May 2010

Stencil Top 5: 05.25.10 from BSA

Stencil-Top-5

by Samantha Longhi

BANKSY

When you look after what is happening in the street art field, I realize that much of the news revolves around the one who became an indisputable yet often contested star: Banksy. How surprised I was today when I realized that I had not given any “Stencil Of The Week” to the king of stencil art! Everyone talks about Banksy everywhere, both on the street, in museums, in auction houses or cinemas… all over the world.  The phenomenon continues to be fascinating and for a good reason: genius.

Banksy in lower Manhattan (image courtesy Stencil History X)
Banksy in lower Manhattan (image © Sabeth 718)

Let’s look closely at one of his latest pieces in New York. We talk about British humor in general when we think Banksy, Monty Python and so forth.. but consider for a moment that Banksy could be one of the foremost theoreticians of street art to date? Making use of metaphor, he has already addressed  many issues related to street art, such as branding through the rental of advertising space walls, the ongoing conflict between stencil/street art on one side and graffiti on the other, the concept of mimetic art.  I can see how Banksy can be analytical at this point in his career. With his U.S. tour these past few weeks he has been able to show us that his analytical skills are sharp. Each piece is thought of in terms of its geographical location, Detroit differing from LA, etc.

Here in New York City : a doctor, his satchel in hand, is listening with his stethoscope placed in the heart of the famous logo created by Milton Glazer examining the love existing for the city of New York.  This city, famous for its intellectuals, its writers, artists, filmmakers, is considered by some to be the European capital of the United States.  Banksy plays with ambiguity; is the heart of the city of NYC sick or is the love we have for her wilting?  In any case, Banksy reminds us how much the city continues to be a central concern of street artists.

Pen 1 (photo © Paul Nine-0)
“Model Behavior” by Pen 1 (photo © Paul Nine-0)

"It Happens Every Day", Faile (photo © Sabeth 718)
“It Happens Every Day”, Faile (photo © Sabeth 718)
"Lily", by T-Wat (image courtesy T-Wat)

"Lily", by T-Wat (image courtesy T-Wat)

"Chimp Change" by Mr. Prvt (mixed media on vintage fold-out poker table) (image courtesy Mr. Prvt)

"Chimp Change" by Mr. Prvt (mixed media on vintage fold-out poker table) (image courtesy Mr. Prvt)

See more T-Wat here

See more Mr. Prvt here

Sabeth 718’s Flickr

Stencil History X

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Welling Up a Little? That’s the Street Art “Community” Feeling

Welling Court Mural Project Opens Over the Weekend in a Queens Community; Many Street Artists Contribute

There can be a bit of grand posturing around the word “community” especially by people (or corporations) who spend more time chasing the Gravy Train than climbing on the Love Train. And swimming in an acid-tongued media landscape that keeps saying we’re are a giant polarized society simply bubbling with animosity, you could be forgiven for not leaving your house, let alone breaking bread with your neighbor who is different.

JMR
JMR (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

New York people prove that lie to be wrong every day – we are a hugely diverse lot- our different mother tongues alone could lick a frosting bowl the size of Shea Stadium.  And yet mysteriously all of us weird different kinds of people are all getting along with each other day after day – sometimes we even enjoy each other!

Dan Witz
Dan Witz (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Burning Candy
Sweet Toof from Burning Candy Crew (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Welling Court Murals, a project with Street Artists in a neighborhood in Queens, New York, came to fruition on Saturday and the results were as colorful and eclectic as we are. While the people on the block barbecued and danced and played games, kids chased each other and rode their bikes and took many pictures of Street Artists doing their thing on the walls- spray cans, paint brushes, wheat paste, and markers busy.

Darkcloud, Celso and Ron English
Ron English, Darkcloud, Celso and Deeks (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Saturday was the “show day” for this project that the folks at Ad Hoc Art, with Alison and Garrison Buxton at the helm, have been “community organizing” for a long time.  However, by no means is it the end of the project, as new friendships and alliances were forged and a neighborhood has a new panoply of street art to look at, ponder, and hopefully be inspired by.

Clint
Clint (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

The Welling Court Mural Project was one of the most cohesive “community” events we’ve seen in a long time.  Street Artists plus an engaged neighborhood of very nice people… delicious home-made foods, music from Latin America and India/Pakistan, adults, kids, painting, asking and answering myriad questions, posing for pictures in front of pieces — all proving again that the arts can bring people together.  A sincere “Thank you” to Ad Hoc and Allison and Garrison and all the artists for putting your best out there for others to share.

Gia, PMP, Leon Reid
Gaia, PMP, Leon Reid (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Michael DeFeo
Michael DeFeo doing a little inside joke on that Banksy character (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

M City (detail)
M-City (detail) (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Minetta, Chris Stain
Nineta, Chris Stain (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Overview with Royce Bannon. Matt Siren, Robots, Burning Candy and Too Fly
Overview with Michael DeFeo, Royce Bannon. Matt Siren, Robots, Burning Candy and Too Fly (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Remi Rough and Stormie Mills (detail)
Remi/Rough and Stormie Mills in their first ever New York piece (detail) (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Lady Pink, Cycle
Lady Pink, Cycle (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Swoon
Swoon (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Ron English
Ron English (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Veng RWK
Veng RWK (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Tristan Eaton
Tristan Eaton (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Welling Court Artists include: Alice Mizrachi, Beast, Chris Mendoza, Chris Stain, Celso, Cern, Cey Adams, CR, Cycle, Dan Witz, Darkclouds, Daryll Peirce, Don Leicht, Ellis G, Free5, Gaia, Garrison & Alison Buxton, Greg Lamarche, JMR, John Fekner, Lady Pink, Leon Reid, Matt Siren, M-City, Michael De Feo, Mr. Kiji, Pablo Power, Peripheral Media Projects, R. Nicholas Kuszyk, Remi/Rough, Ron English, Royce Bannon, Sofia Maldonado, Stormie Mills, Sweet Toof, Swoon, TooFly, Tristan Eaton, and Veng RWK.

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Galeria Verbo Presents: Apolo Torres “Tempestade” (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Apolo Torres

Apolo Torres "Tempestade"

Apolo Torres "Tempestade"

Two years after his first exhibit, Brazilian Street Artist Apolo Torres returns to Verbo gallery in Sao Paulo for a show called TEMPESTADE (meaning Storm), with a collection of paintings from his most recent production, as well as drawings and prints on paper.
At a good moment in his career, Apolo participated in important group exhibitions and  partnerships over the last couple of years, leading him recently to a gig making the art for songwriter Rodrigo Ramos’ debut record.
The contemporary works for this show show sensitive approach to the life in big cities; in a questioning, poetic way that focus on environmental and political problems such as the recent floods in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Behind the aesthetics is a criticism of poor urban planning and overpopulation along with a tribute to the people who get on with their lives and their routine in spite of these problems.
Apolo Torres "Coexistencia"  (detail)

Apolo Torres "Coexistencia" (detail)

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Logan Hicks Print Release Coming Soon

After the posting about prints from earlier today, a little bird has told us to keep an eye out for a very cool and unusual Logan Hicks print release pretty soon, but it’s not official yet.

Hot off the presses...

Hot off the presses...

His current show at Opera Gallery in Soho has been open since last Wednesday and he is currently putting together a show for Paris next month at Galerie Itinerance.  Apparently the limited print run is going to be one of the pieces from this show that features his new technique of stencil-making that makes the pieces look like liquid.

From the picture above, it looks like it is of the same design as this pic from the show at Opera.

Picture of a stencil piece at the Opera Gallery last week.

Picture of a Logan Hicks stencil piece at the Opera Gallery last week.

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Prints on Parade: Imminent Disaster, David Choe, UR New York, Charming Baker and GAIA

Many artists are finding it a smart move these days to create short runs of prints. Sometimes they are quite affordable and sometimes quite remarkable in their splendor.  Here are a few that are recently released in case you have some extra cash.

Imminent Disaster

Ms. Disaster has just released a new limited run silkscreen edition.  It’s a detail from the recent installation “Refuge” at ThinkSpace gallery in Los Angeles in March.

Check out and interview with Imminent Disaster and Armsrock in Juxtapoz here.

Imminent Disaster
“Crossing the River” from Imminent Disaster

Crossing the River
Edition of 4 APs
Black and tan ink on cloth
28″ x 37″

Find out more about the piece here.

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David Choe

In the midst of a show at Lazarides called “Nothing to Declare” in fabulous Beverly Hills, Mr. Choe has released this dramatic beauty.

"I Like My Waffles Sprinkled
“I Like My Waffles Sprinkled With Deep Throat Tears”, by David Choe

Title I Like My Waffles Sprinkled With Deep Throat Tears
Type Print
Edition 38
Year 2010
Size 82 cm x 72 cm

UR New York

Combining graff, silkscreen, and paintbrushes, the Street Art collective UR New York has released their very first print series.

UR New York
UR New York

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Charming Baker

English painter Charming Baker is in New York for his first solo show “Stupid Has A New Hero”. These edition prints were printed at Modern Multiples and published by Carmichael Gallery.

"Half Pint NYC" by Charming Baker
“Half Pint NYC” by Charming Baker

“Half Pint NYC”
Four colour CYMK screenprint410 gsm Somerset Tub paper
Size: 76 X1 02cm

Learn more about the print HERE

“Stupid Has A New Hero – New Paintings by Charming Baker” takes place at the NY Studio Gallery, 154 Stanton St in New York. The show runs until May 30th.

www.charmingbaker.com

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Gaia

Senior Gaia, a NYC-Baltimore street artist is hunting and pecking and scratching around the industrial farmyard with this animal-human hybrid. This print release from last month references a story of betrayal from the Bible.

"Deny Me Three Times", by Gaia
“Deny Me Three Times”, by Gaia

“Deny Me Three Times”, by Gaia

92 x 126 cm
hand-burnished lino cut
lennox paper

Edition of 25, numbered and signed

Learn more at Nelly Duff

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Images of the Week 05.23.10 on BSA featuring Banksy, Dain, Ludo, Faile and one (vintage) Dan Witz

This past week New York experienced a deluge of Street Artists getting up on the city’s famed walls. We are very lucky to live here and to capture the bounty before it disappears.

And we heart you back Banksy
And we heart you back (Banksy) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Ludo
Ludo’s scientific nightmare plant/technology hybrid (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Dain
“Does this eyeshadow go with my bag? Because I am not leaving my apartment otherwise.” (Dain) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Faile
Faile on the same door seemingly moments earlier. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Banksy

Everyone has something to say when Banksy comes to town. - And 6 or 7 of his pieces popped up all over NYC this week, sending photographers, fans, critics, and others scurrying to the newly hallowed sites. From those breathlessly reporting their sudden appearnce, to the debates of their authenticity, to questions about who actually executes them, to commentary on the actual quality of the work, there was no shortage of reportage, and opinion. Then there were the opportunists who jump on the Banksy gravy boat to promote their own creative skills: artwork, poetry, stickers. Finally, a semi-political stencilling campaign advocating the freeing of a local street artist who has been identified as a member of a collective called Poster Boy, who became a bit of a Cause célèbre the previous week when he was sentenced to 11 months at Rikers Island for cutting posters in the subway, or something like that. The "Free Posterboy" street-grassroots campaign (and Facebook fanpage) may have actually worked, as it is reported that he has been released from jail. The Banksy movie has certainly heightened the public's interest in all things "street art" related, and when the secretive namesake's work appears, the buzz is a force that brings excitement, derision, and a circus of colorful characters with it. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Faile and Celso
Faile and Celso (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Faile
Faile’s newest stencils look like they were influenced by the back pages of those dirty little magazines you’ve been sneaking into your bedroom when Mom and Dad aren’t looking. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Ludo
Play it Loud!  I’m Green and I’m Proud! (Ludo) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Banksy
Banksy (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Dain
Sometimes a Dain looks like an appropriated whole image, other times they are clearly composited. (Dain) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Faile
Pretty straightforward I think.  This is obviously about Junior’s famous cheesecake in downtown Brooklyn.  (Faile) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Banksy
Hell, we’ve all done that!  Not mentioning any names here, people.  But you know who you are. (Banksy) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Faile
Just a couple of kids in love at the V-Drive In.  (Faile) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Dan Witz
Dead on your feet? Have a seat! (Dan Witz) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Faile
I have these dreams too – especially when I have had too many of those new watermelon margaritas.  (Faile) (photo © Jaime Rojo)

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Roa Pulls a Rabbit out of a Hog

ROA GOES OVER SELF

While in town for his first solo show in NYC at Factory Fresh Gallery ROA has been busy getting up in Brooklyn. His new piece is nothing short of magic. In an unusual twist on a street art act usually considered a dis, ROA actually goes over himself — and transforms his gigantic hog into a dead rabbit..

Pork at the Robot (Noah Sparkes and ? ) (photo Jaime Rojo)
Roa’s original porcine portrait (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Here is the original swine portrait, which ran for more than a year solidly without interruption (with some help from Noah Sparkes in the colorful background).

ROA (Photo©Jaime Rojo)
ROA (Photo©Jaime Rojo)

And here is the brand new rabbit pulled out of his imaginary animal kingdom. Following one of his themes, ROA reveals the inner skeletal structure of the animal – it’s bit educational for those who may be taxidermically inclined.

ROA (Photo©Jaime Rojo)
ROA (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

ROA (Photo©Jaime Rojo)
ROA (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

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Fun Friday 05.21.10 from BSA

Fun-Friday

Thanks to everybody for the shout-outs about Fun Friday.  We love you too.

Style Curator Natalie Kates Went to the “Street Art New York” Auction with her Video Camera

I saw her at the party/auction/fundraiser on April 24th at Factory Fresh but I didn’t know she was shooting a video!  So cool because she captured the fun crowd and the funnier DJ mixologists Sifunk and Garmunkle, who really rocked our already over stimulated brains with a rhythmic cut-copy-paste blend of funkiness. (get Paul’s New Mix FREE here) Anyway, thanks Natalie!

Free Arts NYC

And on that note, thank you to all of the street artists who generously donated their time and work and creativity to the auction, which raised $16,000 for the programs at Free Arts NYC.  Thank you also to the staff and many volunteers who helped make that show work – BSA recommends these people and these programs that provide valuable services to our neighbors and to NYC kids.  A number of Street Artist already know about their programs and have volunteered as Big Brother/Sister mentors and worked with kids and families in the programs.  Here, Cynthia and Alexis talk about their experience:



This year again, Free Arts NYC has committed to serving an additional 1,000 children to meet the high demand in New York for their programs. We hope you will consider donating today by clicking here to help them reach this important milestone and close the remaining $25,000 gap needed to expand their programs.

“UR New York” Shows You How They Do It

UR New York, true born and raised New Yorkers, not transplants like most of us, are taking their street art game another step forward in a positive way. You see their cool canvasses, but do you have any idea how many steps are involved in making a print?

Here’s a studio stop-action video that shows how the New York Duo 2Easae and Ski just churned out their first print called “Arsenic” with Art Asylum Boston.  They only made 10, but it looks like a lot of effort.  Using cans and brushes, these brothers are combining the best of their experience into their work.

Ron English Hits the Welling Court Walls Early

UR New York, Street Artist Ron English has put up a bunch of new wheat paste posters on the Welling Court Mural Project in Queens, NY. The festival starts tomorrow and already the stuff that is up is worth the trip for this community event. English is taking the opportunity to lambaste Consumerism, Greed, Militarism, Religious Hypocrisy, Romanticizing Guns, and Advertising Hammerlocks on your Head — you know, all the lite topics – with a variety of graphic lampoons a la Mad Magazine in the 70’s.ee

Ron English's new work at Welling Court Walls this weekend

Ron English's new work at Welling Court Mural Project this weekend (image courtesy Ron English)

See more pictures from Ron English’s online journal at Juxtapose HERE.

ROA on the Roof

You may have missed this, and I’m so happy with it – so that’s two really good reasons to post this new NEW YORKY video we made with ROA this week.  Have a great weekend!


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Artists that were part of the “Street Art New York” Auction Benefit for Free Arts NYC were Abe Lincoln Jr., Alex Diamond, Anera, Avoid Pi, Billi Kid, Bishop 203, Blanco, BortusK Leer, Broken Crow, C Damage, C215, Cake, Celso, Chris RWK, Chris Stain, Creepy, Dain, Damon Ginandes, Dan Witz, Dark Clouds, Dennis McNett, Elbow Toe, EllisG, FKDL, Gaia, General Howe, GoreB, Hargo, Hellbent, Imminent Disaster, Infinity, Jef Aerosol, Jim Avignon, JMR, Joe Iurato, Jon Burgerman, Keely, Know Hope, Logan Hicks, Mark Carvalho, Matt Siren, Mint and Serf, Miss Bugs, NohJColey, Nomadé, Peru Ana Ana Peru, PMP/Peripheral Media Projects, Poster Boy, Pufferella, Rene Gagnon, Roa, Royce Bannon, Skewville, Specter, Stikman, Swoon, The Dude Company, Tristan Eaton, UR New York (2esae & Ski), Veng RWK

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Vincent Michael Gallery Presents: “PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy” (Philadelphia)

Paper Monster

Paper Monster "Caught in the Storm"

Paper Monster "Caught in the Storm"

“PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy” is the latest titled of PaperMonster’s (http://papermonster.wordpress.com) solo exhibition opening July 2nd in Philadelphia, PA at the Vincent Michael Gallery (http://vincentmichael.com/). PaperMonster will show over twenty new works of stencil art collages on canvas full of powerful portraits of women exploring themes of strength, fear, passion, and mystery. Several portraits are woven together with combinations of women and animals; each speaking to the strength, ferocity, and power that women carry within. His collage work within each painting allows the audience to develop their own perception and theories as to who these people are and what they hide. PaperMonster will also be having an artist talk on July 24th from 2-4pm covering his thoughts on stencil art and the art world at large. You can find more on PaperMonster and his solo show over at: http://papermonster.wordpress.com
PaperMonster Solo Show
“PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy”
Vincent Michael Gallery
1050 N. Hancock Street Suite 63
Philadelphia, PA 19123
http://vincentmichael.com/
1-877-291-11387
Opening Reception: Friday, July 2nd 6-9 PM
Artist Talk: Saturday July 24th 2-4Pm
Show available from: July 2nd- July 31st
Full Post on PaperMonster Site:
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JMR’s got his Piece done for the Queen’s Wall

No, not Queen Elizabeth, – it’s the borough of Queens this time.
Ad Hoc Art,
with the Queen Alison Buxton and her ever-loyal servant Garrison at the helm, are putting together a very fun and expansive show on the walls on Saturday.
We know the list, and there are a couple special guests, so don’t miss it.  It’s kind of far, but it will be worth it when you get there.

I dunno, I want to try something new.  How about pink highlights? (JMR) (photo © and courtesy Jim Rizzi)
I dunno, I want to try something new. How about pink highlights? (JMR) (photo © and courtesy Jim Rizzi)

Welling Court Artists include: Alice Mizrachi, Beast, Chris Mendoza, Chris Stain, Celso, Cern, Cey Adams, CR, Cycle, Dan Witz, Darkclouds, Daryll Peirce, Don Leicht, Ellis G, Free5, Gaia, Garrison & Alison Buxton, Greg Lamarche, JMR, John Fekner, Lady Pink, Leon Reid, Matt Siren, M-City, Michael De Feo, Mr. Kiji, Pablo Power, Peripheral Media Projects, R. Nicholas Kuszyk, Remi/Rough, Ron English, Royce Bannon, Sofia Maldonado, Stormie Mills, Sweet Toof, Swoon, TooFly, Tristan Eaton, and Veng RWK.

Read more about Welling Court Mural Project HERE

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Exclusive New Pics from Russia: Specter Plus New Friend

New images you haven’t seen of Specters’ pieces in Russia.  He also has a new friend in St. Petersburg – Incubus Project (on the left), who seems to be making a play for Specter’s lady on the right, who is less than enthused.

It’s all about love, people.  Even when it’s not.

So, uh, come here often? Specter.

Dobry den. So, uh, come to here often?” Incubus Project and Specter.

Incubus Project in St. Petersburg.

Incubus Project in St. Petersburg.

Incubus Project, who recently had a show in Berlin, favors 3-d renderings and cross-sectional views of machinery, robots, and imaginary living spaces – sometimes with dotted lines and explicative labels, as if from an instruction manual.

New view of a Specter piece.
Waiting for my real love, far far away. New view of a Specter piece.

Who me?  Specter on the street in St. Petersburg.
Who me? Specter on the street in St. Petersburg.

I didn't see anything! Specter in Russia
I didn’t see anything! Specter in Russia

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