I’d always identified Logan Hicks with meticulously stenciled urban landscapes. I was awed by his pieces that I saw at London’s Cans Festival in 2008 and at Brooklyn’s Willoughby Windows in 2009. It was only earlier today at Opera Gallery in SoHo that I discovered his stunningly-crafted portraits, including of the lovely Monica LoCascio.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
Generally when a new street art/graffiti book surfaces, I buy it, skim it and put it into my “to read” pile. Not the case with Maximiliano Ruiz’s NUEVO MUNDO: Latin American Street Art (Gestalten, 2011). A survey of Latin American street art has been long overdue, and I find myself savoring it — reading and rereading it. Here’s a brief preview of the book:
More about some of the other artists in upcoming posts–
3rdEye(SOL)ation, Bushwick’s newest urban art space, is the perfect setting to exhibit street art. The somewhat gritty neighborhood, the inviting site itself, along with the vibes of the folks who hang out there, make it the ideal fit. When I stopped by earlier, most of the artwork for tonight’s opening was already installed. Here’s a preview:
Photos by Lois Stavsky
The exhibit opens tonight from 7-10pm @ 1501 Broadway in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
I’m a fan of Chor Boogie’s artwork– its blazing colors and visual rhythms. Although his style is a bit gimmicky, it works for me. Seeing his work on the streets is always a treat. I stopped by Mallick Williams & Co at 150 11th Avenue in Chelsea to check out its current show Spectrum before it closes tomorrow, as Chor Boogie is one of its featured artists. While still delightful, his artwork’s impact was nowhere as strong as when seen on the streets.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
Because Gaia’s works are so elegantly powerful on the streets — especially in semi-desolate, often bleak settings — I was somewhat leery of seeing his work in a gallery setting. But his current exhibit Succession, his first solo exhibit at Jonathan LeVine’s gallery, works, as Gaia has succeeded in transforming the gallery’s project room into an authentic urban environment. The installation continues through June 25 @ 529 West 20th Street. 9th floor.
Thomas Buildmore and Scott Chasse have once again brought together some of my favorite urban artists from NYC, Boston and Philly. This time their canvas is the Fowler Arts Collective at 67 West Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Collaborating with Scott and Thomas in creating a huge playful, somewhat irreverent, black and white mural are: Morgan Thomas Anderson, Royce Bannon, Cense, Darkclouds, Robert daVies, El Celso, Martin Esteves, Veronica Hanssens, Jessica Hess, Keely, Kenji Nakayama, Nineta, Nose Go, Cense, Damion Silver, Matt Siren, John Skibo, Ben Woodward and Wrona. In addition to the mural, a number of individual works are also on exhibit. The exhibit continues through July 6 with a special Northside Open Studios Artists’ Reception on June 17, 8-11pm.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
An avid fan of both stickers and urban art, I love what Pawn Works has been up to: the design and installation of vending machines that makes the best of urban art available in sticker format. I recently had a chance to speak with one of its two founders, Seth Mooney, currently living in NYC. His partner, Nick Marzullo, is based in Chicago.
I love the concept of a vending machine that dispenses stickers featuring urban art. How did you guys come up with the idea? We thought it would be a great way to showcase contemporary artists and designers and make their work easily affordable and accessible to collectors.
You guys have an amazing roster of artists, and the stickers look fabulous. Not only have you featured some of my favorites – folks like C215, Dain and Gaia – but you’ve introduced me to artists whose work is new to me. How do you engage artists in your project? We’ve approached some artists and some are referred to us. Others contact us directly. The artists have complete control over their image. 10% of the stickers we print go directly to the artist. A small portion of the stickers printed are pooled and distributed in sticker packs among the sticker club’s members, as one of our goals is to connect artists from around the globe.
Where can we find these vending machines? We plan to place them in a variety of venues, including, of course, galleries and cafes. The first NYC gallery to have our sticker machine is Brooklynite in Bed-Stuy.
Do you collect stickers yourself? I’ve been collecting them for over 20 years, since I was 9 years old. I love stickers. They are the most portable genre of tangible art!
Do you design your own? I’ve done some but I’m far more focused on other people.
I see that your partner in Pawn Works, Nick Marzullo, is running a gallery in Chicago. How did you guys get into that? About 5-6 years ago, Nick started doing shows in friends’ apartments and representing their work at art fairs. In time, it led to the establishment of a gallery that features work by emerging contemporary artists. The current exhibit REPEAT OFFENDER features work by Gabriel Specter.
Have you a formal art background? I studied photography at Columbia College in Chicago and I also work as a photographer. But I consider myself primarily a “facilitator of the arts.”
Sounds good! I love what you’re doing and I look forward to seeing and collecting more of Pawn Work’s stickers.
Images courtesy Seth Mooney
3rdEye(Sol)ation, a spacious new gallery space at 1501 Broadway in Bushwick run by Jose Castillo, will be hosting its first street art exhibit on Friday, June 3, 7-10pm. Curated by Jason Mamarella, it features an array of artists from both coasts: Billi Kid, Peru Ana Ana Peru, ASVP, Mike Die, Jos-L, dint wooer krsna, Quel Beast, Septerhed, Choice Royce, Kosbe, QRST, Trixtr Rabbit, Bankrupt Slut, CCB, Wisher 914, ZamArt . When I stopped by earlier in the evening, Kosbe was at work on a wall which will be part of an extended open gallery. Some prints had just arrived from LA — which introduced me to the work of Septerhed. The exhibit will open in conjunction with the Arts in Bushwick Art Walk, 6/3-6/5, noon to 7pm.
Photos by Lois Stavsky
