Bronx Museum of the Arts

Bronx-based artists John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres have been fashioning exquisite life-like portraits of their neighbors for over 40 years. At once poignant and majestic, their sculptural portraits are a a visual ode to their community — its resilient spirit and its rich culture.  Continuing through this month at The Bronx Museum is their solo exhibition  “Swagger and Tenderness…,” featuring 65 sculptural portraits created both individually and collaboratively. What follows is a brief sampling:

John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres, “Janelle and Audrey,” 1983, Acrylic on plaster

John Ahearn, “Joe Conzo at 17,” 2020, Acryic on plaster

Rigoberto Torres, “Daze,” 1998, Acrylic on plaster

John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres, “Mario and Norma,” 1979, Acrylic on plaster

John Ahearn, “Juanita in Stripes Hugging Carlos,” 2020, Acrylic on plaster

Rigoberto Torres, “Melissa Maycock,” 1997, Acrylic on plaster

John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres, “Bintou and Anwar,” 1998, Acrylic on plaster

Co-curated by Amy Rosenblum-Martín and literary activist Ron Kavanaugh, “Swagger and Tenderness…” remains on view at The Bronx Museum until the end of this month. Located at 1040 Grand Concourse, the museum is open Wednesday – Sunday from 1 – 6PM. Admission is free.

Photo credits: Rachel Alban, 1, 4, 6 & 7; Lois Stavsky, 2, 3, 5 & 8

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Outdoor Gallery New York City author and photographer Yoav Litvin continues readings from his book and conversations about New York City street art this evening, August 6, from 5-:30 – 7:30 at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Among the topics he will discuss are: documenting street art and graffiti; constructing and editing interviews, and publishing and promoting his book.  Admission is free and you can hop off the Bronx Trolley that provides a free arts and culture tour of the South Bronx on the first Wednesday of every month. Yoav will be joined this evening by the wonderfully talented artist and art educator, Alice Mizrachi, who will speak about her own art and its evolution.

Alice-Mizrachi-street-art-NYC

On Wednesday, August 20, Yoav’s special guest, Brooklyn-based street and subway artist Jilly Ballistic, will join him at Word at 126 Franklin Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The discussion will begin at 7pm.

Jilly-Ballistic-street-art-NYC

And on Thursday, August 28, Chris Stain, one of our favorite stencil artists and muralists, will be joining Yoav at 7pm at the collectively-owned Bluestockings at 172 Allen Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

"Chris Stain"

Photos by Yoav Litvin

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An award-winning multidisciplinary artist, Brazilian native Priscila De Carvalho currently lives and works in NYC.  We recently caught up with her in the Bronx, where she was working with local teens on a mural to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

Priscila De Carvalho

When and where did you do your first public mural?

In Puebla, Mexico a few years ago.

Are there any particular cultures that influence you aesthetic?

The street art culture and urban life, in general. I used to skateboard and surf back in Brazil.

Your work is not only beautiful; it also intellectually engages us. Does it have a particular message or theme?

Most of my work relates to the economic and socio-political issues surrounding the out-of-control urbanization of slum dwellers. I juxtapose my observations about sub-cultural communities with other contemporary issues such as climate change and pollution

Priscila De Carvalho

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

I usually have a basic sketch design layout. But it doesn’t always go accordingly.

Do you generally work alone? How do you feel about collaborating with other artists?

Yes, most of the time I work alone or with some assistants. I enjoy working alone, but there’s also the communication and camaraderie — so important among artists — that only collaboration can bring.

What percentage of your time is devoted to your artwork?

At this point of my career, it’s a full time job. It’s not just the creative end of it. There’s also the administrative part. And gallery exhibits demand a huge amount of work…lots of business work, including networking.

Priscila De Carvalho

Any other passions?

Music. I studied piano for six years, but I just didn’t have what it demands.

As a muralist who works in sanctioned spaces, what are your thoughts about graffiti?

I’m highly inspired by graffiti — its energy and vitality.

Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?

Graffiti has its distinct history and techniques.   It has evolved from tagging into a complex art form. Many street artists started as graffiti artists.  Street art and graffiti are connected.

Priscila De Carvalho

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

It can turn art into a commodity. But it must remain an option, as every artist has to earn a living.

Where have you exhibited?

I’ve exhibited in Spain, London, Paris, Berlin, Nepal and Mexico. I had my first solo exhibition at The Jersey City Museum in 2009.

What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done as an artist?

In Nepal, I had to climb a 30-foot bamboo structure with no scaffolding. I was tied to a harness, and it was hard for me to visualize what I was painting. But it one of the most rewarding work/travel experiences I’ve had.

Priscila De Carvalho

Do you have a formal arts education?

No. I studied painting/sculpture informally for a few years before I started with my studio practice.

What’s ahead?

Some permanent public art projects and more exhibitions.

Interview by Lenny Collado; first photo by Lois Stavsky; all other images are courtesy of the artist.

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