The war rages again in Gaza, and the street art in New York reflects the cultural response with more pieces every week. New York’s Fifth Avenue will be closed on three Sundays this month to allow more foot traffic to enjoy the holidays and avert car deaths now that the tree and skating rink are open at Rockefeller Center. Our esteemed New York politicians keep doing us proud this week, with George Santos getting expelled from Congress, and Trump being forced to face criminal charges like everyone else. We say goodbye to the first female Supreme Court Judge Sandra O’Connor, and to a person whom most of the world’s press contend was one of the biggest international war criminals responsible for millions of deaths, Henry Kissinger. Remarkable for some that Jimmy Carter outlived him.
Here is our weekly interview with the street: this week featuring Optimo NYC, Kram, Gats, Eternal Possessions, Muebon, El Hase, Stay Busy, Words on the Street, Alex Itin, Madison Storm, Jocelyn Tsajh, Homer, Siomo, Clams, Celeb, and Under Control.
In the heart of Berlin-Neukölln, the Genezareth Church, a neo-Gothic tower with a history as rich and intricate as the city itself, stands renewed and vibrant, thanks to the artistic duo Various and Gould. Their latest project, “Strahlen” (German for “rays” or “to shine”), was inaugurated in mid-September, almost 120 years to the day after the church’s foundation stone was laid in 1903. The installation heralds a new era for the church, which has been experiencing a revival under the Startbahn team, an open-minded group managing the church for the past few years.
Street artists and installation artists Various and Gould, known for their immersion in the context and history of their chosen sites, have transformed the church’s bricked-up windows into a dynamic visual narrative. “We were immediately struck by the church’s colorful redesign and open concept. Our design for the windows evolved into a dynamic, upward-striving bundle of rays, a lantern-like view into the church, reflecting its vibrant, multi-layered new program,” they shared. This transformation is particularly poignant, considering the church’s history of resilience and adaptation, especially during and after WWII when its proximity to Berlin-Tempelhof Airport necessitated critical architectural changes to work in concert with aeronautic needs.
The mural, “Strahlen,” is not just an aesthetic enhancement but a symbolic representation of the church’s role in a changing neighborhood. Various and Gould observed, “The surrounding area, especially since the closure of the nearby airport, has been a juxtaposition of contrasts. Our mural mirrors this dynamism, serving as a beacon of diversity and plurality.” This is evident in the faces depicted in the mural, generated with AI and then artistically altered, representing the diverse community the church embraces.
Inside the church, artworks by other artists, like Polina Soloveichik’s Easter triptych, complement the external mural, creating a dialogue between the interior and exterior. The Startbahn team, according to their website, envisions the church as a space for artistic, spiritual, and socio-political projects, a vision embodied in Various and Gould’s “Strahlen.”
The installation of “Strahlen” at the Genezareth Church is a testament to the evolving role of public art in contemporary society. It bridges the free spirit of graffiti with the finesse of trained artists, creating a new paradigm in public art engagement. As Pastor Jasmin El-Manhy of the Startbahn initiative aptly says, “We aim to inspire and accompany people through life with a blessing, opening our doors to all walks of life.” One may say that this new project is not just a visual spectacle but a reaffirmation of the church’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement in a neighborhood rich with history and undergoing significant transformation.
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The artists would like to thank Juliane Kownatzki and Tavar Zawacki for their spontaneous help.
Seattle-based digital artist and color virtuoso Abigail Dougherty, known in the art world as Neon Saltwater, recently unveiled her latest installation in Downtown Las Vegas, an eye-popping spectacle you can appreciate in the images here. Located on bustling East Fremont Street, the “Cherry Lake” project transforms a once-abandoned garage into a vibrant, chromatic fantasy. Curated by the innovative group Justkids, this installation signifies a notable shift from Dougherty’s well-known digital realms to a tangible, immersive experience.
Neon Saltwater, celebrated for her ethereal digital landscapes featuring neon-drenched rooms and malls, has translated her unique aesthetic into the physical world. The installation, infused with a futuristic flair and a touch of Y2K nostalgia, offers a multi-era experience. It envelopes the entire building in a kaleidoscopic gradient, accentuated by large digital renderings and neon lights, reminiscent of the slick, optimistic urbanism found on album covers in the stylized 70s and 80s. Inside, visitors are immersed in a dream-like space where silhouettes of floating balloons glow under a haunting red light, creating an atmosphere filled with mystery and longing.
“The familiar structure of Cherry Lake is sharply contrasted by intense colors, lighting, and candy-like text, reflecting the excess and fantasy that form my vision of Las Vegas,” Dougherty explains.
This extensive installation, a standout feature of the recent Life is Beautiful Festival, pays homage to the dual nature of Las Vegas – its allure and its disappointments. Justkids’ Curator and Director Charlotte Dutoit comments, “Neon Saltwater’s creation captures the fabulous and the eerie, the futuristic and the nostalgic. Abby’s world blurs the lines between time and reality, taking viewers on an emotional journey through a beautifully hazy, melancholic, and peculiar landscape.”
Discussing her creative process, Dougherty likens her approach to that of a realist painter or photographer, creating images from scratch to depict non-existent spaces. “I intertwine neon light and color with mundane architectural elements, crafting a surreal yet believable environment,” she remarks. Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Cherry Lake,” she muses on the paradoxical nature of Las Vegas, a city teeming with high hopes and letdowns – recurrent themes in her work. The installation presents an ironic take on the city’s iconic imagery, set against the backdrop of a quaint small-town gas station.
Is “Cherry Lake” a sensory expedition into the heart of urban fantasy? It also depicts emotional contrasts, offering a unique lens through which to view the complexities of the urban landscape.
How are feeling? Did you have a good Thanksgiving day, and did you see the crowds and balloons and marching bands along the parade route and the still intact orange and yellow leaves on the trees on Central Park West? Did you see Dolly Parton dressed as a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader singing at the halftime game, and did you see your girl Ava from up the block with her vintage vest and platform boots when grandma sent you out for a can of whipped cream for the pumpkin pies?
“Have you kept pace with the latest revelation in the art world? A remarkable BBC interview with Banksy, dating back two decades, has recently surfaced, sparking renewed excitement. These are indeed vibrant times for art enthusiasts and creators alike. Take, for instance, the Brooklyn Museum’s current showcase. It features an engaging Spike Lee exhibition alongside the innovative ‘Copy Machine Manifesto.’ This zine exhibition is a deep dive into five or six decades of subcultural and counter-cultural movements. It highlights a diverse range of self-published works, including gossip magazines, graffiti newspapers (a nod to David Schmidlapp and Phase 2), and expressions from queercore to hardcore. The exhibit is an eclectic mix of self-aware conceptual art, original fashion, explorations of sexual desire and confusion, comix, handmade collage, and expressions of nihilism, ennui, satire, humor, and lamentation. It’s a vivid reflection of art and expression – and inspirational to any artist who wants to have a voice.
We’re going back for a second helping.
Here is our weekly interview with the street: this week featuring Stikman, Cosbe, Below Key, No Sleep, Huetek, Optimo NYC, Jay Shells, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, OH!, Muebon, Humble, Jappy Agoncillo, Jeff Roseking, Hu, Manual Alejando, Deter, Jason Shelowitz, and KIR.
Stikman always appears to lurk in New York on street signs, slapped on mailboxes, and stuck into doorways. A Gotham stalwart for two decades or so, his stiff amulet self is true to form, an image of sticks awkwardly compiled, sometimes in 2D, sometimes in 3. He appears in scenes where everyone else is fully formed and buxom, where space travel requires a bubble helmut and silver jumper, where jumbled graphics almost erase him, where nothing else is happening except this somewhat lonely guy quietly existing in the dirty chaos of NY street culture. Stikman.
Over the weekend the always festive Skewville in Bushwick opened the garage gallery and invited old fans and new to see the street artists new show, primarily focused on the hundreds of street signs that he often regards as clients on the street. In an upside-down political, social, and economic environment that gives rather confusing directions, these signs may not provide the route you need to go, but it appears you will be accompanied. In an effort to diversify offerings, there are all manner of products hand-made by the artist here, verging on craft and crazy, and even a simplified mask, if you so desire.
Never one to stand still, except when standing still, Stikman’s wide range expresses his magpie magic; a virtual machine of never-ending iterations – sculptural, comical, cryptical (?). It was cold, but there were heatlamps to warm the fingers, and an on-point dj duo, and tequila. The artist himself was on the lamb, shy as ever. But his artworks had plenty to say.
It’s a new collection of works found on the street here in New York as we head into Thanksgiving week. The boisterous and celebratory party at Skewville in Bushwick last night to celebrate the new Stikman sign show was well attended and full of fans of the artist. The old fans and new donned Stikman masks and wore name stickers saying, “Hello, I’m Stikman.” The long-time imaginative artist is a fixture on New York streets as new generations of artists come and go. Completely anonymous, he never seeks the limelight, preferring to let his copious ideas on lampposts, doorways, mailboxes, and street signs talk for him. In an age of personal influencers and attention seeking, it is refreshing to see his new works quietly capturing attention and imagination on the streets in his way. Bushwick on a Saturday night is teaming with so many crowds of people you may think you are in Wynwood, Miami, complete with food trucks and neon and thigh-high patent leather boots. But the crowds are far more diverse, and the occasional rat is scurrying across the sidewalk before you.
Here is our weekly interview with the street: this week featuring City Kitty, Adam Fujita, Below Key, Eternal Possessions, Hektag, Hops Art, Aidz, Ali Six, Tkid170, Tracy 168, Hydrane, Otam1, Abloker, Nos Ck One, Madison Storm, Melissa Schainker, Wally, J$T, FatJay, Sens-Sational, Aaron Wrinkle, and 5inck.
In the vibrant neighborhood of Brindisi, nestled in Italy’s southern region, a new mural bears the distinct signature of artist Francesco Ferreri, widely known as Chekos’art. Aptly titled “Goddess of Paradise,” he hopes this mural symbolizes strength and protection for women. In its portrayal, we encounter a powerful woman, a fierce guardian who looks after her family and community.
Born in 1977 in Lecce, South Italy, Chekos’art has spent over two decades honing his skills in the world of street art. His artistic journey began in Milan, where he explored various mediums, from stencils to collage and drawing to video installations. His creative prowess has left an indelible mark across the streets of Italy and beyond, with his murals adorning walls in countries like Poland, Germany, France, Spain, and even as far-reaching as China and Indonesia.
In the mural “Goddess of Paradise,” Chekos’art employs the stencil technique to depict a woman with a proud and determined countenance, one evocative of the idea of strong, resilient women who nurture their families and communities. The mural is part of the PaStA Paradiso Street Art project, an urban regeneration initiative led by Arca Nord Salento. PaStA Paradiso aims to rejuvenate the Paradiso district of Brindisi, focusing on structural rehabilitation and energy efficiency improvements for the area’s buildings. The neighborhood itself is a place of contrasts, with a rich history filled with smuggling, soccer games, communal bonds, and a resilient spirit. Despite its ups and downs, Paradiso continues to evolve, striving for redemption and progress.
Basik. La danza di San Michele (Saint Michael’s dance). Paderno d’Adda, Italy. (photo courtesy of the artist)
“La danza di San Michele” (Saint Michael’s Dance) is a captivating mural composition by the street artist Basik, situated in the heart of Paderno d’Adda, Italy. A unique public art project thoughtfully curated by Annalisa Ferraro, the scattered collection has breathed new life into the historic center of Paderno d’Adda, forging a connection between tradition and contemporaneity, past and present, without the need for embellishments or excessive sentimentality.
Basik. La danza di San Michele (Saint Michael’s dance). Paderno d’Adda, Italy. (photo courtesy of the artist)
Basik, hailing from the vibrant art scene of Italy, embarked on a ten-day journey to transform the town’s walls along Via Manzoni into a beckoning series of canvasses. His artwork serves as a beacon, imploring residents and visitors to embark on an immersive exploration of the region, offering a fresh perspective on its historical, artistic, architectural, and natural heritage. Without delving into the intricacies of funding, this project has been brought to life as part of Paderno d’Adda’s urban regeneration plan, showcasing the town’s commitment to revitalizing its historic center.
Basik. La danza di San Michele (Saint Michael’s dance). Paderno d’Adda, Italy. (photo courtesy of the artist)Basik. La danza di San Michele (Saint Michael’s dance). Paderno d’Adda, Italy. (photo courtesy of the artist)
Three distinct artworks form an indivisible composition, inviting viewers to partake in a visual narrative that evolves with every step along the town’s main street. In “VIA.,” Basik draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s canals, symbolizing the rush of progress and connection. “TANGERE verso uno” reveres the symbolic role of the bridge, embodying possibilities and unity. Finally, “LUCE. ACQUA.” presents a model of the historic Bertini power station as a place of reverence, representing the region’s journey through industrial transformation.
By day, the mural reveals its details and colors, mirroring the landscape from antiquity to the present. By night, a golden thread illuminates Basik’s creation, guiding viewers through a constellation, a scattered composition that tells a fuller story.
“Saint Michael’s Dance” is an ode to hospitality, observation, and comprehension. It offers the people of Paderno d’Adda a new heritage, preserving the memory of the past while embracing the future. This installation symbolizes a celebration of history and an invitation to participate in a compelling narrative.
Basik. La danza di San Michele (Saint Michael’s dance). Paderno d’Adda, Italy. (photo courtesy of the artist)Basik. La danza di San Michele (Saint Michael’s dance). Paderno d’Adda, Italy. (photo courtesy of the artist)
Here is our weekly interview with the street: this week featuring Faile, Stikman, Elle, Queen Andrea, CRKSHNK, Shiro, Espo, Homesick, DeGrupo, Michael Alan, Dark Clouds, Gats, Manik, Drones, ICU463, El Chalvo Del Ocho, Saxgraf, Smart RIS, Bianca Does New York, Uloang, and Chespirito.
“They are all friends, brought together again to mark a momentous occasion,” says Carlo McCormick about what really matters to him when curating the 40th Anniversary of “the first and foundational movie of hip-hop,” Wild Style. The exhibition at Deitch Gallery in New York opens this weekend. It pays homage to the vision and determination of director Charlie Ahearn, observing and synthesizing a distinctly New York story that eventually circled the globe.
The groundbreaking and iconic independent film emerged from the vibrant subcultures of the early 1980s; a seminal work that now serves as a cultural touchstone, capturing the raw energy and creative spirit of hip-hop and graffiti art during their formative years. “Wild Style” unfolds amidst a gritty urban backdrop, providing an unfiltered view of the burgeoning hip-hop scene, encompassing breakdancing, MCing, DJing, and graffiti. The film combines scripted scenes with authentic performances, preserving the origins and early pioneers of a cultural movement that would later resonate worldwide.
Seen through the eyes of author/curator/poet/storyteller/bard McCormick, Ahearn had captured “the nascence of a renaissance, a happenstance of abandonment and neglect colliding with the exuberantly wayward energies of invention and hope.”
Charlie Ahearn, John Ahearn, Janette Beckman, Fred Brathwaite (Fab 5 Freddy), Cathleen Campbell, Henry Chalfant, Joe Conzo, Martha Cooper, Jane Dickson, Brian Donnelly (KAWS), Chris Ellis (Daze), Sandra Fabara (Lady Pink), Aaron Goodstone (Sharp), Eric Haze, John Matos (Crash), Leonard McGurr (Futura), Osgemeos, Phase 2, Lee Quinones, Rammellzee, Revolt, Don White (Dondi), Andrew Witten (Zephyr) and Martin Wong.
Wild Style 40, Curated by Carlo McCormick November 11, 2023–January 13, 2024 18 Wooster Street
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 11, 6-8PM No RSVP required
We’re back in Bayonne today to look at more images from the Points de Vue festival hosted last month in the south of France. More varied disciplines are on display here than you may typically see at a street art festival, perhaps because much autonomy is given to the artists. It may also be a result of carefully curating artists for site-specific works, and their close interaction with the community, as well as arts institutions. While many of the artists may have direct experience with illegal graffiti and street art in their evolutionary story, you see a more collaborative spirit here, one that is responsive to the needs of the community rather than works that are made as an act of provocation.
Dubbing their partnership “Nexmural,” Aitor and Nextor, who happen to be father and son, embarked on a unique artistic journey that one does not hear about often in this scene. Despite Aitor’s hiatus from painting for over a decade, he stumbled upon the revelation that his son was the mastermind behind the graffiti that graced their town’s walls. In an inspiring twist of fate, the duo have decided to combine their creative talents to embellish the urban canvas with vibrant imagery that not only reflects the contemporary world but also instills a sense of optimism.
Maya, a versatile artist, practices her craft outdoors on the streets and within the confines of her studio. She engages in various artistic disciplines, including sculpting, photography, filmmaking, and literary pursuits.
Drawing inspiration from the rebellious energy of punk rock and the rich aesthetics of Eastern European folk traditions, the results are an immersive artistic experience that propels viewers into a vibrant and psychedelic world filled with intricate geometric motifs and bold; vivid, smashing hues that are nothing short of electric.
JC Coudèrc’s artistic philosophy is deeply intertwined with his connection to his Occitan heritage. Employing his native language and its symbolic elements, the artist evokes the legacy of an age-old culture that has been rendered mute with time, prompting reflections on our modern society. Within his artistic endeavors, Codèrc looks for ways to forge connections among individuals, their historical narratives, and the lands they inhabit.
Beginning in 2021, Points de Vue ventured beyond the confines of Bayonne, extending its reach to encompass the expansive domain of the Communauté d’Agglomération Pays Basque. Within this broader canvas, the festival extends a welcoming hand to featured artists, granting them the privilege of embarking on creative residencies within local communities.
Spanning several weeks, these artists embark on a transformative journey, drawing inspiration from their hosts, and the locales and engaging in lively exchanges with community members. Organizers home that interactions foster authentic dialogues, injecting urban art with newfound vitality and into novel landscapes.
For the 2023 edition, the village of Bergouey-Viellenave welcomes Occitan artist JC Couderc.
LX One’s fascination with geometric patterning can be seen on metal, concrete, and canvas. Working in ink, acrylic, or aerosol, each new medium is a source of inspiration for him. By integrating digital tools into his work, he brings out a 3rd dimension in a flat surface by creating a bas-relief or optical illusion.
BROOKLYN STREET ART LOVES YOU MORE EVERY DAY
