Street Art NYC | From the streets of New York

LA2 at Leila Heller Gallery for Young Collectors Exhibition

January 4, 2014

For its second annual Young Collectors Exhibition, the Leila Heller Gallery is featuring an exuberant selection of works in a wide range of media by Angel Ortiz aka LA2 and LaROC. Befriended as a young teen by the late Keith Haring, the two clearly influenced one another. And in this exhibit, as in so much of LA2’s artwork, Keith Haring’s spirit is visibly alive. There is even an LA2 Pop-Up Shop dedicated solely to LA2’s objects, reminiscent of Keith Haring’s Pop Shop, a fixture for almost 20 years on Lafayette Street in lower Manhattan. Here are a few images from the exhibit that continues through Wednesday, January 8, at 568 West 25th Street in Chelsea.

Spring Flow

Heart Clock

Untitled

Tribal Mask

Guitars

And some personalized graffiti made available to guests on opening night

First and final photos captured on opening night by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all others by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Adrian Roman aka Viajero

January 2, 2014

I first met Viajero this past summer while he was fashioning a mural on East 111 Street for Los Muros Hablan NYC. I became an instant fan of his distinct aesthetic. A few months later, I caught up with him at the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center for its Dia De Los Muertos 2013 art exhibit.

When I came upon you at work on your mural for Los Muros Hablan, you mentioned that it was your first time painting in the streets. What was it like? Would you do it again?

It was a great experience. I loved working in a public space where I could interact with folks who passed by. Some stopped simply to observe, and others asked questions. And it was wonderful to have the opportunity to bring my vision to the streets of East Harlem – where my grandparents lived when they came from Puerto Rico. And, yes, I would love to do it again.

Could you tell us something about the Diaspora Mural? Who does it depict? What does it represent?

The subject of the mural is a young boy from Puerto Rico. The traditional mask that he is wearing symbolizes his cultural roots. Although I grew up here in NYC, I’m particularly interested in the immigrant experience and the notion of identity.

Your work is quite amazing. Do you have a formal art education?

When I was 12, I began taking specialized lessons at the Pratt Institute. I attended the Arts Students League of New York at age 18. I then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the New World School of Art in Miami, Florida and a second BFA in Graphic Design from the New York Institute of Technology here in NYC.

Was all this formal training worthwhile?

I would say so. I have my own distinct style, but the art education I received drew it out of me and helped me refine it. Yes, my formal training was worthwhile.

Have any particular folks inspired you?

My grandfather was a painter. I have great admiration for him. He taught himself how to read and write in three different languages. My brother is a sculptor, and my uncle is an architect. I grew up among folks who inspired me.

What about cultures? What are some of the cultures that have influenced you?

I’ve traveled extensively through Africa, the Caribbean and Central America. I feel most connected to culture when spending time in countries and cities that hold onto their indigenous traditions. It is these indigenous cultures that have been my primary influence. I acknowledge and honor my indigenous roots in my artwork.

Have you exhibited your work in gallery settings?

Yes. I’ve shown my work in solo and group shows in the United States and in Puerto Rico.

How has the “art world” responded to you? Has it been receptive to your vision?

It has been. I feel that I’ve been able to find my own corner.

Any favorite artists?

My grandfather. He used to paint on coconuts falling from trees. Swoon is a particular favorite among street artists. And I love Whittfield Lovell – his portraits and his installations.

How has your work evolved — particularly in the past few years?

I’ve become increasingly engaged with the community.

Have you any particular theme that you attempt to convey in your work?

I’m interested in memory — in preserving it — especially in relation to our struggles. I like giving new life to found objects that embody cultural memory.

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

For myself as an artist – it is to offer experiences to people that take them out of their comfort zone. I want folks to think and not blindly follow trends.

And we certainly look forward to seeing your vision on our streets again!

Interview by Lois Stavsky; photo of Viajero on East 111 Street by Dani Reyes Mozeson; photo of completed Diaspora Mural courtesy of the artist; final two photos of artwork at the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center by Lois Stavsky

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Kids on Walls — Part III: Joe Iurato, Miss 163, LNY & Axel Void, Rene Gagnon, Ewok, Owns, RWK and more

December 30, 2013

This is the third in a series of occasional posts featuring images of children that surface on NYC public spaces:

Joe Iurato at the Bushwick Collective

And the completed piece

Miss 163 in Hunts Point, the Bronx

LNY and Axel Void at the Bushwick Collective

Rene Gagnon at Welling Court in Astoria, Queens

Ewok and Owns in Bushwick

Robots Will Kill in Bushwick, close up from huge wall by Chris, Veng and ECB

Unidentified artist in Chelsea — spotted last week

First photo of Joe Iurato by Tara Murray; final photo by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all others by Lois Stavsky

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Carlos Pinto, Ken Hiratsuka, Linus Coraggio, Megan Kindsfather, John Paul O’Grodnick and more at Tribeca’s Elena Ab Gallery

December 28, 2013

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

John Paul O’Grodnick

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

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Serringe on Element Tree, Graffiti, Jersey City, Video Production & more

December 26, 2013

I came upon Serringe’s artwork on the streets of Jersey City earlier this year. I soon discovered that he was the force behind Element Tree and dozens of first-rate videos. I was delighted to finally have the opportunity to meet up with him at his store in Weehawken — just minutes away from Manhattan.

Tell us something about Element Tree. When did it launch?

Element Tree started as a blog in 2009. I grew up in Jersey City around a bunch of talented people, and I needed a platform to post their work and share it with others in hopes of promoting them and myself. Artists like Snow, T.Dee, 4sakn, Loser, Then One, Mr. Mustart and Distort — to name a few. There are others, but these are some of the original artists I felt people should definitely know about if they already didn’t.

When did Element Tree become a store?

I rented the space in Weehawken in February 2012. If I can’t do graff 24/7, I want to be around it. I also like the idea of nurturing the culture and keeping it healthy, and this store gives me the platform to do that.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I have a strong entrepreneurial streak. I don’t want people telling me who the “real artists” are. I want to help the people – whose work I love — make money.

Besides the first-rate art that you show here, you also sell art supplies. What do you see as the future of this space?

I will continue to provide affordable art for folks who love graffiti and street art. Not everyone can afford to spend $1500 on a canvas. And I’m interested in providing opportunities for artists — such as commissioned murals, design work for album covers and general creative direction. I see Element Tree as a house of creative energy and incubator for ideas.

What initially spurred your interest in graffiti?

I was always into graffiti from the time I was six years old. My older brother was a writer for a short period of time in the 90’s, and he sparked my brain, along with all the other local writers that were doing their thing when I was a kid. If they could do it, so could I. When I was a young teenager, my mom became ill and begged me not to write graffiti on the streets. She believed in my art, though… so until I was 19 years old, I detached myself from graffiti out of respect for her. She passed in 2004 — and aside from the occasional tag, I know she would be proud of me.

Did you develop any other passions while growing up?

I grew up in 80’s and 90’s: DJs, producers, skateboarders, punk rockers were everywhere. I became interested in all kinds of creative expression, and I began to create home videos with friends as a way to explore filmmaking. Within the past three years, I created 140 videos.

And you also paint in public spaces these days. Since you began doing so, have you had any particularly memorable experiences?

Art Basel 2012. It was the first time I traveled to paint on a wall that was sponsored at a major art event like Basel. Art Primo powered us with the paint and Element Tree’s Mr. Mustart and Distort showcased their talents for all who passed by. It was great experience to paint among people we respected.

Have you exhibited your work?

I’ve been in a handful of shows, but Mustart, Then One and Distort stay doing their thing, showcasing and exhibiting through Element Tree-based projects and also on an independent level. We are currently working on setting up the first Element Tree official group show… so if you’re a gallery owner, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Any thoughts about the graffiti and street art divide?

Eventually they will meet. Street art is still a baby in relation to graffiti. There are many street artists I respect. Banksy is a genius! Other favorites include: Blek le Rat, Invader and Shepherd Fairey. Oh, and if you don’t know… check out LNY. I see good things in him.

How would you explain the reluctance of the art establishment to embrace graffiti and street art?

Most people don’t understand it, and if you don’t understand something, you don’t know how to deal with it.

What do you see the future of graffiti?

It can’t be stopped. And eventually, it will gain acceptance as a legitimate art form.

No doubt!

Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky, photos 1,2 and 3 of Serrenge; photo 4, Mr. Mustart; photo 5, Distort and final image, Then One.

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NYC Shutters – Part VI: Ewok, Alice Mizrachi, Michael De Feo, Part One, Vato, Beau, Elle & Hue, Crisp, Fumero and Icy & Sot

December 24, 2013

This is the sixth in an occasional series of artwork on NYC shutters:

Ewok in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Alice Mizrachi aka AM in East Harlem

Michael De Feo on Manhattan’s Lower East Side

Part One in East Harlem

Vato in Williamsburg

Beau, Elle and Hue on Manhattan’s Lower East Side

Crisp in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Fumero in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Icy and Sot in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Photo of Michael De Feo by Tara Murray; all others by Lois Stavsky

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Exit Room: A New Bushwick Art Gallery & Cultural Space Presents “Outsight In” w/Danielle Mastrion, Nepo, Ricardo Cabret, Cern & Rimx

December 21, 2013

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:

Danielle Mastrion

Nepo

Ricardo Cabret

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

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Curious Characters on NYC Streets, Part III: Nychos, Smithe, Media Unit, CAM, Galo, How and Nosm & R. Robot, Kingbee and more

December 19, 2013

A range of curious characters have found a home on the streets of NYC. This is the third of our occasional series:

Nychos and Smithe at the Bushwick Collective

Smithe getting his characters up earlier this year — in Bushwick

Media Unit in Bushwick

Unidentified artist in East Village garden

Craig Anthony Miller aka CAM in Dumbo

Galo in Williamsburg

How & Nosm and R. Nicholas Kuszyk aka R. Robot in Williamsburg

Kingbee, Pose 2 and Chemis in East Harlem

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson, Tara Murray & Lois Stavsky

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KAWS in “Pass the Blame” on the Upper East Side at Galerie Perrotin and in Chelsea at Mary Boone

December 18, 2013

Few artists who began hitting walls in the 90’s have achieved the commercial success — as well as recognition from the “art world” — that Jersey City-native KAWS has. Through Saturday, you can check out some of his newest works in two spaces here in NYC. Pass the Blame, KAWS’s exhibit in Madison Avenue’s Galerie Perrotin is — at first glance — a collection of huge, colorful, iconic cartoon characters. But on closer inspection, there’s an entire world within each character — from gumdrops to a range of body parts and shapes, including eyes and mouths, to characters within characters. And when seen as a whole, the figures appear to be interacting — some pointing, some glaring and, as the title suggests, passing the blame in this colorful commentary on human behavior. Here are a few more images from KAWS’s uptown exhibit:

Should I Be Attacking?

Pass the Blame

Take the Cure and Point of Disorder, on the right

And at the Mary Boone Gallery in Chelsea, two huge impressive sculptural works are on view, as well:

Along the Way

At This Time

Close-up

Written by City-as-School intern Annie Loucka with Lois Stavsky; photos of KAWS’s pieces at Galerie Perrotin by Annie Loucka and Lois Stavsky; of KAWS’s sculptures at Mary Boone by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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