Jef Aerosol in NYC: New Basquiat Stencil The First Icon of His Visit

One week from his debut solo show in New York, internationally known Street Artist Jef Aerosol showed his love for NYC with a large stencil tribute to one of Street Art’s recognized inspirations, Jean-Michel Basquiat. From some of the newest kids on the scene to guys like Aerosol, who has about 30 years in the game, it’s remarkable how Basquiat’s artistic legacy has such magnetism and a clout across the field.

Setting up the first piece of stencil with the Empire State Building in the background. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Click on any image to see a larger version. All images copyrighted by Jaime Rojo.

Little wind means little chance of stencil pieces blowing into the river. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Jef Aerosol (photo © Jaime Rojo)

For the first piece he’s done since arriving in the city this week, Aerosol picked an elevated roof spot a short walk from the location where the graffiti-influenced expressionist painter had his studio in Brooklyn. About 3 meters high and 4 wide, the three-layer stencil didn’t give him much trouble since there wasn’t much wind on the roof.

Jef Aerosol (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Not a product endorsement, but yes that is Montana Gold. Jef Aerosol (photo © Jaime Rojo)

On a partially sunny day that was pretty mild for NYC in January, Aerosol seemed stunned by the experience at one point. “I’ve painted in many cities around the world, but there are only a couple that can move me in such a way as New York does. Even while I was creating this piece today, my mind was wandering and I was reflecting on how really luck I feel to be here, ” remarked Aerosol.

Maybe that is why he picked one of Basquiat’s quotes to write alongside the portrait, “I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”