Street Art NYC | From the streets of New York

Speaking with Onur Dinc

May 29, 2013

We discovered the wonderfully talented Onur Dinc while he was painting over at 5Pointz during his recent visit to NYC. We were delighted to have the opportunity to speak to him before he returned to his home in Switzerland.

Your artwork that has surfaced here at 5Pointz is exquisite. Have you a formal art education?

I apprenticed as a painter in my late teens. Then I studied set-design for four years in Solothum and graphic design for another three in Basel.

And when did you begin sharing your talents in public spaces?

Five years ago. That’s when I met Wes21 and KKade of the Schwarzmaler collective

We’re so glad you guys met! How do you feel about working outdoors in the public sphere?

It’s great. I love it, and I love meeting the many people who stop by.

How does your family feel about what you are doing? Are they supportive?

At first my parents didn’t encourage me. They were quite concerned. My dad, who had emigrated from Turkey to Switzerland, worked in a factory his entire life and felt uneasy about my not having a steady job. But these days, everyone in my family is proud of me and supportive.

What is your principal source of income these days?

Selling canvases and prints.

What about exhibits? When did you begin exhibiting your work in galleries? And where have you shown it?

I began six years ago when I was 27. I’ve exhibited in all of Switzerland’s major cities and in Germany.

Who are some of the artists who have inspired you?

The late Swiss painter, Ferdinand Hodler, and the contemporary Australian artist, Jeremy Geddess, come to mind. The American painter and photographer, Chuck Close, and the people around me — like Wes21, Schwarzmaler, Jörg Müller and Rodja Galli — have also influenced me.

What about artists getting up in public spaces? Have you any favorites?

I think Roa is wonderful. His skills are remarkable.

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

There’s too much information out there. There’s lots of dope work, but there’s also too much trash.

Any thoughts about artists — particularly street artists – working with corporations and brands?

I’ve done it, and I don’t like it. I often felt like I was selling myself.

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

I see the artist as society’s commentator and conscience, as well as its mirror.

What’s ahead?

I’d like to continue doing what I’m doing now. Painting both in my studio and in public spaces, exhibiting and traveling.

Good luck and we are eagerly awaiting your next visit to NYC.

Photo of Onur and Wes21 at work by Lenny Collado; all other images are courtesy of Onur.

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Girls on Walls, Part IX: Alice Mizrachi, Cake, Hef, Toofly, Os Gemeos, Noh J Coley and Swoon

May 28, 2013

This is the ninth in a series of posts featuring images of girls — and women — who grace New York City’s public spaces:

Alice Mizrachi aka AM in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Cake in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Hef’s hastily-buffed piece in East New York

Toofly at the Bushwick Collective

Os Gemeos in Coney Island — since 2005

Noh J Coley at the Woodward Gallery Project Space on the Lower East Side

Swoon in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn garden

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Yoav Litvin on his Street Art Passions and Pursuits

May 27, 2013

While not conducting his post-doctoral research on Brain and Behavior at The Rockefeller University, Jerusalem native Yoav Litvin can be found on our city streets pursuing his passion for street art. We recently met up for a chat.

What spurred your interest in public art?

As a result of an injury, there wasn’t much I could do other than walk around. So that’s what I did. And once I began to notice street art, I couldn’t stop taking photos of it. I also appreciate the risks artists take when putting up pieces; it’s a rush I can relate to. And I admire the artists’ generosity in taking these risks to share their vision with the public.

What is it about street art that continues to so engage you?

I love its beauty and humor. I appreciate its aesthetic and the way it challenges convention. It is a beautiful, non-violent way to raise issues in the public sphere. And as a political person, I am drawn to the confrontational nature of much of it.

What do you see as the role of the photographer in today’s street art movement?

Because of the transient nature of public art, I see it as essential. The image is important, but so is its context and appropriate accreditation to the artist. And documentation of NYC’s street art trends is especially essential as this city is the world’s cultural Mecca.

Tell us a bit about your current project.

I’ve been working for over a year now on a book that profiles 46 of the most prolific urban artists working in NYC. It will feature images and interviews, along with some exciting supplements.

Have you any favorite artists whose works you’ve seen here in NYC?

There are too many to list. I love them all for different reasons.

How do you keep up with the current scene?

In addition to documenting what I see and speaking to artists, I follow popular street art blogs such as StreetArtNYC, Brooklyn Street Art and Vandalog. I also check Instagram daily for new images that surface not only on NYC streets, but across the globe. And I try to attend gallery openings as often as possible.

We certainly look forward to reading your book. Tell us more about its current progress. How close it is to publication?

I’ve finally completed the stage of collecting texts and images, and am currently working together with a first-rate designer. I am now seeking a publisher.

Yoav can be contacted at yoavlitvin@gmail.com

Featured photos are in the following sequence:

1) Dain. Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

2) Alice Mizrachi and Cope2. Boone Avenue, The Bronx.

3) Never Satisfied. Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

4) gilf! Grattan Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn.

5) Jilly Ballistic. Astor Place 6 Train station, Manhattan.

6) Enzo and Nio. Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

7) ND’A and Elle Deadsex. Jefferson Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn.

All photos by Yoav Litvin.

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Speaking with Sonni

May 24, 2013

Argentinian artist Sonni Adrian has been delighting us New Yorkers with his bold colors and playful themes since he moved here in 2011. We recently had the opportunity to visit his studio and speak to him.

When did you first begin creating art?

When I was about seven years old, my parents enrolled me in an afterschool art program. I loved it, and I spent hours there every day.

What about getting your artwork up in public spaces? When did that first happen? And where?

I started getting up about eight years ago in Buenos Aires. I began first with stickers, and then I moved on to paste-ups and wheatpastes.

What was your subject matter back then – when you first began?

It was mostly back and white icons of playful inanimate characters.

What inspired you to get up on the streets?

I was bored at my day job – where I spent all my time creating artwork for commercial purposes.

Have you any preferred spots or surfaces?

As I paint with acrylic, I prefer flat surfaces, rather than walls with bricks. But I love integrating windows into my pieces and I like interesting textures.

How do your parents feel about what you are doing?

At first they didn’t understand it. But now they appreciate it.

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

Just about all of it!

What is the main source of your income as an artist?

I freelance as an art director for animation.

Have you a formal art education?

I studied graphic design for four years back in Argentina.

Have you any favorite artists? Influences?

I love Matisse. Among my influences are: Yoshitomo Nara, Japanese Kawaii style, and Disney’s first Mickey Mouse and Felix the Cat.

What about back in Argentina? Any favorite artists who paint in public spaces?

Tec, Chu, Ever, Kid Gaucho, Jaz, Gualicho, Parbo, Defi, BsAs Stencil, Pedro Perelman & run don’t walk are among my favorites.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

I love it all. All art that is on the street is “street art.”

How does the street art scene back in Buenos Aires compare to NYC’s?

There is much more freedom in Buenos Aires. You won’t go to jail there for painting on the streets. The atmosphere, in general, is more open and relaxed.

When you paint, do you work with a sketch in hand or just let it flow?

I always work with a sketch. My sketchbooks are my reference.

Are you generally satisfied with your final piece?

Never! I always feel I can do more.

You’ve had solo shows not only in Argentina, but in Miami and in NYC, and you’ve participated in group shows across the globe. Any thoughts about the move of street art into galleries?

It’s amazing! And a completely different experience. It’s quite a transition for any artist who is accustomed to painting on the streets.

What’s ahead?

I try not to think too much about that. But I know that I want to continue painting. I’m happiest when I’m painting, and I have quite a few exciting projects coming up. My long-term goal is to be able to do my own thing full time. And I would love to design a playground for children.

That sounds great! We’re certainly looking forward to that!

You can check out Sonni’s artwork tomorrow evening — as reMADE presents Sonni, Aaron Stewart, and Nile the Crocodile starting at 6pm at 469 DeKalb Ave.

Photos by Lenny Collado, Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Hellbent at Mighty Tanaka and on NYC Streets

May 22, 2013

Hellbent’s artworks — from his signature jawbone to his geometric abstracts – are among our favorites, both on the streets and in gallery settings. His current solo exhibit, Even Romantics Love Violence, at Mighty Tanaka, along with recent works that have surfaced on NYC streets, reflects his skillful use of colors and patterns.

Son of a Gun (The Vaselines), Spray Paint on Canvas — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Hellbent’s sculpted signature jawbone in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Benediction (Thurston Moore), 2013, Spray Paint on Raw Linen — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

Treasure Hunters (Calvin Love) 2013, Spray Paint on Panel — in Even Romantics Love Violence at Mighty Tanaka

And on the streets — at the Bushwick Collective with See One

On Bushwick door

And on the Bowery for New Museum’s Ideas City Festival

Keep posted to our Facebook page for images of Hellbent’s newest work to grace the walls of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

Photos by Tara Murray and Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with Semor

May 20, 2013

Germany’s masterful graffiti artist Semor returned to 5Pointz earlier this month, where he once again graced its walls with his outstanding skills. This time we has the opportunity to speak to him.

When did you first get up? And where was it?

I was 11 years old when I first hit a wall. It was in an abandoned area in the middle of nowhere. I grew up in a village near Cologne, Germany where there was no graffiti — or just about anything — on the walls.

Then — how did you get into graffiti?

As a young child, I destroyed my room with chalk. This started when I was about six. I always focused on letters. One day my sister said to me, “What you are doing is graffiti.” And she bought me a copy of Style Wars. That was it!

And you have been doing it ever since! What is it about graffiti that appeals to you?

I can put my all into it. I can express everything that is going on inside me and around me. I never sketch beforehand. Everything I do is freestyle. It’s what I feel at the moment. It doesn’t matter if it is a good day or bad day. I have graffiti.

How do your folks feel about what you do?

My mom loves it! And my dad admires what I’m doing, too. He is an architect.

Tell us something about your name. How did you get the name Semor?

I was always a big Simpsons’ fan and I particularly liked the character Seymour Skinner, the head of Bart Simpson’s elementary School. I just changed the spelling!

Have you any favorite surfaces?

I’ll paint on anything that is paintable, but I love big walls.

Have you ever been arrested?

Sure, but Germany actually provides us with graffiti lawyers. And you need to be caught in action in order for the police to arrest you.

Have you exhibited in galleries? And how do you feel about the move of graffiti into galleries?

Yes! It’s been a good experience. It’s good money. And it’s time for graffiti to be given the respect it deserves.

How do you feel about the divide between street art and graffiti?

Graffiti is graffiti and street art is street art. Street artists are more concerned with getting a message out to the public. And it often has political and social overtones. Graffiti is about style.

Any thoughts about today’s young writers?

They need to learn the importance of respect. They think getting up is cool, but too many young writers out there don’t have any knowledge of graffiti’s roots.

Any differences between the graffiti here in NYC and back home in Cologne?

There’s definitely a greater variety of styles back home. Writers there are more eager to experiment.

Have you any favorite writers?

The Schwarzmaler Crew, Sen2, Storm, Aroe MSK – among others.

How did you make contact with 5Pointz?

In 2005, I reached out to Meres via e-mail, and we’ve stayed in touch since.

Photos of Semor with Jimmy C and Semor & KKade by Lois Stavsky; Semor at work by Lenny Collado and Tara Murray

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Gorey and Paris’s PAL Crew on Lower East Side Streets and at Klughaus with Sunday Closing Party

May 17, 2013

The French NYC-based artist GOREY and Paris’s prolific PAL Crew, consisting of HORFE, CONY, TOMEK, SAEYO, MOSA, ESSO and SKUB, have brought their expressive aesthetic to the streets of the Lower East Side and to Klughaus’s pop-up location at 154 Stanton Street. A closing reception for the exhibit PALINGENESIS — that showcases the artists’ rebirth as evolving fine artists — will be held this Sunday, May 19 from 2-6pm.

On the streets — at Suffolk and Stanton

Close-up from huge mural on Attorney and Delancey

Gorey in the gallery

Photos from the streets by Lois Stavsky; image of Gorey in the gallery courtesy of Klughaus

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From Five Continents to 5Pointz: Onur, Wes21, Kkade, Semor, Vova Zomb, Toofly, eL Seed, Jaye, Meres, Funk, Zert, Stain, MiesOne & Article

May 16, 2013

Since 5Pointz began its 11th season earlier this month, its walls have served as a canvas for artists visiting NYC from across the globe. Here’s a sampling of what has surfaced in the past two weeks:

Onur, Wes21, Kkade from Switzerland and Semor from Germany

Semor and KKade

Vova Zomb from Moscow

Ecuadorian artist Toofly

French Tunisian artist eL Seed, Jaye from Paris and Meres

Funk from Montreal

Australian artists Zert and Stain

Indonesian artist MiesOne

Article from Houston, Texas

Photos by Lenny Collado, Dani Mozeson, Tara Murray & Lois Stavsky

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Speaking with BR1

May 14, 2013

Italian artist BR1 is committed to creating work that transmits a message and raises awareness. His artworks have not only made it onto public spaces in Italy and beyond, but increasingly into galleries, festivals and art fairs, as well. Intrigued by his images that surfaced in Bushwick during his recent visit here, we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet up with him and ask him a few questions.

When did you start getting up?

I was about 14 when I started tagging in my native town of Torino, Italy. Then I gradually moved from stickers to posters to full size images.

What motivates you to get up on the streets?

Everything about the streets inspires me. I’ve always been attracted to walls. Walls talk to you. And I like to raise questions.

Like what kinds of questions?

I’m particularly interested in the image of the veil and all that it represents, particularly the clash of cultures. I’m intrigued by paradoxes.

As someone from South Italy, how did you become interested in this theme?

My grandmother wears a black scarf. Her sensibility is similar to women who wear veils.

Where have you gotten up besides Italy?

I’ve gotten my work out in England, France, Turkey and Spain. And here in the U.S. — in Boston and New York City.

Any favorite cities?

I like Paris as its people are generally open-minded. Istanbul was my least favorite.

What are some of your other subjects besides the veil?

I’m interested in billboard intervention. Billboards are a natural spot and easy to work with.

Do you have a formal art education?

No. My degree is in Law and my thesis was on the veil.

Any favorite artists?

I’m particularly inspired by Iranian photographers. I find Shirin Neshat’s work especially strong.

How do you feel about the movement of street art into galleries?

At first I did not like it, but now I see it as an opportunity. But I prefer to work with nonprofits.

What’s ahead?

I want to return to the U.S. and spend some more time here. I’d also like to continue studying the veil and work on installations, particularly using found objects.

The first image featured was photographed by Tara Murray in NYC; all other images are courtesy of the artist.

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JR and José Parlá at Bryce Wolkowitz and on Chelsea Wall

May 13, 2013

We love JR and José Parlá’s The Wrinkles of the City, Havana not only for its exquisite beauty, but also for the artists’ mission. While in Cuba last year, JR and José Parlá’ interviewed dozens of senior citizens, whose portraits made their way onto Havana’s walls. Twelve of them featuring JR’s masterful photos fused with José Parlá’s stunning calligraphy can be seen through July 12 at Bryce Wolkowitz in Chelsea. Here are a few from this must-see exhibit:

Man with Can