Art Fair

Celebrating NYC’s iconic Hip Hop landmarks – with live painting, artworks, DJ’s, performers and more — the Landmark Festival make its mark this past weekend in East Harlem. A sequel to the hugely popular Landmark exhibit that debuted in January, it was spearheaded and curated by Kate Storch.

Featured above is Japanese native artist Shiro One at work. Several more images — focusing largely on the artworks — captured when I visited on Sunday afternoon follow:

Queens-based Jerms and Topaz 

Brooklyn-based “Miniature Artist” Danny Cortes recreates “Disco Fever,” a dance club that operated from 1976-1986 in the South Bronx and featured legendary hip-hop artists such as Lovebug Starski, Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow & Run-DMC

Manhattan-based Doves and Bluster, Title mural  and backdrop for MC’s

Bronx-based artist and activist KayLove with black book in hand — in which she has made her mark

The legendary hip-hop rapper, producer and DJ Large Professor to the left of Landmark curator Kate Storch

Photos 1-3, 5 & 6: Lois Stavsky; 4 courtesy Landmark Festival

{ 0 comments }

Home to dozens of outstanding artists who are active on both the streets and in their studios, Bogota is a thriving oasis of strikingly impressive urban art. Yet — like so many South American cities — it has been largely overlooked by the dominant street art scene. In his efforts to bring his city’s extraordinary art to a wider audience, Bogota native Lorenzo Masnah launched Street Lynx Bta, a cheerful, welcoming urban art gallery in Bogota’s historic downtown district in 2018. Currently on view is an exhibit featuring artwork by several first-rate artists concurrently participating in  Street ArtBo, an art fair curated and coordinated by Street Lynx BtaWhat follows are several of the artworks on exhibit in the gallery space:

The prolific Bogota-based Ledania who is increasingly making her mark throughout the globe

The hugely influential Bogota-based SakoAsko

Bogota-based Beek, renowned for his masterly wild-style graffiti

The esteemed Bogota-based stencil artist DjLu

LA -based, Colombian graphic designer El Care Barbie

Note: In addition to the Colombian artists participating in Street ArtBo — that continues through Sunday, the 22nd — are several international ones, as well.

Photos courtesy Street Lynx Bta

{ 0 comments }

quik-and-revolt-graffiti-urban-art-fair

The first New York edition of the Urban Art Fair continues through 3pm tomorrow afternoon at Spring Studios in Tribeca.  The artworks pictured above are collaborative works by NYC graffiti pioneers Revolt and  Lin Felton aka Quik at the Green Flowers Art Gallery booth. What follows are several more images of urban artworks, representative of a range of styles, genres and techniques.

NYC native, Paris-based JonOne with Fabien Castainer

Jonone-graffiti-art-urban-art-fair

Lower East Side-based LA2 with Dorian Grey Projects

LA-2-Dorian-Grey-gallery

Swoon with Taglialatella Galleries

swoon-stencil-art-urban-art-fair

French artist Swiz with David Bloch Gallery

swiz-urban-art-fair

NYC-based multi-media artist Alexis Duque with H Gallery

akexis-duque-sculpture-disk

Nick Walker with Galerie Brugier-Rigail

nick-walker-urban-art-fair

Bronx-based graffiti legend John Matos aka Crash for Spring Studios

crash-mural-spring-studios

The Urban Art Fair continues at 50 Varick Street today until 9pm and tomorrow, Monday, from 11am to 3pm. Ticket information is available here.

Photo credits: 1, 3, 7 & 8 Karin du Maire; 2, 4-6 Sara C Mozeson

Note: Hailed in a range of media from WideWalls to the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

noe-two-paints-urban-art-fair

Last evening, the first edition of the New York Urban Art Fair opened its doors at Spring Studios in Tribeca. It continues through Monday, July 3, with three dozen international exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of urban art, along with live painting and book signings. Pictured above is the Parisian artist Noe Two — represented by Les Galeries Bartoux — at work. What follows are several more images — all captured by travel and street art photographer Karin du Maire at yesterday’s launch.

London-based Mr Cenz, also represented by Les Galeries Bartoux

mr-cenz

Paris-based Hopare, represented by Galerie 42b

hopare-urban-arts-fair

NYC-based Logan Hicks with WallWorks NY

lohan-hicks-urban-art-fair

 Brooklyn-based Dain with Joshua Geyer in collaboration with Street Art Direct

dain-urban-arts-fair

UK-based Prefab77 and NYC’s Dan Witz with Jonathan LeVine ProjectsJonathan LeVine pictured

jonathan-levine with prefab-and-dan-witz

The Urban Art Fair is open at 50 Varick Street today until 10pm; tomorrow from 11am to 10pm; Sunday from 11am to 9pm and Monday from 11am to 3pm.  Ticket information is available here.

Photos by Karin du Maire

Note: Hailed in a range of media from WideWalls to the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

The 3rd edition of Street Art Expo NYC took place yesterday afternoon at the Elks Lodge in Elmhurst, Queens. Visitors had the opportunity to meet dozens of artists and vendors and to purchase an amazing array of urban art in different media — from stickers to huge canvases. Here are a few images we captured:

Plasma Slug

Plasma-slug-urban-art

Murrz, tribute to Diva, RIP

Murz-diva-tribute

Epic Uno

Epic-Uno-urban-art

Turtle Caps

turtle-cap-urban-art

Free5

Free5-at-Street-Art-Expo

Kepts

kepts-graffiti

The Royal KingBee

King-Bee-art

Jaylo, signed by KingBee

Jaylo-and-king-bee

Sponsors for the event included: Ironlak, TYO Toys,The Alski Show, Bombing Science and Stick Em Up.

Photo credits: 1-7 Lois Stavsky; 8 Tara Murray

Note: Hailed in a range of media from Wide Walls to the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }

alski-with-merchandise-all-the-right

While attending the Street Art Expo NYC this past May in Elmhurst, I met the legendary Queens graffiti writer Alski. Struck by his passion and devotion to the graffiti culture, I was delighted to have the opportunity to interview him. We met up late last month at All the Right — a hip-hop clothing and graffiti art store — on the corner of 92nd Street and Corona Avenue in Elmhurst.

When did you first get up?  

It was back in 1979 in Corona. I was in the 6th grade at the time.

What were your main spots?

Street corners and the 7 train.

alski-paints-graffiti

What inspired you back then?

It was the incredible pieces I saw on my walks from Roosevelt Avenue to Junction Boulevard – works by Dondi, Fuzz, Flame. I remember being struck by their phenomenal colors. And I liked the idea of becoming popular — of getting known.

Did you paint with any crews back in the day?

I was mostly solo. The kids from school wouldn’t put me down because I was White.

How did your family feel about what you were doing back?

My father couldn’t understand why I was doing what I was doing! He yelled at me, but he was always good to me.

alski-graffiti-on-canvas-with-background

What were some of the dangers you encountered doing what you were doing?

Running as I was getting chased and dodging bottles that were thrown at me.

Can you tell us something about your name — Alski?

I’ve actually had lots of names. But the Al is my tribute to Raskal; I like his handstyle. And ski signifies homie.

These days — would you rather work alone, or do you prefer to collaborate with others?

I generally like working alone, but collaborating with others allows me to get to know other writers.

alski-paints-train

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide? Do you — personally — feel it?

There’s definitely resentment among some graffiti writers towards street artists. Many street artists come from privileged backgrounds, and they’ve gone on to earn degrees in Fine Arts. Most graffiti kids can’t spend money the way many street artists can to promote their careers. The writers also feel that much of street art is a sell-out. But, no, I don’t feel it personally. I’m neutral! I’m open to interviewing street artists for my podcast, as well as graffiti writers.

Have any particular cultures influenced your aesthetic?

The B-Boy culture and hip-hop were my main influences.

the-alski-show

I’ve been checking out The Alski Show. I love it.  It’s so much fun, and I’m learning so much. You’ve interviewed quite a few legends.

Yes. Among them are Ces, Moody Mutz, Fade AA Mobb, DusterDuel, Ket, Giz & Easy

You’ve been doing this weekly now for almost a year. I know that you work full time. That’s a lot of love and a lot of devotion.

It’s my way of giving back, of keeping the culture alive and pushing it forward.

The Alski Show certainly seems to be doing that!

street-art-expo-nyc-queens

You can check out Alski’s website, Out to Crashhere.  And you can meet him tomorrow, Sunday, at the Street Art Expo NYC where he will be selling a range of merchandise — from canvases to his  OTCITY Truckbooks — and signing black books.

Photos: 1 Lois Stavsky; 2-4 courtesy the artist. Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky.

{ 0 comments }

Okuda-no-commissions

Held in a huge South Bronx warehouse, No Commission features the artworks of over two dozen first-rate established and emerging artists. Curated by the Dean Collection and directed by Swizz Beatz, the four-day event — currently underway — is designed to support artists by offering them free space and 100% of the sale of their artwork. Among the artists featured are several whose works have also surfaced on our streets. Pictured above is Okuda. Here are several more:

John Ahearn does Bio, Tats Cru

John-ahearn-no-commissions

Zio Ziegler

zio-ziegler-artwork-no-commission

Pablo Power

pablo-power-no-commission

 Faile

faile-no-commissions-art

Swoon 

swoon-portrait-no-commissions

Nina Chanel

Nina-Chanel-no-commissions

And on the exterior: Nicer, Tats Cru, close-up from huge mural fashioned collaboratively with Sexer, BG 183, Crash and Bio

nicer-tats-cru-no-commission

Photo credits: 1-3, 6-8 Lois Stavsky;  4 & 5 Sara C Mozeson

{ 0 comments }

All-City Express, a hugely impressive interactive art exhibitionmade its world premiere last weekend at Randall’s Island’s Panorama. Under the curatorial direction of 5Pointz Creates leaders Meres One and Marie Flageul, Lady Pink, Tkid 170Toofly, Meres One, Jerms, Topaz, and See tf painted live, covering digital subway cars with original artwork. Fusing graffiti’s underground roots with innovative video technology, the project was developed by Brooklyn-based AST Studios with Tangible Interaction. Here are a few images captured in the course of this three-day cutting-edge homage to traditional graffiti art.

Five of the 5Pointz Creates crew with Marie Flageul in foreground — on green screen

5pointz-creates-with-marie

Lady Pink and Toofly at work on green screen

lady-pink-and-toofly-graffiti

And with completed piece as viewed on virtual subway train

lady-Pink-and-Toofly-graffiti-production

See tf and Python with completed piece on green screen

see-tf-and-python

Jerms and Topaz  as a mix of technologies brings them at work onto a NYC train in real time

Jerms=-graffiti-projection

T-Kid with completed piece on green screen

T-Kid-graffiti

And as viewed on virtual train

T-Kid-Randalls

Meres One at work on green screen

meres-paints-graffiti

Digital tagging by AST Studios; graffiti software by Tangible Interaction & advanced motion capture by PhaseSpace

5-pointz-tags

And the trains roll by throughout NYC with AST Studios‘ life-like visual effects and editorial content by Possible Productions

graffiti-trains

Photo credits: 1, 3-10 Nic Lyte and 2 Rachel Fawn; videos produced by AST Studios

Note: This blog will be on vacation through Sunday, August 7. You can follow us on Facebook and on Instagram.

Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 1 comment }

A member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Colorado-based Gregg Deal is an accomplished muralist, painter and performance artist. I first encountered his artwork awhile back on the grounds of the EBC High School For Public Service in Bushwick, Brooklyn. This past weekend, I met him down in DC at the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, where he was one of 40 artists featured in CrossLines, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

"Gregg Deal"

What spurred you to so fervently embrace your Native American identity?

I don’t know that I specifically embrace it. It is just one of my many identities. I am, foremost, a human being. I am also an artist, a husband and a father.

gregg-deal-portrait-face

You are sitting here in a tipi. What does this particular setting represent?

This tipi represents Washington DC. It is where museums, politics, sports and commerce all contribute to a view of Native Americans.

gregg-deal-tipi

What about the paintings inside this tipi? How did you decide which to include?

I had to include works that would be acceptable to the Smithsonian. They had to be safe. And so I chose identifiable stereotypes of Native Americans — the only image most others have of us.

And as today’s event progresses, you continue to cross out the mouths of your portraits with bold red lines.

Yes! That is because of voices our censored. We have not been permitted to speak for ourselves. I, myself, have been censored.

gregg-deal-censorship

What about your interpreter? You often speak through an interpreter.

That is because our lives — our experiences, feelings and thoughts —  are almost always interpreted through others. Authentic indigenous voices have yet to be heard or recognized.

gregg-deal-portrait-crosslines-smithsonian

You are certainly creating awareness of that here.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 3 Sara C. Mozeson; interview by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

sheryo-and-the-Yok-and-Persue-Street-art-powwowdc

Founded in 2010 by artist and curator Jasper Wong, Pow! Wow! has since staged several cultural festivals across the globe. While down in DC this past weekend, we had the chance to check out the final days of  Pow! Wow! DC in the Capitol’s NoMa district.  Organized by DC artist and designer Kelly Towles, Pow! Wow! DC features the talents of 17 local, national and international artists. Above is a segment from a huge mural painted collaboratively by the Yok, Sheryo and Persue. Here are several more images we captured:

Hawaiian duo Wooden Wave

wooden-wave-PowwowDC-street-art-Washington-DC

Hong Kong-based Caratoes

caratoes-powwowDC- street-art-WashingtonDC

Miami-based Hoxxoh

Hoxxoh-PowwowDC-street-art-Washington-DC

DC-based Decoy at work

decoy-paints-mural-art-Washington-DC-PowwowDC

Puerto Rican artist Vero

vera-rivera-mural-art-Powwow-DC

Richmond, Virginia-based Jacob Eveland, close-up from huge mural

jacob-eveland-mural-art-dc-powwow

Local artist HKS181 at work

HKS-One-eighty-one-paints-mural-art-powwowdc-washingtondc

DC-based Naturel

Naturel-PowwowDC-street-art-Washington-DC

LA-based Drew Merritt and London-based Insa

drew-merritt-insa-mural-art-pow-wow

Photo credits: 1, 3, 5. 7-10 Tara Murray; 2, 4 & 6 Lois Stavsky

Note: Hailed in a range of media from the Huffington Post to the New York Times, our Street Art NYC App is now available for Android devices here.

en-play-badge 2

{ 0 comments }