Williamsburg

Collaborations at 17 Frost: Crash Collaborates with Stash, Nick Walker, Bio, KAWS, Remi Rough, BR163, James Choules aka She One & more

June 3, 2016

Splendidly curated by Ellis Gallagher, Collaborations features selected works by Crash fashioned collaboratively with both local and global artists. The mural pictured above was painted by Crash in collaboration with Stash. What follows is a sampling of works — representing the diverse range of collaborative styles and sensibilities — inside the gallery at 17 Frost Street in Williamsburg:

Crash with Nick Walker and Bio, Tats Cru

Crash with KAWS

Crash with Remi Rough

Crash with Bio

Crash with BR163

Crash with James Choules aka She One

Collaborations remains on exhibit through June 26 at 17 Frost by appointment only.

Photo credits: 1 & 7 Lois Stavsky; 2, 4, 5 & 6 City-as-School intern Sol Raxlen and 3 Tara Murray

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.

{ 0 comments }

Holy Art Show at Williamsburg’s Cafe de la Esquina with: Marc Evan, Rocko, Savior Elmundo, Ben Angotti, Carlito 624!, Will Power & more

May 13, 2016

Fusing symbols of Latino Catholicism with elements of a pop sensibility, the Holy Art Show showcases the works of over a dozen artists, including many whose works surface on our streets. Curated by Frankie Velez and Savior Elmundo, the exhibit remains on view at Williamsburg’s Cafe de la Esquina through Sunday. Here is a sampling of the intriguing works on exhibit:

Marc Evan, The Lady of Guadalupe Appears

Rocko, Art Is My Religion

Savior Elmundo, Art Is My Religion

Ben Angotti, Sacred Heart

Carlito 624!, Purple Reign: Units in the City

Will Power, Crucified My Passion

Curators, Savior Elmundo and Frankie Velez

The exhibit continues through this weekend at the lovely Cafe de la Esquina at 225 Wythe Avenue between Metropolitan and North 3rd Street.

Photo credits: 1, 3, 5 & 6 Tara Murray; 2 & 4 City-as-School intern Sol Raxlen and 7 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.

{ 2 comments }

SOLD Magazine Launches with Exhibit at 17 Frost: Jily Ballistic with JPO, Chris RWK, Raquel Echanique, Elle and Ramiro Davaro

January 30, 2016

SOLD Magazine launched this past Thursday evening with an exhibit — co-curated with Ellis Gallagher — and party at 17 Frost. When I stopped by early in the evening, I had the opportunity to speak to John Paul O’Grodnick, who — along with Greg Frederick and BD White — made it all happen.

Just what is SOLD Magazine?

SOLD Magazine is a free magazine by artists for artists and art lovers. Among its features are: artists interviewing each other, studio visits, artist and photographer profiles, a travel section and much more.

What motivated you thee to launch it?

A sense that artists need a new platform for exposure. Our mission is to provide that platform.

When did you guys first begin working on SOLD Magazine? And how did you fund it?

We began working on it at the beginning of October, and we funded it via a Kickstarter campaign.

It’s great that your campaign was so successful! What has been your greatest challenge in seeing this through?

Rounding up the artists whom we wanted to participate in our venture.

Was it an open call? How did you decide which artists to include?

No! It was artists we’ve known and worked with in the past. Some of them suggested others.

How often do you expect to publish SOLD Magazine?

Once every three months. It is intended as a quarterly.

How will folks be able to get hold of it?

We plan to make it available in galleries and museums throughout the city, as well as in local businesses here in Williamsburg.

I notice that this premier issue focuses on female artists, with your first cover featuring Gilf and Elle. What can we expect in future issues?

Every issue will have a theme. Our next one will focus on collaborations.

That sounds great! Congratulations!

Note: The above images of are of works that were on exhibit and for sale at Thursday evening’s SOLD Magazine‘s launch:

1. Jily Ballistic and John Paul O’Grodnick aka JPO

2. Chris RWK

3. Raquel Echanique

4. Elle

5. Ramiro Davaro

Interview by Lois Stavsky and photos by Tara Murray

{ 0 comments }

The Impact Show, El Momento del Impacto, Continues at Williamsburg’s Cafe de la Esquina with: Savior Elmundo, Danielle Mastrion, Esteban del Valle, Juan Carlos Pinto, Albertus Alburg, Ben Angotti and more

June 2, 2015

Highlighting the impact that Mexican civilization has had on other cultures, The Impact Show, El Momento del Impacto, presents a stunning array of artworks that reflect various aspects of the Mexican experience. Here are a few more images that can be seen in the backyard garden of the lovely Cafe de la Esquina in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Danielle Mastrion

Esteban del Valle, close-up

Juan Carlos Pinto

Albertus Alburg, close-up

Ben Angotti

Curated by Savior Elmundo and Frankie Velez, the Impact Show remains on view for the next several weeks — with a closing party 7-10pm on Thursday, June 25 — at 225 Wythe Avenue, a short walk from the Bedford stop on the L train.

Note: First image is a close-up from Savior Elmundo‘s Frida.

Photos: 1 – 6 Dani Reyes Mozeson and 7 Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

Federico Massa aka Iena Cruz: From Milan, Italy to Williamsburg, Bklyn

March 24, 2015

Living and working as a full-time artist in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Milan native Federico Massa aka Iena Cruz first visited NYC in 2008. He has since moved here, enhancing NYC and beyond with his strikingly stylish aesthetic. This post is the first in a new series of interviews with artists born abroad who have decided to make NYC home.

When did you first visit NYC?

It was the summer of 2008. I stayed here for a month. At the time, I didn’t know anyone in NYC.

What brought you here? Why NYC?

I was on vacation, and I was interested in exploring other cities. I had begun to feel that Milan is too small for me. NYC seemed like a logical place to visit.

What was your first impression of NYC?

I fell in love with it at once. I didn’t understand it, but I loved it. I felt inspired by the chance to be connected to so many different cultures. I thought everything about NYC is great!

What was your image of NYC back in Milan?

It was out of focus. The only image I had of it came from what I saw in movies and music videos. I really had no idea what to expect.

When did you decide to return here?

I knew soon after my first visit that I needed to come back.

How did your family feel about you leaving Milan for NYC?

They were supportive. They know how difficult life is for an artist in Milan. Back home no artist is taken seriously until after he is past 50.

What were some of the challenges you faced once you decided to make NYC home?

I had to learn a new language. I had to find work to meet basic living expenses. I constantly had to concern myself with visa requirements and paper work. And in order to do all this, I had to put aside my painting. There was a general sense of instability.

Your current living situation is ideal – as your home is also your studio. How did you get so lucky?

I discovered this place on craigslist. When I contacted the owner, he asked me to show him a sample of my artwork! As soon as he saw it, he took me on as a tenant. At the time there were two other artists living here, both Mexican.

What was that like – sharing the space with these other artists?

It was wonderful at the time! And they’ve had a tremendous influence on my aesthetic. Through them, I discovered Mexican culture, and I’ve since adapted elements of it into my artworks.

Now that the space is all yours, how do you meet all your expenses?

Largely through a variety of commissioned projects. I also sell artworks and do set design.

Do any particular projects stand out?

The huge mural I did for the Williamsburg Cinemas on the corner of Grand and Driggs was an experience! It was unlike anything I had done before – both aesthetically and in terms of the people with whom I interacted while painting it. And last month, I had the opportunity to participate in FAAM, Fine Art Auction Miami in Wynwood.

How has your artwork evolved or changed since you came here?

My current works feature and fuse elements of Italy, Mexico and NYC. And as I’m inspired to push myself here, my art is certain to continue to evolve and develop.

How receptive have New Yorkers been to your artwork? To you?

It’s been so positive. My sense is that folks here admire my work, and they’ve been so welcoming.

What’s ahead?

Now that I have my green card, I just want to keep painting murals and exhibiting my artwork.

Interview by Lois Stavsky with City-as-School intern Zachariah Messaoud

Photos: 1. In Miami for the FAAM MAJOR STREET ART AUCTION and 4. In Puerto Rico, courtesy of the artist; 2. In the artist’s studio, Lois Stavsky; and 3, 5-7, In NYC, Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 0 comments }

A Visit to 106 Bayard with: Cycle, Part One, Dr. Revolt, Wolf 1 AOK, Futura, Lady Pink, Team, Whisper, Pure TFP and more

November 15, 2014

Straddling the border between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the building at 106 Bayard Street was transformed this past spring into a 3,000-square foot outdoor canvas. The 70’s and 80’s NYC subway and graffiti movement was the theme of the inaugural 106 Bayard mural project, curated by Gee Dajani and Keene Carse. Here are a few more images from both the exterior and interior of 106 Bayard captured when we recently revisited the spot.

Part One, Dr. Revolt, Wolf 1 AOK and Futura

Lady Pink

A wide view from across the street with Part One, Dr. Revolt, Wolf 1 AOK, Futura and Team

And inside — Whisper and Pure TFP, segment of huge mural

Created and sponsored by Cirkers Fine Art Storage & Logistics, 106 Bayard will be transformed once again this coming spring.

Note: First photo features the legendary Cycle with Jackson and artwork by Williamsburg Charter High School students.

Photo credits: 1, 4 & 5 by Dani Reyes Mozeson; 2 & 3 by Lois Stavsky

{ 0 comments }

Florida-Based Boy Kong Brings His Playful Aesthetic to NYC Streets and to the Cotton Candy Machine

June 24, 2014

Orlando, Florida-based artist Boy Kong recently left his mark in NYC. His delightfully fanciful aesthetic has made its way to the exterior of rag & bone on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan and to the shutter at 175 Roebling Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A selection of his distinctly crafted individual pieces can also be seen at Cotton Candy Machine, 235 South 1^st Street in Williamsburg, through this week.

On Roebling Street in Williamsburg

And a sampling of what’s on view at at Cotton Candy Machine

Photos by Dani Reyes Mozeson

{ 2 comments }

“October Surprise” at 17 Frost with Billi Kid, Abe Lincoln. Jr., Cake, Jason Mamarella, stikman, WC Bevan and more

October 5, 2013

On view this evening from 7-11pm at 17 Frost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is October Surprise. Curated by Jason Mamarella, aka d.w. krsna, it features works by some of our favorite artists who are active both on the streets and in their studios. Here’s a brief sampling:

Billi Kid