Ranging in age from early teens to mid 30’s, Sao Paulo’s controversial pichadores meet weekly to exchange blackbooks, writings and the latest info. This past Thursday, they met at their regular meeting place in the center of town that they refer to as “The Point.” They seem to represent a range of educational levels and economic backgrounds. And unlike most NYC writers, they were eager to be photographed.
A different kind of street art emerges in São Paulo’s economically disadvantaged neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city — some of which I visited yesterday. It is mostly the writings of the pichadores who practice São Paulo’s distinct tagging style, along with graffiti that reminds me of some of the walls I’ve seen in the South Bronx. Here’s a sampling:
photos by Lois Stavsky
I arrived in Sao Paulo yesterday, and within an hour of exploring the nearby streets from my base here in the center of town, I came upon dozens of alluring, diverse images. Here are a few:
Many more to come! (I’ve identified the artists whose work I recognize; info on the others to come).
photos by Lois Stavsky
Although I haven’t yet made it to New Zealand or Australia, they’ve come to me — thanks to 5Pointz, Long Island City’s graffiti Mecca. Last year, it introduced me to the masterful photorealistic murals created by New Zealand’s Owen Dippie and, more recently, to Australia’s Beastman’s wondrous geometric designs.
Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, Queens native KR.ONE was hitting NYC’s subway trains, busses, walls and school yards. He was recently featured, in fact, in Roger Gastman & Caleb Neelon’s The History of American Graffiti. These days he’s bringing his old skool graffiti flavor to canvases, papers, model trains, metal surfaces and more. An array of his recent works are on exhibit at Long Island City’s L.I.C.K Gallery at 45-03 Broadway. The work will remain up through the end of August. Here’s a sample:
Photos by Lois Stavsky
Photos by Lois Stavsky
I’m a big fan of A1one’s artwork. Although I’ve seen and exhibited it on canvas, cardboard and vinyl, I’ve yet to see it up close in a public space. ‘hoping that A1one aka Tanha can bring his talents to the U.S. at some point! Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the photos he shares with me from time to time.
Although 5Pointz officially launches its 2011 season today, writers from abroad — as well as local ones — have been busy this past month. The pieces don’t often last long, and we’ve been trying to document this Long Island City graffiti mecca weekly. Here are three (of many) faves that have recently surfaced:
