After checking out 5Pointz this afternoon, we decided to walk over the Pulaski Bridge into Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Here are a few of my favorite images:
Photos by Lois Stavsky
In Greenpoint: Jaz, Paul Richard, Cekis & Maya Hayuk
David Ellis, Ron English, Futura, Saber, Sixeart, & more @ Opera Gallery’s “Abstractions”
We visited Opera Gallery earlier today just a few hours before the official opening of “Abstractions,” a retrospective of the abstract movement that features artists who’ve used the streets as their canvas, alongside such “fine” artists as Miro and Matta. Here are a few images:
The exhibit continues through October 16 at 115 Spring Street in SoHo.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
German photorealistic graffiti artist CASE pays tribute to Egyptian activist Khaled Said
This tribute to the Egyptian activist and rapper Khaled Said — brutally beaten to death in June 2010 and posthumously awarded the Human Rights Award 2011 this week — was just painted on two original pieces of the Berlin Wall by Andreas von Chrzanowski aka CASE, a founding member of the renowned graffiti crew Ma’Claim. It will soon be placed at Berlin’s Freedom Park on the banks of the river Spree. Next month, CASE will again paint the portrait in Khaled Said’s home town Alexandria, as part of a project with the Goethe Institute.
Photo by Joel Sames, courtesy of From Here to Fame Publishing
Brazilian artist Kboco brings his street art-infused global vision to Lu Magnus
I discovered Kboco’s work in 2007 at Jonathan LeVine’s groundbreaking exhibit, Ruas de São Paulo: A Survey of Brazilian Street Art from São Paulo. Since, Kboco has exhibited internationally in galleries. museums and biennials. (I’m not certain just how much he continues to create on the streets; I certainly hope he does.) This past month he covered the entire walls of Lu Magnus, a wonderful art space at 55 Hester Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, with a mural installation and paintings. Its multiple layers, intricate details, subtle colors and global graphics fuse to create an alternate reality. Entitled Efeito Esquimó (Eskimo Effect), it continues through October 23. Here’s a brief glimpse:
TT Underground Presents New Works by GHOST
Originally focused on bombing trains back in the late 80’s, GHOST has developed into a first-rate painter. I love his spirited work on exhibit through Sunday at TT Underground (91 Second Ave. in the East Village): its zany characters, brilliant colors and synthesis of styles. Here’s a sampling:
For a historical perspective on the graffiti of GHOST’s era and GHOST’s personal and artistic evolution, Ket’s book GHOST RIS CREW (published by From Here to Fame) is worth a read.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
RAE’s Images Surface on Chelsea and Lower East Side Walls
A huge fan of “outsider art,” I love RAE’s images and don’t get to see enough of them. These past few days, I’ve discovered them in Chelsea and on the Lower East Side. It’s great to see some of my favorite art on Manhattan streets! Here are a few images:
Photos by Lois Stavsky
Fragments from the Streets of Chelsea: Elbowtoe, Celso, Sti(c)kman, Lorenzo Masnah & more
When I last visited Chelsea in late June, the streets were almost devoid of street art. There were a few worn stickers and paste-ups, but not much else. It’s getting better. Here are a few images I saw this afternoon:
Photos by Lois Stavsky
Dorian Grey Gallery takes us back to the 80’s with “CLUB 57 & Friends”
Opening tonight at the East Village’s Dorian Grey Gallery is CLUB 57 & Friends featuring some of the early pioneers of the 1980’s East Village art scene and the CLUB 57 performance space. Both original works and legendary photographs are on display. Here is a small sampling:
- Dress designed by LA II aka LA Roc, photo by Lois Stavsky
The opening reception is from 6 – 9pm this evening at 437 East 9th Street between 1st Ave and Ave A. The exhibit continues through October 9th. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 12 – 7pm.
From the Streets of Toronto
Here’s a sampling of some wonderfully vibrant Toronto walls that have been recently shared with me:
- DSNC, MOZIE, UNC
Photos by MKP
5Pointz: Paradise “Not Quite” Lost
Long Island City’s renowned graffiti mecca 5Pointz is one-of-a-kind, as its devotees span cultural backgrounds, nationalities, social classes and ages with their love of expressive aerosol art. Visiting today, we would never know that the threat of closure looms. Writers from Australia, Poland, and Spain, as well as locals, were at work on new walls, and tourists and sightseers were everywhere. It is difficult to imagine this city without 5Pointz. Instead of becoming the site of an apartment complex as its developer is planning, it could ideally evolve into a museum that would provide an outlet and a showcase for the talent and creative energy that continues to find its way there. And as it has in the past, it should continue to serve as a valuable resource for educators and students. When we asked Meres, the tireless force behind 5Pointz’ success, what we can do to help preserve 5Pointz, he urged us to sign the petition http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/support5pointz/. A sampling of what we saw today follows:
