One week from his debut solo show in New York, internationally known Street Artist Jef Aerosol showed his love for NYC with a large stencil tribute to one of Street Art’s recognized inspirations, Jean-Michel Basquiat. From some of the newest kids on the scene to guys like Aerosol, who has about 30 years in the game, it’s remarkable how Basquiat’s artistic legacy has such magnetism and a clout across the field.

Setting up the first piece of stencil with the Empire State Building in the background. (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Click on any image to see a larger version. All images copyrighted by Jaime Rojo.
For the first piece he’s done since arriving in the city this week, Aerosol picked an elevated roof spot a short walk from the location where the graffiti-influenced expressionist painter had his studio in Brooklyn. About 3 meters high and 4 wide, the three-layer stencil didn’t give him much trouble since there wasn’t much wind on the roof.
On a partially sunny day that was pretty mild for NYC in January, Aerosol seemed stunned by the experience at one point. “I’ve painted in many cities around the world, but there are only a couple that can move me in such a way as New York does. Even while I was creating this piece today, my mind was wandering and I was reflecting on how really luck I feel to be here, ” remarked Aerosol.
Maybe that is why he picked one of Basquiat’s quotes to write alongside the portrait, “I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”

A little extra up top makes it drip in that way people are rocking right now. Jef Aerosol (photo © Jaime Rojo)
Using his trademark colors and the red arrow, Aerosol seems to have updated his signature style with a fair amount of dripping paint this time out.
“All Shook Up”, Aerosol’s show at Ad Hoc Gallery will be next Friday. More details HERE.
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
His rigid wooden stick constitution keeps him from faltering even when bending and his ubiquity on the streets and in small secret hiding places keeps you from forgetting him, the ever-present Stikman...
Happy Holidays to all BSA readers, your family and dear ones. We're counting down some of our favorite photos to appear on BSA in 2020 taken by our editor of photography, Jaime Rojo. We wish each per...
“Soooooo incredible!” says Owen Dippie about his chance to do some sight-seeing yesterday finally at the Brooklyn Museum, where they are showing the work of people he calls his heroes, including Jean-...
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities. Now screening : 1. Banksy in Paris 2. Art Meet Milk III - Zeso - Carl Kenz 3. UDANE: 12 + 1 Project. 4. Beyond...
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities. Now screening:1. Damien Hirst - The Beautiful Paintings 2. SHOE - UNMOVEMENT 3. TCK - STEEL DIVISION - T...