Street Art NYC | From the streets of New York

Devi1 – HMZ / TG on: Graffiti, Street Art, Style Wars 2, Subway Trains, Gaza and more

October 16, 2013

Currently featured in Style Wars 2, Devi has painted and DJ’d throughout the globe. I met up with him here in NYC.

When and where did you first get up?

I grew up in Palestinian refugee camps, as that’s where my mom’s human rights work took us. And so my first tag was on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Then when I was 16, we returned to London. And that’s when I got heavy into trains. The best were “Messy Mondays.” We stole paints, drank beer and hit the trains.

How does your mom feel about what you are doing?

At first she hated it. She worried about me, and she hates illegal activities. But she saw that there was no stopping me and that I was finding a way to survive doing it. So she’s come to accept it.

What percentage of your time is devoted to graffiti these days?

I’m always following it. And I do graffiti workshops with kids in war-torn zones. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Ramalla, Nablus, Jenin, Jericho and Gaza.

What was that like? I’m curious about Gaza.

I loved working with the kids, but the place broke my heart. There’s no money in Gaza. The city runs off generators, and it’s run by a bunch of gangsters with grenades waging a “holy war.” I escaped weekends by going off to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. But for those who live there – there is no escape.

Have you any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

There is definitely a divide. Graffiti is a lifestyle and culture. It attracts many angry people, along with those that just want to have fun. It’s important for a writer to stay up and stay recognized — representing his crew and hood and keeping the writing element of hip-hop alive on the streets. I can’t pretend to know what goes on in a street artist’s heads. But I know it’s a different mentality.

How do you feel about the movement of graffiti into galleries?

We all dream of making money some day from doing what we love. But if you’re doing it for exposure or more fame, you’re a toy.

Have you shown your work in galleries?

I recently had an exhibit in Tampa, Florida of photos of my graffiti on trains.

What is the main source of your income?

I d-jay and I sell paintings.

What brought you to the U.S.?

I’m featured in the independent film, Style Wars 2, and I came in for a private screening that Henry Chalfant had organized in Hollywood. And — while here in the U.S. — I wanted to explore NYC, possibly play some DJ sets and go to the upcoming NYC premiere of Style Wars 2.

What’s ahead?

To continue to inspire the next generation to spread positive and creative energy. It’s more than just vandalism.

Interview by Lois Stavsky. Photos courtesy of the artist. The graffiti shop pictured is Capzoola in Tel Aviv.

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“Write of Passage” to Explore History and Impact of American Graffiti Art

October 14, 2013

A six-week long educational program that explores the impact of American graffiti art on global culture, Write of Passage opens to the public with a historic exhibition this coming Saturday, October 19. Curated by Sacha Jenkins, a noted graffiti historian and editorial director of Mass Appeal, the exhibition at Red Bull Studios New York, 218 West 18th Street serves as a centerpiece to Write of Passage’s educational program.

Several installations, rare canvasses, photos, sketches, vintage apparel and over 100 original graffiti artifacts document the evolution of graffiti art, celebrating its local origins and global influences.

Among the four installations that bring graffiti to life are a subway train & tunnel installation and a tattoo parlor installation from noted graffiti artist/tattooist Mr. Kaves.

Artists whose works are featured include: Daze, Futura, Haze, David “Chino” Villorente, Alan Bortman, Chris Pape, Easy, Miss 17, Freedom, Cycle, Fargo, Greg “SP” Lamarche, Krink, Mare 139, Cost, CES, Jay “J.SON” Edlin, Keo, Mark Ali Awfe, False, Tommy Rebel, A-ONE, Dondi White, Serve, Ed “Metal Man” Walker, Kaves, Trap IF, False, VFR, , Cope 2, Daze, Harley Spiller, Haze, Henry Chalfant, Louie KR.ONE Gasparro, YES 2, Samuel Kleiman, Sharp, Todd “Reas” James and Wane COD.

Write of Passage will be open to the public every Saturday from 1-5 p.m. through November 23.

All photos courtesy Write of Passage/Red Bull New York: 1. photo, Alexander Richter; 2. jacket, Serve; 3. strap hanger sculpture, Mare 139; 4. Kaves, Brooklyn tattoo parlor 5. photo, Henry Chalfant

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Faces in NYC Public Spaces, Part V: GATS, Dasic, Lamour Supreme, Lee Trice, Judith Supine, Meres, Skullphone, Raquel Eschinique & Epic Uno

October 11, 2013

This is the fifth in an ongoing series featuring the range of faces that surface daily in NYC’s open spaces:

West Coast – based GATS at the Bushwick Collective

Dasic in Bushwick

Lamour Supreme and Lee Trice in Bushwick, close-up of huge mural

Judith Supine in Williamsburg

Meres at 5Pointz

Skullphone in the East Village

Ecuadorian artist Raquel Eschinique at 5Pointz

Epic Uno in Long Island City

Photos of GATS, Lamour Supreme & Lee Trice collab, Judith Supine, Meres, Skullphone and Epic Uno by Dani Reyes Mozeson; photo of Dasic by Tara Murray; photo of Raquel Eschinique by Lois Stavsky

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Wise2: Holding It Down in Kenya

October 9, 2013

A pioneer of graffiti art in Kenya, Wise2 fashions intricate African patterns, tribal masks and ancient writing systems — particularly Sanskrit — onto huge walls. With an increasing global presence, he recently brought his skills to Bushwick, Brooklyn, where we met up:

When and where did you first get up?

About ten years ago, I started tagging my name in my neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya. I got started the way most writers do — with basic lettering.

What introduced you to the graffiti culture?

The movie Style Wars.

Have you ever been arrested for graffiti?

I was close to being arrested. But in Nairobi you can bribe your way out.

What is the attitude of your family towards what you do?

They’re cool.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

All of it. I especially love street art, and if I am not painting, I am researching and checking out other artists and their art.

What is your main source of income?

I earn money from commissions. I have a bunch of corporate clients that keep my art moving.

How do you feel about the link between the corporate world and the street art world?

I don’t mind working for corporations, as long as my clients respect my creativity and allow me to express myself without any hindrances.

Is there much of a street art/graffiti divide back in Kenya?

No. There are just a few of us and we respect each other.

Have you any thoughts as to why the art world is hesitant to accept graffiti and street art as legitimate art forms?

We street artists are the most dangerous folks out there. We mix with everybody, not just the elite. We cross classes and cultures. And if we get into the art world, we’ll destroy it…in a good sense!

Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

Both. I love to collaborate, but these days I prefer working alone because I want to continue to develop and cultivate my own creativity.

Do you have a formal art education?

No, I’m self-taught. I studied Philosophy and Law.

What inspires you these days?

Ancient civilizations, hieroglyphics and Arabic writing.

Have you any favorite artists?

Retna. He is one amazing artist. I love what he does.

Are there any specific cultures that influence your work?

I’m influenced by a lot of ancient cultures. But I am mainly interested in establishing a strong cultural base of my own. I don’t want to emulate other cultures, but rather learn from them — so that they can help my body of work grow gradually.

Do you work with a sketch-in-hand, or do you just let it flow?

I often work with a sketch in hand, but I don’t follow it exactly.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished product?

Often I love it. Other times I think I could have done better.

Have you exhibited your work in a gallery setting?

I haven’t yet. The street is my primary gallery, the largest and best gallery any artist could have. But I’m open to the idea of exhibiting my work in a formal gallery setting.

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

It is to inspire. And it is a very crucial role. An artist has a huge responsibility. What he puts out there reflects on his character and on his society.

How do you feel about the role of the photographer and blogger in the street art scene?

Their roles are pivotal when it comes to street art; we need more bloggers and photographers.

What’s ahead?

Traveling and painting, researching, and, eventually, exposing my work in galleries, as well.

What do you think of New York City?

I love it. The whole world is here. In the past few weeks, I’ve met folks from everywhere.

Interviewed by Lois Stavsky; photo 1 at the Bushwick Collective by Dani Mozeson; photo 2 courtesy of the artist; photo 3 with Joel Bergner in Bushwick by Tara Murray; photo 4 close-up from collaborative wall in Bushwick by Lois Stavsky

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Jersey City’s Burgeoning Street Art Scene: Pixel Pancho, LNY, MOR, Dulk, NoseGo, Mr. Mustart, Serringe, Distort, Then One, Ekundayo & more

October 7, 2013

Just over the river — about ten minutes away from Manhattan — a street art scene is flourishing in Jersey City. Here’s a sampling of what was seen yesterday:

Italian artist Pixel Pancho paints in celebration of the 23rd Annual Jersey City Artists Studio Tour

LNY

MOR on the exterior of Hudson County Art Supply

Dulk from Valencia, Spain

NoseGo

Mr. Mustart, Serringe, Distort and Then One

S.A.G.E Collective, segment of huge mural

Hawaiian native Ekundayo, close-up

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Vibrant visions in East New York, Brooklyn: Rez, Bugn APK, Sebs, Domane, Ceos, Air3, Vers and Bie MOG

October 6, 2013

The vision of Rez and Bugn ABK, a huge wall off the Broadway-Junction subway line in East New York has recently been transformed into a magical mural featuring elements of graffiti, traditional portraiture and collage. Here are some images we captured last week:

Sebs, Domane and Bugn

Ceos and Air3

Vers

Bugn

Rez

Bie MOG

“We loved painting in this neighborhood,” reports Bugn. “We had lots of interaction with the folks who live here, and it was great to paint where folks appreciated us. This is just the beginning!” As to the choice of figures portrayed – Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson and Abe Lincoln – Bugn had the following to say: “We’re not kids anymore. We put our heavy hitters up. These are the people who inspired us as we were growing up. Women are on the way!”

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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“October Surprise” at 17 Frost with Billi Kid, Abe Lincoln. Jr., Cake, Jason Mamarella, stikman, WC Bevan and more

October 5, 2013

On view this evening from 7-11pm at 17 Frost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is October Surprise. Curated by Jason Mamarella, aka d.w. krsna, it features works by some of our favorite artists who are active both on the streets and in their studios. Here’s a brief sampling:

Billi Kid

Abe Lincoln, Jr.

Cake

Jason Mamarella, aka d.w. krsna, close-up (look carefully!)

stikman

And here’s a close-up from WC Bevan — who works with ink he creates on paper recycled from abandoned spaces

Photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Argentinian artist Elian

October 3, 2013

Based in Córdoba, Argentina, Elian fashions mesmerizing abstract compositions on huge walls. In late summer, Los Muros Hablan brought Elian and his sumptuous style to the South Bronx. While he was here in NYC, we had the opportunity to meet up.

When and where did you first get up?

Ten years ago. I was 15 when I started tagging and bombing in Córdoba.

What inspired you at the time?

My friends were doing it, and so I tried it. I’m dyslexic, and I had always struggled with writing. But with a spray can in hand, it felt right. It was the first time I ever felt at home writing.

How does your family feel about what you’re doing?

Everyone is supportive. My mother bought me my first spray can.

What percentage of your time is devoted to art?

All of it.

Do you have a formal art education?

I studied graphic design. But I don’t like “institutions.”

Do you work with a sketch in hand, or just let it flow?

I always work with a sketch in hand.

Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?

Yes.

How has your art evolved through the years?

It evolved from 3d graffiti to flat images. One can go only so far with graffiti.

When you look back at what you did two years ago, how do you feel about it?

It was too limited. There wasn’t enough concept behind it.

What other cities have you painted in besides those in Argentina?

I’ve painted in Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Santiago and Lima. And in the U. S. in Miami, Atlanta, and here in New York City.

Have you a favorite city?

Lima. I loved the food and the people.

What is the riskiest thing you ever did?

Painting trains, climbing heights and living every day.

What inspires you these days?

City life. Everything I see. The garbage, broken pavement…NYC is amazing!

Are there any particular cultures or movements that have influenced your aesthetic?

Pop-art, Russian constructivism, neo-plasticism, minimalism.

Have you any favorite artists?

Among my favorite artists who paint in public spaces are MOMO, Jaz, and El Tono. Other artists I love include Sol LeWitt, Mondrian and Pablo Siquier.

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

It’s a necessary tool, as it allows us to see what others are doing, and it gives me an opportunity to get my work out to a larger audience.

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

I think of the artist as a cultural engine, an agent for change. The artist initiates a dialogue between the city’s walls and its inhabitants.

How do you feel about the role of the photographer and blogger in all this?

I like it. It creates additional opportunities for artists to reach people. It is necessary for our culture.

How does the street art culture here in NYC differ from the one back home in Buenos Aires

Back home, you generally don’t need permission to paint. People are grateful to you for sharing your talents with them. Here everything is a business. Back home, people are more interested in ideas.

How do you feel about the movement of street art to galleries and museums?

I’m not sure how I feel. My gallery is the city. And it is the most democratic place for me to share my work.

What’s ahead?

Working hard at my craft, engaging in huge public projects and giving back to the community.

Interview by Lois Stavsky; photos courtesy of the artist

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Boone Avenue Refashioned — Part I: Marthalicia Matarrita, Cern, Lady K. Fever, Cope2, UR New York, Skeme, Reme, Chris RWK & more

October 1, 2013

It’s been busy up on Boone Avenue near the Sheridan Expressway in the Bronx these past few days. Here are a few images captured yesterday during its current transformation:

Marthalicia Matarrita

Cern and Lady Fever at work

Cope2

Fernando Romero aka Ski at work

Skeme, Reme at work and Chris RWK

All photos by Tara Murray. Part II to follow.

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Leila Heller Gallery Hosts “Calligraffiti: 1984-2013” and Artist Talk

September 28, 2013

East meets West, and calligraphy meets graffiti at the Leila Heller Gallery in Calligraffiti: 1984-2013. And this past Thursday’s panel discussion, moderated by Leila Heller, provided an intimate glimpse into the disparate worlds that initially converged in a gallery setting in the exhibit that Ms. Heller and Jeffrey Deitch curated 30 years ago. After Leila Heller began the talk by sharing her personal and professional history, the five participants — Ayad Alkadhi, eL Seed, Fab Five Freddy, LA2 and Rostarr presented their distinct experiences and observations. Following are a selection of images from the exhibit and from Thursday’s panel discussion.

South Korean native Rostarr