All posts tagged: Cody James

BSA Images Of The Week: 09.24.23

BSA Images Of The Week: 09.24.23

Welcome to BSA Images of the Week!

It’s no joke, this feeling of connectedness across cities and time zones that the street art and graffiti scene encourages – and often, it all overlaps in NYC, yo! This week, we have Martin Whatson and Hama Woods from Norway on the wall in New York, and it was a pleasure to see them both. It’s another honor to see Niels “Shoe” Meulman in the hood for only a minute, but long enough to see his new wall in Bushwick go up! We’ve been very lucky over these last 15 years to meet so many great people and talents worldwide, making streets in new cities seem like home because we see the work of friends and acquaintances wherever we are exploring. This week we have shots of New York and LA mixed together – enjoy the show!

Here is our weekly interview with the street: this week featuring Adam Fujita, Martin Whatson, Adam Fu, Niels ‘Shoe’ Meulman, Solus, Danielle Mastrion, Optimo NYC, Hama Woods, Cody James, BK Sckler, Toe Flop, Hiero Veiga, Hydrane, Notice, Jayo V, Alexali Gonzales, TBanbox, and Fenji93.

Hama Woods (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hama Woods (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Niels Shoe Meulman with The Bushwick Collective. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Niels Shoe Meulman with The Bushwick Collective. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Martin Whatson (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Cody James NY (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Adam Fujita (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentifed artist in Los Angeles. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hiero Veiga references a decade since the release of The Weekend album that may have changed his trajectory. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hiero Veiga. Detail. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Optimo makes his takeovers attractive and balanced compositionally, encouraging participants to fall in line. Optimo NYC (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Voluminized Hydrane (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Yes, I did. Notice (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist in Los Angeles. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Toe Flop (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Solus (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Jayo V (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Ah, the diamond life. Alexali Gonzalez tributes singer Sade in Los Angeles. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
TBanbox (photo © Jaime Rojo)
KIR (photo © Jaime Rojo)
BK Ackler (photo © Jaime Rojo)
A long distance romance perhaps? Fenji93 (photo © Jaime Rojo)
The Beastie Boys have their newly minted square in NYC and Daniele Mastrion was on hand to paint a tribute mural to the famed band – with a conversion of the garbage receptacle adding a third dimension to their sound system. The wall references Paul’s Boutique as well. Stay tuned next month for a massive new Beastie Boys tribute on a NYC wall by a name you know very well! (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Beastie Boys Square, and the all-seeing cameras gradually introduced across New York with very little comment, NYC. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Memorial to BLVCK DA DON in The Lower East Side. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
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The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023 – Recap

The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023 – Recap

Following the evolution of The Bushwick Collective and its annual block party in Brooklyn has been a captivating journey akin to an anthropological exploration into the growing embrace of street art and murals within the realms of graffiti and HipHop. Back in the day, as the neighborhood began transforming with the influx of gentrifiers, street art faced outright dismissal or was treated as a rare phenomenon, a curiosity.

Unaware of the previous codes that roughly governed the practices of graffiti writers on the street, art-students-cum-street-art-poets often obtusely stomped their way into public view to circumvent a gallery system and to express their right to self-expression in public; something HipHop culture had been encouraging for years but had perhaps not envisioned this way. The rivalry between graffiti aficionados and street artists/muralists was sometimes palpable, with throwies vandalizing fresh paint, the OGs asserting territorial dominance, and at times, even resorting to threats and insults in person and in online forums.

Huetek celebrating the location of the so-called ‘Birth of HipHop’, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in The Bronx. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

As the block party, now in its twelfth year, unfolded, its early editions predominantly featured international and some local street artists eagerly seeking out BC’s visionary leader, Joe Ficalora, for an opportunity to leave their mark on his neighborhood walls. Local street art forums found fault with Ficalora, masking a barely hidden contempt for a streetwise guy taking a leadership role and betraying their own classist privileged opinions about the right to curation. That has all melted appreciably; this year’s event evidenced the remarkable shift that has been underway. Graffiti writers took the stage alongside the muralists in prime spots, sometimes seamlessly collaborating to create art transcending boundaries, all while the electrifying sounds of live HipHop performances reverberated through the air and TikTokers danced in front of them.

SEPC. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Let’s raise a bottle to those who always believed in the possibility of this transformative phenomenon, and to those who championed inclusivity over exclusivity. It’s yet another reason why our hearts beat for this extraordinary international art movement, the embodiment of the people’s democratic spirit and the unlimited creative spirit that is in every person. And most importantly, it’s a reminder of why we hold you dear.

SEPC. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Tymon De Laat. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Urban Ruben. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Urban Ruben. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
V Ballentine. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Zach Curtis in collaboration with Danny Cortes – recreating an iconic New York deli exterior in all its glory. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Zach Curtis in collaboration with Danny Cortes. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Zach Curtis in collaboration with Danny Cortes. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Jason Naylor. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hodder. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hodder. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Vexta. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Vexta. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Dasic Fernandez. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Enjoy Hads. Six Million Dollar Steve. Mr. Makro. Brandy. Creating a tribute to David Jude Jolicoeur, who rapped as Trugoy the Dove in the trio De La Soul. He passed away in February at 54. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Enjoy Hads. Six Million Dollar Steve. Mr. Makro. Brandy. Creating a tribute to David Jude Jolicoeur, who rapped as Trugoy the Dove in the trio De La Soul. He passed away in February at 54. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Enjoy Hads. Six Million Dollar Steve. Mr. Makro. Brandy. Creating a tribute to David Jude Jolicoeur, who rapped as Trugoy the Dove in the trio De La Soul. He passed away in February at 54. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Enjoy Hads. Six Million Dollar Steve. Mr. Makro. Brandy. Creating a tribute to David Jude Jolicoeur, who rapped as Trugoy the Dove in the trio De La Soul. He passed away in February at 54. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Roachi. Hoacs. Quest. Fours Crew. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Roachi. Hoacs. Quest. Fours Crew. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Roachi. Hoacs. Quest. Fours Crew. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Roachi. Hoacs. Quest. Fours Crew. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Roachi. Hoacs. Quest. Fours Crew. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mate Artist. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mate Artist. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Cody James. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Corey Pane. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Corey Pane. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. Blob. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. Blob. Detail. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. Blob. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mister Alek. TankOne. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mister Alek. TankOne. The Bushwick Collective Block Party 2023. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
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The Bushwick Collective 11th Annual Block Party – 2022

The Bushwick Collective 11th Annual Block Party – 2022

Joe Ficalora and the Bushwick Collective crew took over the streets of Bushwick again this year to entertain the locals, the visitors, and everybody else with his annual block party. When you look at the variety and quality of murals produced on these streets regularly, you realize that it’s a splendid fusion that you rarely find in organized festivals.

Elm Status. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Maybe it’s just us talking, but these artists are not usually hamstrung by organizers’ dictates or those of advertisers – they just let their imaginations go. Yes, there are still beefs, and there are battles between styles and histories and all the baggage that writers and artists carry. But in general, this is a somewhat mediated part of street culture, with an opportunity for you to shine if you have the skillz.

We published a handful of the completed walls on BSA HERE; now we bring you the rest…

Elm Status. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Elm Status. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Jason Naylor. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. June. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. June. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. June. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. June. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Dean Zeus Colman tribute to ZEXOR. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Loste. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Robert Vargas. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Cody James. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Cody James. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Cody James. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
1440. Detail. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
HUETEK tribute to DEZ. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
HUETEK tribute to DEZ. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
HUETEK tribute to DEZ. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
HUETEK tribute to DEZ. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Nap Don’t Sleep. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Stem And Thorn. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Stem And Thorn. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Urban Ruben. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Urban Ruben. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Urban Ruben. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Urban Ruben. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. Hydde. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Mr. Hydde. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hoddy. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hoddy. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
MR. Blob. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
MR. Blob. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hops Art. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hops Art. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hops Art. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hops Art. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hops Art. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Hops Art. The Bushwick Collective. 11th Annual Block Party. Brooklyn, NY. June 2022. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
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Valentines Day 2022

Valentines Day 2022

Let’s be fools in love, shall we? Let’s be exuberant in our love for this city, this life, this opportunity.

Life only happens once. Let’s fall in love with it.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the whole BSA family.

Claudia La Bianca (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Cupid (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Cody James (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artist (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Adam Fujita (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Sone Man (photo © Jaime Rojo)
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BSA Images Of The Week: 08.29.21

BSA Images Of The Week: 08.29.21

Welcome to BSA Images of the Week!

A new hurricane, a new school year, a new variant, a new governor, a new fall of Saigon, and a new anti-vaccination song from rock guitar god Eric Clapton, who doesn’t want you to put suspect chemicals into your body. Presumably, cocaine is still okay, however, if you want to get down, down on the ground.

The summer storms keep coming, and yet somehow so does the incredible show of creativity on our streets; the celebration of murals and graffiti burners and painters and sculptors and characters and opinions and cogitations. However hot and steamy and hard New York can be sometimes, it also is positively ebullient and inspiring. We know our many differences are our greater asset, our combined aspirations a stunning new possibility.

Here’s our weekly interview with the street, this week featuring A. Smith, Captain Eyeliner, China, Cody James, CP Won, David Puck, Gabriel Specter, Huetek, Iquene, Jason Naylor, Jitr!, Amanda Valdes, Lorenzo Masnah, M.R.S.N., Not Your Muse, Peachee Blue, Sara Lynne Leo, Sasha Velour, Say No Sleep, Tyler Ives, and Winston Tseng.

CP Won (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Say No Sleep (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Say No Sleep (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Say No Sleep (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Winston Tseng (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Sara Lynne-Leo in collaboration with Tyler Ives. “Remedial Purge” (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Captain Eyeliner (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
A Smith (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Specter (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Huetek. Detail. Work in progress for The Bushwick Collective 10th Anniversary edition. (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Cody James. Work in progress for The Bushwick Collective 10th Anniversary edition. (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Jason Naylor. Work in progress for The Bushwick Collective 10th Anniversary edition. (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
China (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Jitr! (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
David Puck (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Iquena (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Not Your Muse (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Peachee Blue (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Amanda Valdes (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Masnah (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
M.R.S.N. (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
Unidentified artists (photo @ Jaime Rojo)
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