This is the fourth in a series of occasional posts featuring images of children that surface on NYC public spaces:
Joe Iurato in Bushwick
Danielle Mastrion at the Bushwick Collective
Chris Stain at the Bushwick Collective
Stinkfish in Bushwick for the Juicyartfest
Icy and Sot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Zimer in Bushwick for the Bushwick Collective
Photos of Danielle Mastrion and Zimer by Dani Reyes Mozeson; of Joe Iurato, Chris Stain, Stinkfish and Icy and Sot by Lois Stavsky
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Imagination in Space – a group of talented artists repurposing the use of city space as an alternative to traditional galleries – brought their vision to the East Village this past Tuesday. In partnership with London-based We Are Pop Up and NYC-based watchmaker Martenero, The Allies have launched their model of “borderless creativity” at 37 East First Street. Among the works featured are quite a few of interest to us street art aficionados. A small sampling follows:
UK graffiti pioneer Inkie
London-based Elmo Hood
Brooklyn-based Misha T
From the launch with noted culture critic Carlo McCormick in attendance (bottom, right)
And a close-up of the backyard — — transformed by Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture students — the setting of its daily morning yoga classes
Also on view and for sale are works by NYC-based photographer Joey L, illustrator Sam Spratt and multi-media artist Yazmany Arboleda, along with Martenero‘s customized automatic watches and selections from Heidi Gardner’s esoteric jewelry designs. Perceiving its space as an alternative to traditional galleries, The Allies aims to transform city spaces into pop-up galleries — more vibrant and accessible than traditional art-sales venues. You can visit the space through Tuesday at 37 East First Street.
Photos of Elmo and backyard by Dani Reyes Mozeson; all other courtesy of The Allies
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Barcelona-based Txemy creates innovative, colorful images composed with lively lines and strokes. Muro is best-known for his fanciful characters — in a variety of uncanny situations — that make their way onto city walls. The current exhibit — “Universal Weapons” at Exit Room NY — features a range of intriguing work from both Spanish artists, including some beguiling collaborations. Here’s a sampling:
Txemy and Muro, Untitled, Mixed media on paper
Txemy, Tiro al Aire, Spray paint on paper
Muro, Alphabet “H,” Mixed media on paper
Txemy and Muro, Untitled, Mixed media on paper
Txemy, Weapons, Spraypaint on paper
Final photo by Rachel Fawn Alban; all others by Lois Stavsky; image on Exit Room door by Icy & Sot.
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Argentinian stencil pioneer Cabaio recently brought his distinct aesthetic to NYC. A few weeks back, I discovered him at work at the Bushwick Collective and was mesmerized by his stunningly intricate, brightly hued stencil work.
When and where did you first get up on a public surface?
I began in Buenos Aires in 2001.
What was your inspiration at the time?
In the midst of an economic crisis, there were too many ads in public spaces. They seemed to be everywhere. And I didn’t like looking at ads. I saw my artwork as an alternative way of using public space. And then in 2003, during the invasion of Iraq, I was further inspired to use public space to transmit messages. The global political situation — at the time — motivated me to make my own mark.
Have you any favorite surfaces or spots?
I like rough surfaces, and I always seek the right context for a piece. I particularly like quiet spots.
Have you ever been arrested?
About seven years ago, the cops took my tools away from me. But these days I feel free to paint just about anywhere. Street artists have become the new pop stars!
How does your family feel about what you are doing?
At first they thought I was too old to be doing this. Now they are proud of me.
Do you have a formal arts education?
I studied architecture for one year.
Have you any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
I don’t feel it. They are both cool art forms. There shouldn’t be a divide.
What about the movement of street art into galleries? How do you feel about that?
I have no problem with galleries, as long as the people there respect our work.
Have you shown your work in any galleries?
Yes, I’ve exhibited in Buenos Aires, São Paulo, New York City, Washington DC and in Indonesia.
What about corporations? So many seem eager to embrace the aesthetics of street art these days.
If they respect our work and use it honestly and pay us well – then it’s all good!
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?
I’ve been influenced by Argentinian culture and by Japanese comic culture.
What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?
It’s certainly a revolution, as it can provide us all with unlimited information.
Have you any favorite artists – stencil artists, in particular?
I like Blek Le Rat, the stencil pioneer. I think Banksy is amazingly clever. And I love the São Paulo-based duo Alto Contraste.
What do you see as the future of street art?
It will only continue to get stronger.
And what about you? What’s ahead for you?
I will never allow myself to feel comfortable. My art continues to evolve with more emphasis on its aesthetic element and far less on its political one. I will continue to always challenge myself.
Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky. First photo — of Cabaio at work the Bushwick Collective by Lois Stavsky; all others courtesy of the artist
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Brooklyn-based RAE — whose folksy sculptures, stickers, paste-ups and paintings on NYC streets always delight us — recently returned from Ethiopia. And we had some questions for him:
What took you to Ethiopia?
I had connected with the non-profit organization H2 Empower Inc that had recently completed construction of the first community library in the town of Hosanna.
What was your role there?
I worked with kids building sculptures out of found objects and painting the walls outside.
Those of us who follow you on Instagram had the opportunity to witness an exhibit, as well – with goats in attendance!
Yes, we staged an exhibit in the living room of the home of a local family we met in town.
How did it all culminate?
We successfully raised funds to furnish an empty, unused wing of the Alemu Woldehanna Community Library with tables, chairs and a computer station. That financial goal has been met, and the furniture making will soon be in production.
Who will be involved in the next step?
The students at the nearby School For The Deaf in Hosanna, Ethiopia will be making the furniture.
It all sounds great! Welcome home!
Photos courtesy of the artist
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With its vibrant colors and swooping shapes, Chor Boogie’s art is charged with a sumptuous intensity. Earlier this year he shared his visions with us New Yorkers at 5 Bryant Park. It was a great opportunity to speak to him and find out a bit about this talented artist.
When and where did you first get up?
I began tagging in Oceanside in San Diego, California in 1993.
Who or what inspired you at the time?
I liked the illegal aspect of it. I had no particular inspiration. But I looked up to Phase2, Riff 170 and Vulcan.
Do any early memories stand out?
Getting arrested. It happened when my father was moving from one house to another. He trusted me to hold down the house. But one night I decided to invite a bunch of graffiti kids over. By the end of the night, six or seven of us got together and started tagging down this huge highway. We were wasted, drinking OEs and doing all sorts of stupid things. I got the idea to hit the wall closest to the freeway, so I climbed down. All of a sudden, police came racing down the highway for us.
What was the outcome?
I was arrested along with Bash, a writer who ratted me out giving the police my name and everything. I was faced with a judge that was ready to put me away for some time. Luckily, I had my grandma. She hooked me up with a criminal lawyer who managed to get the judge switched. And he managed to get a judge for my case who loved art. This judge requested that I bring my portfolio to court. When she saw it, that’s all she could speak about. While the prosecuting lawyer was badmouthing me, all she could do was look at my art. She ended up giving me three years’ probation, a $500 fine and no community service. She also said that I had to paint a mural for the holidays — that I had to paint it and show her a picture of it when I returned to court. I returned with a picture of Santa Claus.
How did your family and friends feel about what you were doing?
My friends were writers so it was cool. My mom was cool about it too. She had my back. But I had to keep it a secret from my father. He found out eventually. He was not thrilled.
Any thoughts about the graffiti/street art divide?
I don’t use the word “graffiti.” I call it Modern Hieroglyphics or Street Romantic Voodoo. Graffiti sounds dirty. Graffiti is a government term that had nothing and has nothing to do with our art form.
What about the movement of street art into galleries?
It’s already been there. People just want to act as if it’s a new thing.
Where would you like to paint?
I’d like to paint anywhere. But if it was the end of the world, I’d have to say Australia. It’s all the way out there in the middle of nowhere. It’s the land down under.
Do you prefer working alone or in collaborating with others?
Alone mainly. Collaborating can be interesting. Sometimes it’s fun. Sometimes it’s b.s. It can be a hassle. But I’ve had good collaborations.
With whom would you like to collaborate?
I’ve painted with Phase2 and that was a dream. I’d like to paint with Vulcan. I would have gotten down with painters like Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dali, Michael Angelo and Caravaggio, if they were still with us.
What inspires you these days?
Music.
Are there any particular cultures that have influenced your aesthetics?
The hip-hop culture.
Do you work with a sketch in hand, or do you just let it flow?
No. I stopped using sketches ten or twelve years ago.
Are you generally satisfied with your work?
Yes! I don’t leave it until I am.
When you look back at what you did in the last few years, how do you feel?
How can I not feel good? I feel grateful about everything coming my way.
What do you think of the role of the Internet in all of this?
The Internet is one more tool of communication. I have nothing against it.
Do you have a formal arts education?
No. The street was my sketchpad.
What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done?
If I tell you, somebody’s going to jail.
What do you think is the role of the artist in society?
He’s the rat in the rat race trying to get the cheese.
What percentage of the time do you devote to your art?
One hundred percent.
Interview with Chor Boogie conducted by Lenny Collado aka BK Lenny and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos 1-3 at 5 Bryant Park by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 4. Wynwood, Miami; 5. Beacon, NY and 6. Washington DC by Lois Stavsky
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Teeming with infectious energy, Dorian Grey’s current exhibit, 12 Mexican Street Artists, richly reflects the inventive aesthetic of Mexico City’s street art. Here are just a few images from this landmark exhibit curated by Luis Accorsi:
Seher, close-up
Meiz — known for both his hyperrealism and wild style productions
Smithe, close-up
From the Outside Looking In
Also on exhibit are splendidly imaginative works by Bebo, Dhear, Fusca, MilAmores, Minoz, Saner and Undo, along with images by noted photographer Christophe von Hohenberg. 12 Mexican Street Artists continues through June 15 at Dorian Grey, 437 East 9th Street between 1st Ave and Ave A.
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Lois Stavsky
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Located at 5-25 46th Avenue in Long Island City — just minutes from Manhattan — the Fridge Art Fair has much to offer us street art aficionados. Here’s a sampling:
John Matos aka Crash presented by Dorian Grey Gallery
Cody and Youth Waste
Alone One with the The Sticker Social Club aka the Secret Sticker Club
The Sticker Social Club aka the Secret Sticker Club — under the curatorial direction of Cosbe
Conceived by Eric Ginsburg, whose portraits of pets are on display at the fair’s Dorfman Projects booth, the Fridge Art Fair — now in its second year — presents an eclectic array of art in all media and styles. It continues through Sunday with live art and performances throughout, as well as pets for adoption today and tomorrow!
Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson and Lois Stavsky
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Brooklyn-based Argentinian artist Sonni Adrian has been delighting us New Yorkers with his brightly hued, delightfully playful aesthetic for the past two years. He recently had the opportunity to share his vision with the folks in Seoul, Korea.
What took you to Seoul?
While attending a conference at Parsons last year, I met a young woman who was establishing a new gallery, Everyday Mooonday, in Seoul. When she saw my artwork, she thought I’d be a great fit for the gallery. She, immediately, invited me to exhibit there and to paint on the streets of Seoul. I was thrilled that the opportunity came my way.
What was the experience like
It was wonderful. I loved everything about Seoul – its kind people, its fantastic food and the enthusiastic response I got to my artwork.
Can you tell us something about that?
My exhibit was super successful. And I had over three weeks to paint in public spaces. I am already looking forward to returning next year.
Was it difficult to find walls?
No. The government made them available to me. This was arranged through the gallery.
Was there much of a language barrier between you and the folks in Seoul?
Most of the younger people speak English. And folks who don’t speak English often responded to my artwork with friendly smiles!
Since your return to NYC, you’ve exhibited with the new collective, Ñewmerica over at Exit Room NY and at Outdoor Gallery NYC over at 17 Frost. Can you tell us something about that?
It’s basically a group of friends who love to work together. It includes LNY, Icy and Sot, Mata Ruda, NDA and me. We feed off each other’s energy and inspire one another. We have a show coming up in June over at MECKA Gallery here in Bushwick.
That sounds great? Anything else coming up?
Right now I’m finishing up my first collaborative mural with Cruz here on Waterbury Street. I will be showing in a group exhibit up in Boston at Liquid Art House, a new space opening on May 6. I will be painting soon in Mexico and I am planning to return to Seoul in 2015.
It all sounds wonderful. Good luck!
Sonni interviewed by Lois Stavsky; first three photos courtesy of the artist; photo from Ñewmerica mural at 17 Frost by Lois Stavsky
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The rooftop of the 407 Bushwick, located at 407 Johnson Avenue, elevates the wonder and energy of street art. I recently had the chance to visit it and speak to its curator, Fumero.
You’ve transformed this rooftop into a vibrant canvas drenched with dazzling colors in an array of styles. How did this come about?
A friend of mine, dj and producer Onda Skillet, lives at the 407 Bushwick. He was looking to bring some color to the rooftop that was covered mostly with old throw-ups. And I saw this as a great opportunity to bring the energy of the streets up to the roof.
You invited such a wonderfully diverse group of artists to paint here. Can you tell us something about how that came about?
In curating this rooftop, I chose artists whom I’ve met — and often worked with — throughout the years in different settings. I asked them to bring their distinct iconography with them. Some had never painted on walls before.
You are consistently active on the streets. What is the appeal of the roof to you? I remember catching glimpses of your pieces up here from street level and feeling frustrated that I couldn’t see more of them!
That’s part of the appeal. It incites interest. The roof is kind of a secret society. We are free to invite whom we want and no haters are allowed!
Where would you rather paint – on the streets or on a rooftop?
I like them both. They are different experiences. When I paint on the streets, I can engage people. But the roof has a distinct energy that I love.
Your recent event Art in the Air, Music Underground, hosted by Aphotic, featured music, as well as art. Can you tell us something about that? How integral is music to what you are doing at the 407 Bushwick?
Its role is essential. The audio creations, performed by Onda Skillet with his Aerotropic label, were the perfect complement to the art. Opening rooftops to music and art is the next big thing! What’s happening here is a landmark. It is the future.
What about the location of the 407 Bushwick? Any thoughts about that?
The location couldn’t be more perfect. Bushwick is what the Lower East Side was 30 years ago. It’s the hub of cutting-edge art and music. The 407 Bushwick is the new CBGB.
What’s ahead?
More great energy, art and music! The second Art in the Air, Music Underground will take place this summer. The artists are already lined up, and we are now seeking sponsorship.
It all sounds wonderful! What a great outdoor gallery NYC is!
Photos: 1. Fumero; 2. Nicole Salgar & Chuck Berrett with Raquel Echanique on right; 3. Gumshoe and Whisbe; 4. Cruz; 5. CAM and segment of Cruz; 6. John Paul O’Grodnick; 7. Elle, and 8. Fumero
Interview with Fumero and photos by Lois Stavsky; also featured on the roof of the 407 Bushwick are new works by Joseph Meloy, AOM, NS/CB, The Cupcake Guy, Rafal Pisarczyk and Robyn Henderson.
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