Chelsea

sold-magazine-cover -URNewYork

The second issue of SOLD Magazine — the magazine by artists for artistswas formally launched last night with an Affordable Art Show at Chelsea’s Studio Kraut.  After checking out the art — that had already been installed when I came by — and perusing the magazine, I spoke to SOLD Magazine‘s publishing editor BD White.

Back in January, you, John Paul O’Grodnick and Greg Frederick first launched SOLD Magazine. How has the response to it been? What kind of feedback have you gotten?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People were eager to become involved with it. We had a steady stream of encouraging emails, text messages, phone calls and comments. It was the incredibly enthusiastic response to SOLD Magazines first issue that has kept us going!

BD-White-stencil-art

How did you go about distributing the premiere issue of your magazine?

We distributed over 3,000 copies — 20 at a time — by getting them anywhere and everywhere! We hit art stores, alternative spaces, cafes, bagel and muffin shops…just about any place that was open to receiving our magazine.

This second issue looks fantastic! There are revealing interviews with UR NEW YORK, City Kitty and Appleton, along with a range of intriguing feature articles. You even have a recipe for wheat paste, this issue’s theme! How was the experience of getting SOLD Magazine out different this time around?

It was easier! Most of the kinks had already been worked out. The actual layout took far less time. And because of the buzz that the first issue generated, artists approached us, as they were eager to be featured.

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Did any unanticipated challenges come your way?

Because everyone who worked with us was so cooperative and accommodating, we were able to easily overcome any potential obstacles.

I like this venue. Even the setting for the artwork is perfect. How did Studio Kraut come your way?

Yes, it is great! The backdrop had already been painted and designed by Dripped On Productions, and Kwue Molly introduced us to this space.

ramiro-davaro-sold-magazine

What’s ahead for SOLD Magazine?

The next issue will focus on muralists. You are in for a surprise! And keep posted for news of our upcoming podcast In the Spray Room.

How can folks get hold of the magazine if it is not easily accessible to them?

They can subscribe. That is the one way they will be sure not to miss an issue!

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Congratulations! I’m already looking forward to the next issue! I’m heading out now to read this one cover-to-cover!

Pictured above are:

1. Cover of SOLD Magazine  Issue #2 featuring UR NEW YORK, Mike Baca aka 2esae and Ski; photo by John Paul O’Grodnick

2. BD White,

3. Raphael Gonzalez, City Kitty, CB23, JCorp, JPO, BD White and Joseph Meloy

4, Ramiro Davaro

5, Choice Royce

Photos of artworks and interview by Lois Stavsky

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Michael-Alan-9-Lives

Michael Alan‘s wonderfully inventive new works remain on view through Saturday at Chelsea’s Tanja Grunert Gallery, 524 W 19th Street. After visiting his riveting exhibit, Nine Lives, we posed a few questions to the prolific artist.

Can you tell us something about the title of your current exhibit? What is the significance of Nine Lives to you?

The title, Nine Lives, is a play on my health issues and my determination to not focus on them, but to take what I’ve I learned and help others through my art. The works in this exhibit expand beyond my human life.

Michael-Alan-art-work

How have recent life events impacted this body of work? 

Everything that happens to me impacts my work. I represent the tradition of creating work based on my life. My work is my life’s visual journal.

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We love your characters. Who or what inspired them? Are they based on people you know? Or are they simply figments of your imagination?

I see them as part of my visual language — from ghosts of my past to art history references, to my friends and my models and now everyone! Draw the world, and do everything you can do! Life is short. Don’t stay limited or become a brand.

Michael-Alan-vertical

There’s quite a mix of styles and media on exhibit in Nine Lives. Have you any favorite piece or pieces? Any favorite medium?

I wish I could choose a favorite. My mind would be more simple — in a sense — if I could. But I’m a complex multitasker, and I love all things equally! I try as hard as I can to edit and make each work better or at least equal to the last. I think every piece should all hold up on its own.

Michael-alan-new-art-work

How did the opening at Tanja Grunert Gallery go? It is such a lovely space.

The opening attracted over 500 people. Paul Jacobson had a solo show in the bottom-level gallery, and I loved showing with him. We didn’t have much time to promote our exhibits, but so many people came! Thanks to all! Thank you!

Michael-alan-outside-tanja-grunet

 What’s next?

I couldn’t say what’s to come, because if I did, I wouldn’t have to do it. It would be done! Every day is a gift, even a bad day! So I just count everything as a blessing…even if it’s a negative.

Photo credits: 1 courtesy Michael Alan; 2-5 Tara Murray and 6 Jennifer Lopez, courtesy Michael Alan

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Lorenzo-masnah-with-artwork-chelsea

On view through tomorrow at 548 West 28th Street is Urban Reference, an engaging exhibit of works in a variety of media by Lorenzo Masnah, Alex Seel and Guillermo Perez.  When I visited earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak to Lorenzo.

Just what is going on here?

When an opportunity to exhibit art in this space came our way, we decided to launch a show on the theme of urban life. It is what we know best!

There seem to be a few different motifs going on here.

Yes! Alex‘s photos were shot in Colombia’s capital city, Bogota. He spent several weeks there working on a documentary focusing on the city’s street life  Highlights include: live bombing by APC members, including Stinkfish; an interview with Bogota’s legendary MC, Manny from the underground rap group, Crack Family and advice from assorted characters who dwell on the streets of Bogota.

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And what about Guillermo Perez? I love his paintings.

Guillermo Perez was born in the Dominican Republic into a family of master painters. On exhibit are his small works referencing people he’s met in the urban sphere.

How did you all three meet?

A number of years back, we shared the same living space in Bushwick — before the neighborhood became so gentrified.

Guillermo-Perez-musicians

You are continuing your series of dancers and musicians here, along with new works with a distinct urban flair and outsider sensibility.  What are your primary media?

I work with the “tools of the trade,” — Mean Streak markers and paints on a huge range of surfaces. And I find myself incorporating graffiti elements.

 How did you get the word out about the exhibit — on such short notice?

Largely through Instagram and Facebook. And, of course, we let all our close friends know.

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How can folks see the exhibit?

It will continue through tomorrow, Friday. We are on the third floor of 548 West 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.

Note: Lorenzo can be contacted at thirdwolrdpirate@gmail.com to confirm a visit

 Images:

1.  Lorenzo Masnah

2.  Alex Seel

3.  Guillermo Perez

4.  Lorenzo Masnah, close-up

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky

Photo credits: 1 Lois Stavsky; 3 Dani Reyes Mozeson & 4 courtesy of  Lorenzo Masnah

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.

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Ayad-Alkadhi-I-Am-Baghdad

Continuing through October 3 at Chelsea’s Azart Gallery is More than Words, co-curated by Melissa McCaig-Welles and Latifa Metheny. Presenting a range of artworks fusing text and images, the exhibit features a wonderfully eclectic mix of styles, sensibilities and cultures.  Here is a sampling of the works:

Brooklyn-based Canadian painter Tim Okamura

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Brooklyn-based Moroccan artist Rocko, close-up

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Queens native Greg Lamarche aka SP.ONE

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Vitry sur-Seine-based French artist C215  

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Azart Gallery is located at 617 West 27 Street in Chelsea and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Note: The first image, I Am Baghdad, is by New York-based Iraqi artist Ayad Alkadhi.

Photo credits: 1-3 & 5 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 4 Lois Stavsky

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Jamie-Martinez-Mountain-Cat

Until April 23 it is still possible to see Jamie Martinez’s distinctly wonderful art at Gallerie Protégé.  Fashioned meticulously and inventively from triangles, Jamie’s works on display range from exquisite oil paintings to tantalizing abstract designs. Here is a sampling of the works from the exhibit, Hunt for Inspiration, curated by Oscar A. Laluyan:

Leopardo, 552 individual oil paintings on wood

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El Lobo, oil on canvas

Jamie-Martinez-El-Lobo-oil-on-canvas

Abstract 15, digital c-print

Jamie-Martinez-abstract

Particularly exciting news for us street art aficionados is that several of Jamie Martinez‘s abstract works will be blown up between 6-9 feet for an upcoming public art project, Off the Grid: Innovations in Contemporary Abstraction.  The works will remain on exhibit for a minimum of six months at the site of the West Village Triangle Park at 7th Avenue and 12th Street.

Note:  Gallerie Protégé is located on the lower level of Chelsea Frames at 197 9th Avenue

galerie-protege

Photo credits: 1, 2, and 5 Dani Reyes Mozeson; 3 Lois Stavsky; 4 courtesy of the artist; the first image pictured is Mountain Cat, oil on canvas; the final image is Medusa, 414 individual oil paintings on wood.

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keith-haring-close-up-untitled-1984

Unlike so many of Keith Haring‘s playfully iconic works that exude a child-like innocence, the huge works on exhibit in Heaven and Hell largely suggest an eerie darkness and unfettered eroticism. Here’s a sampling:

Wide view of two untitled works, 1984

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Untitled, 1985

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Untitled, 1984

keith-haring-untitled-artwork, 1984

Untitled, 1984

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Heaven and Hell remains on exhibit at Skarstedt at 550 West 21 Street through next Saturday.

Photos of images: 1, 4 and 5 City-as-School intern Zachariah Messaoud; 2 and 3 Dani Reyes Mozeson. Note: First photo is a close-up from the huge mural below it (R).

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"Prophet in the Desert"

A graffiti writer and b-boy back in the 70’s, California-based Doze Green crafts extraordinary artwork that exudes all the energy, exuberance and irreverence of the New York City streets that were once his.  Out of Nowhere, his current exhibit and fifth solo show at Jonathan LeVine, continues through Saturday at 557C West 23rd Street. Here are a few more images:

Set with Osirian Strap (Penis Envy)mixed media on canvas

"Set with Osirian Strap-On (Penis Envy)"

Napoleon Bonefart, mixed media on wood

"Napoleon Bonefart"

H Thrice, mixed-media on canvas

"H Thrice"

The Initiate, mixed media on canvas 

"The Initiate"

The Jonathan LeVine Gallery is open from 11am to 6pm.

Photos of images by Dani Reyes Mozeson; first image is Prophet in the Desert, mixed-media on canvas

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Earlier this week, FIT students and alumni took to sharing their skills with the public outside FIT’s buildings on Seventh Avenue between 27 and 28 Streets. Here’s a sampling of what went down:

Angel Garcia with Darien Merriett at work to his left

Darien-Merriett-Angel-Garcia-Chalk-Art-FIT-NYC

Jhowee Chiang — work in progress — to the right of unidentified artist at work

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Victor Saint-Hilaire, close-up

Victor-A.-Saint-Hilaire-FIT-Chalk-Art-Character

Daisy Ruiz

"Daisy Ruiz"

Anita Stevens Rundles

"Anita Stevrun"

Chase Michaelis — segment — to the left of artists to be identified

Chase-Michaelis-Danny-Scanno-fit-chalk-art

Meagan Meli to the left of artists at work

Megan-Meli-Chalk-Art-FIT-NYC

Photos by FIT alumnus Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Kurar-stencil-art

Based in France, Kurar crafts visually and conceptually engaging stencils. Often incorporating graffiti elements, they frequently take on such contentious subjects as politics and consumerism. Here are a few more images from his exhibit – on view through October 21 at Chelsea’s Artemisia Gallery.

Dirty Money

"Kurar stencil art"

Liberty of 21st Century, close-up

"Kurar stencil art"

Heritage

"Kurar stencil art"

Wide view of select artworks on exhibit

Kurar

Sharing the space at 617 West 27th Street with Kurar is an exhibit of alluring new artworks by Indie 184, presented by Azart Gallery.

Photos of Kurar’s artworks by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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Jose-Parla

Continuing through Saturday at Chelsea’s Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery, José Parlá’s solo exhibition, “In Medias Res,” features a range of exquisitely richly-layered, abstract works focusing on the artist’s personal interactions with particular places. Here is a small sampling:

The Ghetto (on right) and San Lazaro y Genios

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Hot Gowanus

Jose-Parla-hot-gowanus

Bowery and Houston

Jose-Parla-Bowery-and-Houston-4

The Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery is located at 505 West 24th Street in Chelsea. On its exterior you will find the following collab between José Parlá and JR captured last fall.

"Jose Parla and JR"

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

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