What’s the name of the original Street Artist? That’s right brothers and sisters, it is Mother Nature. While we all are stumbling and climbing on the streets now, digging out of a snow storm for the record books, you have to look around and admit it, she rules.

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

We’re continuously following the lexicon of Street Art as it endeavors to be more inclusive of art and artists who were not part of the original definition; a point that is thrilling to some, irksome to others.

But when it comes to urban philosophers and public space, who can deny that many of our aesthetic discussions necessarily must allow for the work of Mother Nature? She is Old Skool for sure, but her legacy is felt throughout the scene and she knows how to keep her work fresh, timely, relevant. Not everyone can say that.

Isaac Cordal (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Surely wo/mankind’s egoistic approach to the designed and built environment causes many to be arrogant, even bellicose about our incredible command of the elements. We act as if white gloved or uniformed captains of design and art have trumped the forces of nature.

The more seasoned will tell you that, at the most, architects, sculptors, planners, painters and civil engineers can only hope to be collaborators with this dynamo.

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

And what fine work it can be! Her career has an astounding track record and the mastery of line, form, variety, materials is unmatched. Need we mention the soaring volume, the scale of installation, the level of engagement? Christo is but a speck of dust in comparison. Attendance at her New York opening over the weekend was 8.4 million, and the consensus is that Mother Nature is still at the top of her game.

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Icy & Sot (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Smells (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Untitled (photo © Jaime Rojo)

238

138

45