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.
Nobody was out Friday night when we went to see “Stop Making Sense” on the screen; the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn at 10 pm were rather lightly attended, possibly because everyone was recovering from a mid-week Halloween/Day of the Dead blast of drunkenness, revelry, laughter, and tears. Sometimes, even New York turns into a series of bedroom communities standing vertically.
The New York City Marathon is here today, with about 50,000 runners sprinting from Staten Island to Central Park, traversing neighborhoods, bridges, boroughs, and millions of spectators. It is two hours for the head of the pack – although it lasts all day, with some people still running/walking/rolling through the street when the sun sets. And, of course, it really lasts your entire life if you let yourself become engulfed by the human spectacle of it, which we often have and still sometimes do.
The world is still tense and angry and nervous and mournful about the events in the Middle East as we all feel like we have reached a never-before-seen turning point that is changing the world’s perception of that region and our roles in it. New York is showing signs of this stress as well.
Here is our weekly interview with the street: this week featuring City Kitty, Homesick, Modomatic, Eye Sticker, Michael Alan, Jenna Morello, OSK, Mue Bon, Keoni VGN, Salto, BH, BAKA, and Swed Oner.
From October 18 to 22, 2023, the Points de Vue Festival celebrated its seventh year in the realm of public art. This annual gathering brought together a group of nine artists, spanning local and international talents, to adorn the walls of Bayonne and the communes of the Northern Basque Country. Supported by a blend of private and municipal funding, the festival acts as a vibrant showcase for the diverse world of street art, skillfully blending pleasing imagery in murals across Bayonne, all while weaving a narrative that nods to the roots of street art and graffiti. Simultaneously, it seamlessly integrates the region’s rich cultural heritage, its inhabitants, and historical narratives.
Evolved in its presentation, the festival offers a comprehensive program encompassing exhibitions, concerts, and screenings, to cultivate an environment that encourages audiences to engage with artistic creation from multiple angles. Through interactive workshops, attendees have the chance to nurture their artistic potential, with encounters with artworks often igniting passions or fostering enduring curiosities. Since 2022, Points de Vue has also facilitated gatherings of visual arts professionals, openly addressing the ever-evolving dynamics of the sector with the public.
Today, the Points de Vue open-air gallery in Bayonne aims to transcend physical and intellectual confines, infusing streets, landscapes, and daily life with a unifying artistic essence. This year’s festival brought together artists from both international and local realms, showcasing a rich diversity inherent in their works. Whether through graffiti or contemporary art, these distinguished participants, drawn from various influences and backgrounds, leave their indelible creative mark on urban spaces, a trend increasingly witnessed at festivals of this nature.
Elisa Capdevila finds her muse in the ordinary occurrences of life, accentuating the lyricism of unassuming events in a life: a holiday, a familial repast, a stroll through the countryside… Her murals, dispersed across various European nations, make us envision and reflect.
After painting murals commercially for prominent brands, Sophie Mess heads on an artistic journey that she hopes will empower her to express her creative vision more freely. Now it looks like the world she conjures on urban canvases derives inspiration from the domain of botany. Infusing the urban landscape with vibrant hues amid its grey facades, Sophie Mess encourages onlookers to reflect upon the balance/imbalance of the natural world.
Exploring the conventions of classical art and graffiti, the artistic partnership of PichiAvo forges an urban dialect at the intersection of creative movements, a style embraced by both critics and the wider audience. Their creations consistently captivate with their colossal presence, where contemporary and ancestral elements harmoniously coexist.
A Franco-German artist, residing between Berlin and Chile, Jan Vormann restores city walls by incorporating a Lego mosaic within their crevices, and has been doing this for many years. His artistic statement carries a playful and peacemaking essence, subverting the monotonous world of grown-ups while playfully acknowledging the inner child within us all.
Starting in 2021, Points de Vue has been extending its reach beyond the confines of Bayonne, encompassing the expanse of the Communauté d’Agglomération Pays Basque. This expansion offers invited artists the unique opportunity to engage in residencies within local communities, enabling them to draw inspiration from their host locations. Over several weeks, artists immerse themselves in the local environment, fostering dialogues with community members to craft new works that mirror the essence of their welcoming surroundings. These interactions cultivate authentic exchanges, bringing urban art into new, personal territories.
For this year’s edition, the French-German artist Jan Vormann undertook a creative endeavor at the Gribraltar stele in Uhart-Cize, a historical site at the crossroads of the Compostelle pilgrimage routes.
BROOKLYN STREET ART LOVES YOU MORE EVERY DAY
