Vinny Cornelli: Jef Aerosol in Bushwick

January 26, 2010 Artists, Brooklyn, NYC, On the Street

Photographer Vincent Cornelli was out on a legal wall tour with international stencil artist Jef Aerosol this Saturday; With a name like Aerosol, you don’t invite photographers to watch you work otherwise. The sunny January afternoon pretty much blew Vinny’s mind, and he writes here about how he got such rockingly cool pictures:

On Saturday, I had the privilege of showing Jef Aerosol around the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn. I think the day was the perfect example as to why the Street Art Movement is so special…and it is deserving of capital letters. Encounters such as these are not only incredibly rewarding and inspiring, but they foster an intimate connection between you and a city that is changing right in front of you. It was one of the greatest of days

Skewville and Aerosol © Vincent Cornelli

When I met Jef, I was photographing the front door of Eastern District/Ad Hoc Gallery. It was a warm greeting, with instant recognition of the other before exchanging “hellos.”

I’m not sure which direction you’re going, but I’m headed up. © Vincent Cornelli

Everything from start to finish breed this notion of connectedness – from Eric of Eastern District giving us a ride to Veng’s wall; to catching up with Ali and Garrison of Ad Hoc, listening to their exploits up and down the eastern side of the US; to Veng offering up a nice piece of real estate on a wall he often works with.

Fast Action: On foot while texting…sort of like walking and chewing gum, but this guy makes it look so cool. © Vincent Cornelli

It was also quite nice to have company from Stephan Missier and Becki Fuller, two great street art photographers who were around for a better part of the day. It was a day where everyone just seemed to fit so well with one another.

Becki Fuller at work © Vincent Cornelli

Jef taking it all in; the street art textures on this popular Brooklyn shack. © Vincent Cornelli

Jef and I spoke briefly of this sense of community, and family. He mentioned what a great feeling it is to be able to travel the world, always having another artist, gallery, blog or photographer willing to show you their city.

Something about these blue stockings made everything look even better. © Vincent Cornelli

While heading back to Eastern District /Ad Hoc Gallery for a couple other stencils, we had to say hello to these 2 ladies, and the photographer who was shooting them on the streets of Bushwick. Jef received a friendly Brooklyn welcome. © Vincent Cornelli

Veng, Becki, Stephane, and me looking on at the very personable, warm and talented Jef Aerosol. © Vincent Cornelli

Out of body, out of mind. © Vincent Cornelli

© Vincent Cornelli

I dunno, it breathes “Rock Star” to me. © Vincent Cornelli

I felt so comfortable with Jef that I even asked him for some thoughts on a couple larger life-changing decisions in my own life. I thought the perspective he offered was quite spot on. He is a warm, witty and well-spoken man, confident in his outlook and mindset. It shows in his detailed and carefully placed stencils, and in his smile.

– Yup, i think we’re done here. Super dope, Jef…you the man. © Vincent Cornelli

“But Jef, what is the meaning behind all of your red arrows?” © Vincent Cornelli

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“All Shook Up”, the debut solo New York show by Jef Aerosol will open this Friday at Ad Hoc/Eastern District in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Read more about the show HERE.

See Jef’s BASQUIAT STENCIL from last week HERE.

See how he made his 5-layer JAY-Z STENCIL for the show HERE.

See more of Vincent Cornelli’s photography and artistry HERE.