Williamsburg

“ON THE EDGE” Continues at Brooklyn Art Haus Through Sept. 3 With: Shepard Fairey, Cope 2, T-Kid, Jessica Kaplan, Chris RWK, Snapkracker x Rambo Rame and More

August 20, 2023

Currently on view at Brooklyn Art Haus, a new home for innovative arts in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is “ON THE EDGE,” a group exhibition featuring a delightfully diverse selection of urban art, graffiti, photography and fine art in a range of media by both emerging and established artists.

On a recent visit to the wonderfully welcoming space, I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to its curators, Koz, founder of SilverTuna Studios, and Laura “Lulu” Reich.

This is your third exhibit here at Brooklyn Art Haus. In what ways does it differ from your previous ones held at this space?

There’s a bit of more emphasis on photography, as we are highlighting works by the amazing urban photographer Victor Thomas, known on Instagram as Vic Invades. We are also thrilled to be presenting for the first time four artworks by the legendary Shepard Fairey.

Yes, I love these Obey screen prints, and I love the way he takes a political stance on the critical issues of our time. How did you connect to Shepard Fairey?

I (Koz) was filming Shepard Fairey while he was at work on his Bad Brains mural for the LISA Project. I developed — at the time — a close relationship with his assistant, Rob Zagula aka Eastweed. And then we all met up at midnight and were out on the streets until dawn!

You, two, obviously have a great working relationship. How did you meet? And how do you manage to work so well together?

We are both friends with Easy, and he introduced us to each other. We are both passionate about what we do, and we complement each other in terms of our personal and professional skills. We also tend to share the same friends, who are largely artists and collectors.

In addition to sharing the artworks on exhibit with collectors and the general public, do the two of you have any other mission?

Yes, we want very much to educate those who view the works about the artists behind them. That is why we have included biographical information, alongside each artist’s work.

What’s ahead?

We are planning ahead for a mural festival to take place in Chicago next June. We are currently in the process of curating an exhibition of new work by Al Diaz scheduled to open next month at Brooklyn Made in Industry City. We are also looking forward to exhibiting artworks at the Tribeca Synagogue and again at City Point BKLYN. And Koz will be releasing a film featuring Cape Cod-based pro-skateboarder and artist Zered Bassett — introduced by skater and artist Eli Reed.

You are certainly productive! Good luck with it all! How can folks see your current exhibit here at Brooklyn Art Haus?

The exhibition can be viewed daily from 10am – 10pm through Sunday, September 3rd. Private viewings are by appointment via lulu@collectwithlulu.com. Brooklyn Art Haus is located at 24-1 Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Images featured in this post:

1 .Shepard Fairey, “Putin’s Ashes (Pussy Riot),” 2023, Screen print on thick cream speckletone paper, 24″ x 18″

2. Cope2, “Cotton Candy Star, ” Mixed media on canvas, 16″ x 20″

3. Tkid, “Do Not Cross,” Mixed media on subway sign, 18″ x 16″

4. Jessica Kaplan, “Roar,” Mixed media & collage on canvas, 12″ x 12″

5. Chris RWK, “TIL The End.” Mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 24″

6. SNAPKRACKER x RAMBO RAME, “Hip Hop Legends,” Paint marker and aerosol on street sign, 29″ x 29″

7. Curators: Koz and Lulu, — with Koz sporting a Chris RWK hat and SNAPKRACKER sweatshirt

Note: Also on view are tantalizing works by Eastweed, FLASH, Eric Orr and Vic Invades

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; Photo credits: 1, 6 & 7 courtesy of the curators; 2-5, Lois Stavsky

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Brooklyn Art Haus Debuts With RAWTHENTIC Featuring: Chris RWK, Al Diaz, de la Haba, Kit 17, Easy, Zimad and Nite Owl

September 8, 2022

Brooklyn Art Haus aka BAH! — a new hugely impressive home for innovative artworks and events in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that will officially open in January — debuts tomorrow evening, September 9, from 6-9pm with RAWTHENTIC. Curated by Silvertuna Studios and Collect with Lulu, the premier exhibition and event features a diverse array of contemporary urban artworks by legendary artists Chris RWK, Al Diaz, de la Haba, Kit 17, Easy, Zimad and Nite Owl, along with video presentations — filmed by Silvertuna Studios — of the artists at work. Also on view will be the distinctly unique Vanderhall Carmel GTS custom-designed and hand-painted by the artists.

A small selection of images from the dynamic, brilliantly curated exhibition follows:

Chris RWK, “Built For This,” Mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 24″

Al Diaz, “For The Haters,” Mixed media on wood, 24″ x 34″

Gregory de la Haba, Straight Red Threes, Oil, krink, and spray paint on printed canvas, 78″ x 44″

Kit 17, “Subway Days Burner,” Mixed media on canvas, 63″ X 113″

Easy, (Right) Bronze & Gold Tag Cut Outs on Wood, 24″ x 24″ and below them, “Steel,” Mixed media on canvas, 48″ x 48″

Zimad, “Area 51″, Mixed media on unstretched canvas, 83″ x 82″

And Nite Owl, pictured below with exhibition information —

The exhibition continues through September 16 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Private viewings are available by appointment. Guests can RSVP here.

Note: Be sure to check out the exhibition catalog for bios, prices and more!

Photos of artworks, 2-7, Lois Stavsky

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The New Lombardy Walls Project: Bianca Romero, Dain, Chris RWK, Marthalicia, Czr Prz, Jappy Lemon, Will Power & Albertus Joseph

August 17, 2019

Curated by Bianca Romero, the new Lombardy Walls is a delightful addition to East Williamsburg’s visual landscape, bringing color and charisma to what was once a banal North Brooklyn block. The huge mural featured above was painted by Brooklyn-based Bianca Romero in what has become her distinctly infectious signature style. What follows are several more artworks that surfaced this summer for the first edition of Lombardy Walls.

Brooklyn-based Dain on door

Street art veteran and Robots Will Kill founder Chris RWK

Harlem-based Marthalicia Matarrita

Chicago-based Czr Prz

Filipino artist Jappy Lemon, currently based in NYC, does Spiderman

Will Power and Albertus Joseph do Ol‘ Dirty Bastard

Lombardy Walls is located at Lombardy Street and Porter Avenue.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Sonny Sundancer and ASVP Murals Surface on the Walls of IS 318 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for Climate Week 2018 with The Point NYC

October 11, 2018

Two brilliantly conceived and beautifully executed murals – one by Sonny Sundancer and the other by ASVP – surfaced last month on the exterior walls of IS 318 in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Sonny’s mural– at the corner of Lorimer Street and Throop Avenue – depicts a Yawanawa girl from Acre, Brazil, along with a jaguar, representative of a species that is sacred to the indigenous peoples and at risk of extinction. ASVP‘s black and white tower mural — painted on the opposite wall — features an elephant, bear, tiger and more, all interdependent and threatened or endangered in some capacity.

While visiting the school last week for the murals’ dedication and ribbon cutting, I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to Greenpoint Innovations founder Stephen Donofrio, who had organized the The Point NYC project.

These hugely impressive murals are one component of The Point NYC initiative. Just what is The Point NY?

It is a collaborative venture — among Comics Uniting Nations, Greenpoint Innovations, Hypokrit Theatre Company, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and UNICEF — that brings together artists, producers, educators and local environmentalists for a series of artistic productions and events. Among these are: a comic book, public murals, a theatrical experience, open dialogue and an educational toolkit.

What is its ultimate mission?

Its mission is to respond to the human impact of climate change and to exercise the power we all have, particularly the youth, to take action for a better future.

And what inspired the direction that this project has taken?

It was inspired by a comic book story —Tre, by Sathviga ‘Sona’ Sridhar — about a climate change superhero. Sona had become passionate about climate change when her town in Chennai, India was flooded and when she heard about the Climate Comic Contest by UNICEF and Comics Uniting Nations, she decided to submit her art.

How did you connect with Sonny Sundancer and ASVP? Their murals are perfect for this project, as they are exquisite and brilliantly reflect environmental issues.

Karin du Maire introduced me to Sonny, and I met ASVP at the Moniker Art Fair in Greenpoint this past spring. Both Sonny and ASVP were ideal to work with, as they are not only wonderful artists, but caring people.

Were you presented with any particular challenges in seeing the project through?

Coordinating with the Department of Education was somewhat of a task. And then discovering that a segment of the wall that Sonny had completed had been coated to protect it from any lasting paint was another challenge. But – with considerable effort — we overcame them both!

How have the members of the local community responded to these two murals?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. They love them.

And thank you for initiating this project!

Photo credits: 1 & 2 Lois Stavsky; 3 Karin du Maire aka Street Art Nomad; interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky;

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Sean Sullivan on Curating HG Contemporary’s Grand Opening Exhibit in Williamsburg, BK with: Albertus Joseph, Zimer, Gumshoe, Jenna Krypell, Jason Ackerman, Fridge, Jenna Morello, OG Millie & Reso 914

September 12, 2018

I stopped by HG Contemporary‘s impressive new gallery space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn yesterday as several artists were busy at work preparing for tonight’s official launch.

After checking it out, I had the opportunity to speak with Sean Sullivan who, along with Harris Lobel, has curated the gallery’s opening exhibit:

This space is ideal, and the artwork looks wonderful! How did the opportunity come your way to curate this exhibit for HG Contemporary‘s grand opening here in Williamsburg?

Last month, Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim, the founder of HG Contemporary in Chelsea, approached me and asked me if I would be interested in curating an exhibit along the lines of First City, the one I’d curated awhile back in Long Island. I saw it as a great opportunity to give artists I admire a chance to exhibit alongside the fine artists who generally show at HG Contemporary.

How did you decide which artists to include?

That was difficult, as I would have liked to include many more. I chose artists with whom I’ve successfully worked with in the past, along with five others whose artwork I’ve admired, but with whom I’ve never worked. The final selection was a joint decision between me and Harris Lobel, who was involved in curating, along with me, the First City project. We were interested in showcasing the works of artists whom we believe deserve wide exposure.

I’m familiar with several of the artists — especially those whose work I’ve seen on the streets. Several, though, are new to me. Who are the artists that you both agreed to include in this grand opening?

Our final selection included: Albertus Joseph, Zimer, Gumshoe, Jenna Krypell, Jason Ackerman, Fridge, Jenna Morello, OG Millie and Reso 914.

There’s quite a diverse range of styles here. Had you a specific theme in mind?

We were interested in representing the various elements associated with street art and graffiti. And so we sought a mix of images, words, letter technique, characters, color and flow.

What were some of the challenges you faced in seeing this through?

As an artist who doesn’t like taking directions, I wasn’t all that comfortable giving directions to others. But it was something that I had to do. And it was difficult asking artists to put a halt to all that they were doing for two to three day, so that they could devote themselves for hours on end to this project.

I’m certain that many artists who worked with you in the past were disappointed that they weren’t included in such a significant exhibit.

Definitely! I was getting too many nasty direct messages. Dealing with that was another huge challenge. Of course, I would have loved to include more artists, and I do hope to include many others in future exhibits that I look forward to curating in this space.

In addition to the works painted directly onto the walls here, what else can visitors to the gallery expect to see?

All of the artists who are partipating will also exhibit works on canvas that are for sale. And in addition to the artists that Harris and I have brought in, HG Contemporary will be presenting a special installation by Franz Klainsek and works by Tim Bengel and Carl McCrow.

And how can folks who can’t make it to the official grand opening see the exhibit?

The gallery is conveniently located at 66 North 3rd Street off Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn .All are invited to visit the gallery during its regular opening hours.

Images

Interview and photos by Lois Stavsky

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.

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Scenes from “Family Night” at 17 Frost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

January 15, 2018

Since its launch in 2008, 17 Frost has emerged as one of NYC’s most intriguing and innovative creative spaces. Warm and welcoming, it is intent in its mission to“provide the best platform possible to showcase the talents of artists worldwide.” And during this past year of extensive renovations, it has continued to host its weekly Family Night, where artists meet to fashion individually and collaboratively a wondrous range of sticker art.

Pictured above are: Love from NYC, Jason Mamarella aka dwkrsna, Alex Itin, Sara Erenthal and 17 Frost Creative Director Javier Hernandez-Miyares. What follows are several more images captured at 17 Frost’s informal Family Night.

Jason Mamarella aka dwkrsna and Alex Itin

Sara Erenthal and Javier Hernandez-Miyares

Javier Hernandez-Miyares

Love from NYC and Alex Itin— with Lenny Collado aka BK Lenny checking it all out

Al ex Itin and Javier Hernandez-Miyares collaborate

Poster Boy, Javier Hernandez-Miyares, Dummy Tree, Arek Jungle, Net, Ninja Status & more

A random finding in the huge space — soon to reopen

Note: 17 Frost is planning a grand reopening exhibition — curated by Ellis Gallagher — in late February. Information will follow.

Photo credits: 1-5 Lois Stavsky; 6 & 7 Javier Hernandez-Miyares and 8 Lenny Collado

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David Hollier Solo Exhibit, Ladies and Gentlemen, Continues Through this Weekend at Sideshow in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

July 14, 2017

I discovered David Hollier‘s distinctly provocative aesthetic a few years back when I came upon his huge murals of such luminaries as Nelson Mandela and John F Kennedy on the streets of Brooklyn. Earlier this year, I saw his intriguing work on the 69th floor of the World Trade Center. And, yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit his solo exhibit, Ladies and Gentlemen, at Sideshow Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and pose a few questions to him.

When did you first start integrating text into your artwork?

I began in 2010.

What inspired you to do so?

Before incorporating text into my artwork, I was working with lines. I then started repeating words within the works. And when a friend commissioned me to create a portrait of her husband using words, I incorporated a brief biography into the portrait. The response was so positive that I continued working in this style. By 2012 I’d given the collection the name Imago Verbosa, meaning a picture made of words in Latin.

What media or tools do you use in fashioning these portraits?

I sometimes use a vintage typewriter. I also use acrylic paint. Huge photographic images are often projected and copied onto a range of surfaces.

How do you choose the subjects of your work? Ranging from Susan B. Anthony to Jay Z, they cross generations, nationalities and sensibilities. Among them are many musicians and politicians.

Yes! I generally select icons. But some are commissioned, and those are selected for me.

We’ve come upon quite a few of your works on the streets of Brooklyn. Do you prefer working in your studio or working on the streets?

They’re different experiences, and I like both. But the streets can be more challenging.

Do you have a formal art education?

Yes. I studied Visual Art and Public Art at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, and I earned a Masters degree in Computer Imaging and Animation from London Guildhall University.

I’m fascinated by your choice of text infused into each portrait, as many have strong social implications. This exhibit is quite impressive. Do you devote yourself full-time to your artwork?

I divide my time between painting and teaching. I’ve taught at Parsons since 2006.

Congratulations on this! And we especially look forward to seeing more of your public artworks on the streets of NYC.

Note: A CLOSING RECEPTION takes place, tonight, Friday from 6 until 9pm. The show ends of Sunday, July 16th. Sideshow Gallery is located at 319 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Images

1 Taylor Swift, Text: “Never Grow Up,” Acrylic on board, 48″ x 48″

2 Jimi Hendrix, Text: “Fire,” “Voodoo Child” and “Are you Experienced?” Acrylic on canvas, 60″ x 60″

3 Star Stuff, Text: from Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos,” Acrylic on canvas, 72″ x 60″

4 The artist with Susan B. Anthony, Text: from “Women’s Rights to the Suffrage,” Acrylic on board, 27″ x 40″

Photos by Lois Stavsky; interview by Lois Stavsky with Bonnie Astor

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Pablo Power & Schoolly D, Philly VS New York: A Declaration of Co-Independence at Okay Space in Williamsburg

March 24, 2017

Currently on view at Okay Space at 281 North 7th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is Philly VS New York: A Declaration of Co-Independence. Featuring works — fashioned both individually and collaboratively — by legendary Philly rapper Schoolly D and New York-based multi-disciplinary visual artist Pablo Power, this exhibit is a follow-up to their 2013 exhibition, Am I Black Enough? Presented by Okay Space and Black Swan Projekt, Philly VS New York: A Declaration of Co-Independence continues through April 1. Pictured above is Gay Science and Joyous Wisdom by Pablo Power. What follows are several more images on display:

Schoolly D, Smoke Some Kill, Ink on paper

Pablo Power, Crack Another 40, A Birthday on Chrystie, Mixed media

Pablo Power, Dekalb Didactic, Mixed media

Schoolly D, Cheeba, Cheeba, Mixed media

Schoolly D and Pablo Power, Philly Vs New York, Giclée Prints, edition of 30. Release and Exhibit Reception Tonight

And on this coming Wednesday evening, a series of short films will be screened:

Photos of images 1-5 by Tara Murray

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Bisco Smith, MANIFEST, at Okay Space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

November 14, 2016

Back in NYC, in the place he calls “home,” Bisco Smith — the first artist in residency at Okay Space — has been busy! At work during one of the most tumultuous weeks in the history of our country, the artist proposed that creating his newest body of work, MANIFEST, helped “center” him, as he strives to find “the goodness amidst the chaos.” This past Friday, MANIFEST was unveiled at Okay Space at 281 North 7th Street. Here are several images captured shortly before it officially opened to the public:

Bisco Smith adding info to Methods, serigraph on paper, edition of 111

Manifest Moments #9, acrylic & spray paint on canvas

Manifest Moments, the series — each, 18 x 18 — acrylic & spray paint on canvas

Gratitude for all things past, service for all things present, responsibility for all things future

And as seen at night from the outside, shortly before it opened

Okay Space is open Monday through Friday, 11-6, and on Saturday 12-5. For further info, you can contact the space at 929-250-2388.

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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Brooklyn-Based Artist LAMKAT on Public Art, Collaborations, Zany Characters, This Weekend’s Art Mart at Bushwick Open Studios & More

September 30, 2016

This past summer, a distinctly elegant mural surfaced on the streets of Williamsburg by Brooklyn-based artist LAMKAT. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet up with the talented artist and find out a bit about her.

When did you first share your vision in a public space?

The very first time I painted outdoors was this past June in Krakow, Poland. It was in collaboration with Marcin Kowalik and sponsored by Galeria Dystans. I loved the experience, and was instantly inspired to continue painting outdoors.

Were you always conscious of street art? Have you any favorite street artists?

Yes! I was always aware of it and I’ve always loved it! Among my favorite street artists are Bogota-based Gauche — whom I met in Berlin — and Li-Hill.

Can you tell us something about your particular aesthetic? What inspires it?

My father’s black and white photography has been a huge inspiration. He’s the one that taught me the importance of perspective and depth, both visually and as a way of observing life. And I’m inspired by math.

Are there any particular cultures that have influenced it?

My Chinese heritage plays a role, and growing up in Texas, I was influenced by Mexican culture.

Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

Both! I like working alone, and I love collaborating. This summer I collaborated with One Thousand Birds, a commercial sound studio. We created interactive sound murals that were featured at Likeminds Camp, a creative and tech conference set in the middle of the woods in Beacon, NY.

Have you a formal art education?

I started with Fine Arts, but I then studied Advertising and Art Direction at The University of Texas at Austin. And I earned a degree in Communication Design from The University of North Texas.

Do you feel that your formal education benefited you?

It did when I worked in advertising. It taught me about the relationship between art and business…how to turn art into a business.

Now that you are now longer focused primarily on advertising, what is the main source of your income?

My art still is — through commissions — in such venues as restaurants — and also through my work as an illustrator.

Your illustrations — as evident in the gate you recently painted for the 100 Gates Project — certainly exude a different feeling than your huge abstract murals!

Yes! I’ve always loved drawing birds, robots and goofy characters!

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

I do have an initial sketch.

How do you generally feel when your piece is finished?

I feel happy and sad at the same time! I’m happy, of course, that it’s completed, but I love painting so much that I feel sad that it’s over!

What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

It is to bring a sense of vibrancy to our environment.

What’s ahead?

The interactive sound mural from Beacon will be at the Art Mart, 395 Johnson Avenue, at Bushwick Open Studios (ed.note: beginning today through Sunday); I will also be selling my smaller-scale works there. On October 20th, I will be participating in a skate deck show at Fillin Global, 160 Bowery. I’m also scheduled to paint next month up in the Bronx at the BMX Park. And in late October, I’m heading to Austin.

It sounds great! Good luck with it all!

Photo credits: 1 Tara Murray; 2-8 courtesy of the artist; interview conducted and edited by 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.

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