of the first New York Street Gallery group exhibit that will take place next Friday, November 15, at 272 Messerole Street on Bushwick Place.
Interview by Lenny Collado; Photo 1 in Bushwick by Tara Murray; photo 2 at 5Pointz by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all others courtesy of Nepo
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Brooklyn-based artist RAE recently transformed an abandoned East Village bodega into an extraordinary pop-up show. Word of Mouth, features dozens of his works on a range of media, alongside items one would expect to find in a bodega. We visited last week.
This is amazing! How did you come up with the idea?
I started working in grocery stores when I was seven. First just stocking milk; people bought a lot of milk back then. Later I became a delivery boy and deli worker. Some of the spaces I worked in were not always on the up and up… if you know what I mean. They were pretty colorful, and I never forgot that. To me they seemed to have art everywhere — from the neon sale labels on the packagings to the misspelled graphics on the signs. Everything was more interesting to me than maybe it should have been.
How did you find this space? It’s ideal.
Through a series of connections with life-long East Village folks, this place opened up for me. It was closed down just before Hurricane Sandy hit, and after the flood, it never reopened. All that was left behind was two shelves and two inches of dust.
There’s so much of your art here. What a treat! Everything from stickers to huge sculptures. When did you begin preparing for this exhibit?
About two years ago. And for the month before the opening, I was here day and night. We wanted to get the store just right for our grand opening.
How has the response been?
My store worker tells me people are really enjoying the products and sale specials we put on. This week there is a sale on lima beans and sugar wafer cookies. Please spread the word.
Word of Mouth remains open through November 16, Thursday through Saturday, 2-7pm on the corner of Avenue C and 12th Street. It’s a must-see!
RAE interviewed by Lois Stavsky with Tara Murray; photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson.
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This is the eleventh in a series of posts featuring images of girls — and women — who grace New York City’s public spaces:
Cern in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Judith Supine in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Cake in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Parisian artists Djalouz and Doudou at 5Pointz in Long Island City, Queens
Bunny M in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
A Groundswell Mural Project with Crystal Clarity as lead artist in Hunts Point, the Bronx
Kimyon Huggins in Manhattan
Photos of Cern, Bunny M and Kimyon Huggins by Dani Reyes Mozeson; of Judith Supine, Cake, Djalouz and Doudou, Groundswell Mural Project and Kimyon Huggins by Lois Stavsky
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Based in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Miles Wickham aka RESKEW surfaced on the NYC graffiti scene in 2000. These days, he is best-known for his outstanding graffiti tutorials, his community outreach and the abstract graffiti-infused works that he creates on a range of surfaces from canvases to sanctioned public spaces.
When and where did you first get up?
It was back in 1999 in Brooklyn. I was a 15 year-old high school student when I noticed one of my classmates tagging a gym mat. It looked like a cool thing to do, and we — ZIP ONE and I — became friends. That was the beginning.
Have you any earlier graffiti-related memories that stand out?
As a young child growing up in Italy, I could see the main train station from my fifth floor window. I was fascinated by what seemed like shifting colors in motion. I didn’t even know at the time that it was graffiti.
Here in the States, did you represent any crews or did you paint alone?
Both. I’m part of All City Crew, an old school NYC graffiti crew, and MBK, a west-coast graffiti crew that started in El Paso, Texas.
What is the riskiest thing you did?
Hitting tunnels while trains were whizzing by and climbing heights without knowing how I’d get down from them.
Why were you willing to take these risks?
I liked the tremendous sense of freedom it offered. And it was fun.
Have you ever been arrested?
About six times. A number of years back, I faced a year in prison for bombing a subway tunnel. But as there wasn’t enough evidence to support the charges against me, I was given community service instead. And that’s what led to my tutorials. I knew that I had to stop getting up illegally, and I wanted to help others avoid some of the frustrations I felt.
Can you tell us something about the tutorials?
In January 2010, I created my first instructional graffiti and art tutorial to teach basic graffiti techniques and to encourage beginners to take their skills to a higher level. I personally answer all questions via email or through comments. It’s been extraordinarily successful with my You Tube channel gaining subscribers daily.
That sounds great! Getting back to your work — do you work with a sketch-in-hand or do you just let it flow?
I let it flow. I hate plans.
Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?
It’s not finished until I’m satisfied with it.
Do you have a formal art education?
No. But I’ve always been drawing.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art these days?
Anywhere between 50 -70%. I also act, practice martial arts and cater. Catering helps pay the bills.
How do your parents feel about what you are doing?
They’re supportive.
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetic?
I’m influenced by ancient scripts.
Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
Street artists and graffiti artists need to learn how to get along and respect one another. Graffiti writers generally take far more risks than street artists. And street artists need to respect that and stop going over graffiti.
Any favorite arists?
Van Gogh.
How has your work evolved in the past few years?
My flow and general skills have improved. I express myself better through line movement.
Have you any thoughts about the movement of graffiti into galleries?
It’s great.
Your work’s been exhibited at Park Slope’s Ground Floor Gallery, and it graces its gate, as well. Where else have you exhibited?
I’ve shown in a range of exhibits and spaces. Among them: the Writers Strike exhibit at the Lott Gallery in Chelsea; a solo show at the Sapphire Lounge on the Lower East Side and the Brooklyn Workshop Gallery, where I also worked as a teaching artist.
How do you feel about the role of the Internet in all this?
It’s a good thing. It makes art more accessible to many more viewers. It also serves as the platform for my tutorials.
Have you any feelings about the photographers/bloggers in the scene?
Most don’t know as much as they should. Their scope is, generally, limited.
What do you see as the role of the artist in society?
To remind us that creative expression exists and to inspire us get in touch with our own.
What’s ahead?
Painting more and continuing to inspire the masses to discover and express more of who they really are.
Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky.
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This is the fifth in an ongoing series featuring the range of faces that surface daily in NYC’s open spaces:
Rimx in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Axel Void in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Danielle Mastrion painting young Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai at the Bushwick Collective
Ever in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Andre Trenier in Inwood, Manhattan
Nicer, Tats Cru at Hunts Point in the Bronx
Photos of Rimx and Axel Void by Tara Murray; of Danielle Mastrion and Ever by Dani Reyes Mozeson and of Andre Trenier and Nicer by Lois Stavsky
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