The rappel graffiti featured above was painted in Ridgewood, Queens by the masterly artists Exr and Fumi. What follows are several more images of unsanctioned artworks — in our ongoing series, “Pushing It Forward” — that have made their way onto Queens’ open spaces.
Jas 7
Vods and Timer
Suba, RIP
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 4 & 5 Lois Stavsky; 3, 6, 7 & 9 Giulia Shine; 8 Tara Murray
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While numerous documentaries focus on graffiti artists themselves, few spotlight the photographers who track down their work and share it with the public. There’s No Reward is the exception. Filmed by Queens-based subculture observer Ray Parada, There’s No Reward takes us into the minds and lives of those photographers and documentarians who preserve this ever-ephemeral culture. Although they do not take the extraordinary risks many of the writers do, those featured in There’s No Reward share their frenzied fervor, often bordering on obsessiveness. They, too, trespass into abandoned and soon-to-be-demolished spaces as they feed their addiction.
While each photographer’s particular approach may differ, all share an acute curiosity about graffiti, particularly unsanctioned public art. To Fresh Paint NYC — featured above — it’s largely a matter of tracking down and learning the history of graffiti, as well as documenting its continual evolution. To others, such as Luna Park, it’s a joyous adventure — a “walking meditation” that has taken her into neighborhoods and sites that she most likely would never have discovered if not for her love of graffiti.
As Carnage observes, “Once you learn about graffiti and start seeing graff in your environment, you can’t unsee it. You’re always going to be curious about it, and you are always going to want to see more.”
After viewing the documentary, I had the opportunity to pose several questions to Ray.
What spurred you to produce a documentary that focuses on graffiti photographers and documentarians?
I had been into graffiti ever since discovering it in the ’80s. But in 2015, I met Steve aka Smkjr who introduced me to a scene I hadn’t known about — a secret world where graff hunters get up at 6 a.m. to hunt down anything new that may have surfaced since their last mission. Discovering a new piece by the likes of Curve, Klops, or Kuma was an instant high.
“There’s no reward,” explained Steve, “other than the adrenaline of exploring a spot and discovering an artist you admire.”
How were you able to connect with these photographers?
I actually worked with both Smkjr and Intospaces in the same workspace. I met others through them and through word of mouth.
The documentary covers a 10-year span. What were some of the challenges you experienced in shooting it?
When I first started, I was working with a handheld camcorder. I didn’t feel secure, and I felt the final product could be stronger. In addition, I lost a disc that held dozens of valuable photos and interviews. That was incredibly discouraging. But then COVID hit, and things picked up. The technology had improved significantly, and I regained the confidence I had lost.
How has the scene changed from when you first started shooting There’s No Reward?
Rappel graffiti has had a huge impact on the scene. Some of the artists who were active a decade ago are no longer around. Some of the places the photographers frequented no longer exist. Some of the photographers — due to family responsibilities — are not as active as they had been. And several of the photographers now use drones.
Note: You can view the documentary in its entirety here.
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky
Screenshots
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The stunning image featured above, “Botanical Plus,” was painted in Hells Kitchen by the Italian muralist Fabio Petani. Created in collaboration with the nonprofit YOURBAN 2030, it was fashioned with Airlite, a special eco-paint that reduces pollotion. Several more images of nature-inspired street art follows:
Veteral graffiti writer BC NBA at Boone Avenue Walls in West Farms, Bronx
East Harlem-based artist and activist Ysabel Abreu in East Harlem with Uptown Grand Central
Bronx-born mixed media artist Jose Baez in East Harlem with Uptown Grand Central
The legendary Chris “DAZE” Ellis — segment of collaborative mural — outside the Graffiti Hall of Fame
Multidisciplinary artists Airis and Mia at Boone Avenue Walls in West Farms, Bronx
Bronx-based Kingbee buzzing up in the Heights
Photo credits: 1 Tara Murray, 2-7 Lois Stavsky
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Featured above is Shepard Fairey‘s tribute to the legendary Beastie Boys. Still looming large over East 14th Street, it was facilitated by the Lisa Project NYC back in 2023. Several more images of guys on NYC walls follow:
Trace1, Drepstah and more, memorial wall to the late beloved DJ Kay Slay aka Dez in East Harlem
Jerkface brings Beavis and Butt-Head to the Bushwick Collective
Joe Iurato brings “Gotham’s Protector” to the rooftop of Taglialatella Galleries in Chelsea
TRAP.IF celebrates jazz musicians in East Harlem with Uptown Grand Central
Kron dedicates memorial mural to Bronx writer Louie 167 at Boone Avenue Walls
Yes One and Jaek El Diablo pay homage to Bronx legends Big Pun and Fat Joe in Mott Haven with Boone Avenue Walls
Photo credits: 1-3, 5-7 Lois Stavsky; 4 Tara Murray
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The rappel graffiti featured above was fashioned in the Bronx by Mad Vaillan, Dzel and Fumi. What follows are several more images of unsanctioned artworks — in our ongoing series, “Pushing It Forward” — that have made their way to Bronx open spaces.
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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Directed by award-winning filmmaker Emmitt H Thrower, Spray Can Stories features not only in-depth personal interviews with legendary Tats Cru members BG 183 and Nicer, but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the entire hip-hop culture that emerged in the Bronx. After viewing the film, I had the opportunity to pose several questions to Emmitt:
What inspired you to produce a film focused on graffiti, particularly Bronx graffiti culture?
Growing up in Brooklyn in the early ’80s, I wasn’t all that aware of graffiti. I always liked to draw, and a few of us began writing our names with chalk in public spaces, but it never went any further. Years later, when I moved to the Bronx, I became intrigued by graffiti—its raw beauty, its democratic spirit, its impact. It was everywhere around me, and I was eager to explore its history and learn more about it. Once I did, I wanted to share what I discovered with others.
Who is your intended audience? The film is such a powerful educational resource—students around the globe are certain to love it.
My intended audience is broad. It includes anyone engaged in hip-hop culture, as well as those interested in learning how an illicit art form born in impoverished neighborhoods became a global phenomenon. As BG 183 and Nicer relate, they went from asking local stores for wall space to earning thousands of dollars creating ads for worldwide corporations.
What would you like your viewers to walk away with?
A deeper understanding how this original American art form began, along with an appreciation for the young people who started the culture.
How did you decide when and where to incorporate AI?
I was drawn to the visual impact of AI and the way it could be incorporated into the documentary as an added element to enhance the narrative. I also appreciated how AI allowed me to revisit the past and capture the sense of community that hip-hop culture fostered. My son was especially helpful in this particular aspect of the film’s development.
What were some of the challenges you faced in producing this film?
I kept asking myself how to create an immersive story that would authentically capture this rich culture and engage audiences. Another major challenge was overcoming the suspicion of the graffiti artists I had initially approached.
How did you support the production?
It was made possible with regrant funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts. I supplemented these funds with some of my own.
Although Spray Can Stories has already been nominated for and won several awards, it hasn’t yet debuted in New York City. How can folks see your film?
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky with Tara Murray
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An extension of Underhill Walls and just a short walk away, Washington Walls continues to bring intrigue and beauty to a formerly neglected crosswalk in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. The whimsical image featured above was painted by multidisciplinary Brooklyn-based artist Jamia. What follows are a few more murals painted this past fall — all under the curatorial direction of Jeff Beler.
Miami-based Argentinian muralist Chuave
Queens-based Colombian multimedia artist Fernando Garcia aka Nandos
Brooklyn-based artist Kelvin Morel aka Kam
Queens native Jeff Rose King
Buenos Aires-born, NYC-based artist Sonni
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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Pictured above is New York–based artist Brandon Sines‘ visual ode to NYC featuring his beloved, magical creation Frank Ape. What follows are several more homages to NYC off and on Houston Street that I captured this past Sunday.
The legendary Bronx-based artist John “Crash” Matos salutes the late Keith Haring in his ode to Downtown NYC. This mural also appears on the walls of the Ridge Hotel directly off East Houston Street.
Close-up of John “Crash” Matos mural featuring the artist’s signature eye
GRAFSTRACT originator Fumero brings his distinct aesthetic to Avalon Chemists’ on the corner of Houston & 2nd Avenue
Japanese artist Tomokazu Matsuyama‘s “homage to New York’s diversity” on the iconic Bowery Wall
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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Directly off the Alabama Avenue stop on the J train is an open-air gallery featuring over a dozen wonderfully varied and alluring murals. Under the curatorial direction of Queens Art Collective, the East New York Walls attest to the diversity of urban art — as they range from graffiti to stencil art to portraiture. The sumptuously seductive image featured above was painted by Miami-based Peruvian-American artist Diana Contreras aka DidiRok. Several more images captured last week while visiting these walls follow:
Veteran stylemaster Curve
NYC-based, Puerto Rico-born artist Epic Uno
Brooklyn-based Colombian artist Praxis
NYC-based artist and arts educator Carnivorousflora
Philippines-born, Queens-based artist Jappy Agoncillo
Buenos Aires-born, NYC-based artist Sonni
Note: Check out the Street Art NYC Instagram for more images from East New York Walls
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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Currently on view at the corner of Underhill Avenue and Saint Johns Place is “What’s Your Sign?” — a captivating series of murals celebrating our Zodiac signs. The image featured above, a whimsical mix of all of our astrological signs, was fashioned by Rio de Janeiro-born, Brooklyn-based artist Barbtropolis. A small selection of additional Zodiac murals — painted under the curatorial direction of Jeff Beler — follow:
Queens-based muralist OG Millie does Sagittarius
NYC-based artist and arts educator Marissa Molina does Taurus
Ithica-based multimedia artist Clove and Bogota, Colombia-native Calicho Arevalo do Libra
Miami-based Nicaraguan artist Luis Valle aka El Chan Guri does Aires
Dumbo-based Craig Anthony Miller and veteran writer BC NBA do Leo
Brooklyn-based, Beijing-born muralist, illustrator and educator Peach Tao aka peacheeblue does Pisces
Note: Keep posted to the Street Art NYC Instagram and Threads for more images from “What’s Your Sign?”
Photos: Lois Stavsky
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