2010

Fun Friday 09.17.10

September 17, 2010

Fun-Friday

Fun Friday 09.17.10

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Faile Introduces Book to Celebrate First 10 Years

Ducking flying branches from the sudden tornado that ripped through Brooklyn late yesterday afternoon, the Faile dudes made their way to a small brightly lit spot on the Lower East Side that featured a dazzling and rich assault on the senses. The colorful graphic overview of the first ten years working together is expressed in large prints that check off all the Faile vocabulary that has come into existence since their beginnings as students and then on the street – where the impact on their creativity was most heavily evident.

The book is similarly dense and a treat beyond belief. You can see it all, and buy one if you like, at 151 Orchard Street today and tomorrow.

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Nick Walker Commemorates Pope’s Visit to the Queen

From The Londonist, this picture by Zara Shirwan of Mr. Walker in front of a brand new piece he’s done of the current head of the Catholic Church.

Only bit of confusion is the 2009 date next to the piece…but maybe that was intentional?

More here:

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Wiiiillllllld Horses Couldn’t Drag Me Awaaayyyyyy – Minnesota Road Art!

From Brooklyn artist Luisa Caldwell comes this galloping roadside image for drivers along the intersection of US-8 & I-95 in Franconia Sculpture Park in Minnesota.

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Running Fence: Scenic Route is a 10ft x 44ft free-standing sculpture installation of a wood wall with four spliced together commercially manufactured wall murals by Luisa Caldwell.

B oris Hoppek Street Performance at the FAME Festival

You ever notice those people who seem to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders? Poor Boris…



Wiiiillllllld Horses

Come on Mick, sing us a song

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Free Art on the Street! PaperGirl Surprises NYC With Original Idea

September 16, 2010 , , , , , ,

331 rolls of art, 9 bikes, 3 boroughs, 3 bridges, 6 hours of insane fun, 1 sunny day.

Yesterday BSA participated in the first annual PaperGirl NYC where  pieces of original art were handed out for free to incredulous recipients in Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, The Lower East Side, Union Square, The Meat Packing District, The West End Highway, The Upper West Side, Central Park, The Upper East Side and Long Island City.

Getting Ready (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Art-gifting bike riders preparing at 3rd Ward before hitting the streets. (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

NewYorkers can be suspicious when it comes to free stuff on the street from strangers. Curious like cats, they love schwaaaaaag, and they’ll  grab shiny packaged free gum, energy drinks or diet nut bars from corporate vans and pickup trucks wrapped in splashy advertisements. Sometimes they’ll even wait, flirt and be nice to you to get a free sample of whatever food or drink it is that you are presenting to them.

But if you are pushing free original one of a kind pieces of free art – the responses can range from just flat out “no thank you”, to just “no” or a shake of their head. And that’s when they are being nice. In many cases they will just ignore you or give you nasty looks. Other times they’ll give you a hug and pose for pictures. You just never know.

Manhattan Bound (Photo © Jaime Rojo)
Manhattan Bound (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Manhattanites are a tough crowd indeed. The number of people that rejected the free art in Manhattan was very surprising to many of us. The crowds in Union Square Park, for example, had little interest in free art and the same pretty much goes for the rest of the island. Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint and Long Island City residents were far more receptive and nice to our overtures and when they heard “It’s free art” you would see their faces light up and take the art with a big smile.

Lucky Art Lovers (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Lucky Art Lovers (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

The people waiting in line to enter the studios TV show The Colbert Report were definitely not interested. When one standee timidly reached out to grab the art being handed to him on the sidewalk, a studio security guard promptly snatched the art from his hands and proceeded to lecture us about the dangers of handing down anything to them.

“These people, waiting in line, they belong to The Colbert Report,” he intoned with a straight face.

Of course when we challenged that ridiculous assertion of a public street somehow containing people who were enslaved and controlled by a television show, he became a bit more conciliatory. He explained that it was a matter of courtesy not to give free art to these people. The Colbert Report fans can’t enter the show with rolls of paper that might offend the host or gasp! the audiences back at home. Got it.

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A pleased recipient with her rolled up piece. Photo © Jaime Rojo

PaperGirl NY is a collective of artists and art lovers that put out a call to artists to create art and to participate on this adventure. Artists from 12 countries responded and the art was shown briefly in New York City and in Albany before it was rolled up and given away. It was street art indeed. The concept is different from what you normally consider street art to be but the art was on the streets and this time some lucky people got to take it home.

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PaperGirl – NYC takes a moment to rest and regroup. Photo © Jaime Rojo

The notion that someone would reject free art, or anything free for that matter seemed alien. The enthusiasm and glee in which those that accepted the art were contagious and pure joy to watch. That made the day an unforgettable one… and the weather was perfect.

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Yo, check it out. Free Art! Photo © Jaime Rojo


Heels on Wheels. She Biked With Them Pumps All Day. (Photo © Jaime Rojo)
Heels on wheels. This PaperGirl pumped in these pumps all day throughout the city. (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

To learn more about PaperGir-NY please visit the site below:

∆∆ Sina B. Hickey ∆∆
∆∆ PaperGirl-NYState ∆∆
Founder and Lead Organizer
518.379.7642, PaperGirl.Albany@gmail.com
Bringing Art from the Gallery to the Street
www.PaperGirl-NY.com
Facebook



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“Bienvenidos”: Street Artist YOTE Puts His Art Where His Heart Is

September 15, 2010 ,

Hospitality is one of our virtues throughout history…  Along with periodic phases of racism and immigrant bashing.

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For Fall 2010, brown is the new black and Arizona is working the runway with Jan Brewer on the catwalk!  But let’s not all lose our heads, neighbors. Street Artist YOTE is firing up the grill and putting the ignorance on ice to welcome the Spanish speakers for an Indian Summer barbecue in Arizona (which used to be part of Mexico).

“Bienvenidos”; It’s Biblical, for those who profess to live by the teachings of that book. Judeo-Christian values. Welcome, Bienvenidos. The Pilgrims certainly relied on those values when arriving to Plymouth for a better life and the American Indians practiced hospitality even without reading the guests’ holy book..

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Since this is campaign season in the US and Arizona symbolizes the most recent immigrant-bashing wave, Street Artist YOTE has created colorful messaging to at least divert some of the hate toward a more sane and healthy discussion about immigration in this country. The “Bienvenidos” Campaign posters are meant to remind the kind-hearted among us to speak up and practice hospitality to the newest immigrants in our midst. To raise funds for his signs (as all real campaigns must) he’s got a limited edition of signed posters for your house. The proceeds of the sales of this poster will help him fund his project.

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YOTE describes the campaign:

“Over the summer of 2010 I have experienced very contradicting feelings for the state of Arizona. It was not hard to see how laws like 1070, 2281 and 287(g) have caused fear to spread through local communities, the state, and the rest of the country. By juxtaposing the Arizona state flag with the word “Bienvenidos”, I hope to spread a positive and affirming message throughout our communities. This symbol will appear as a political campaign sign leading to the November 2nd election. Additionally this symbol will appear as a sticker for residences, business and rebels who wish to express that all people are welcome in their homes, stores and communities. My intention is that the “Bienvenidos” symbol will spread throughout the state to be both a visible resistance to laws like 1070 and a representation of the hope for safer communities in the state of Arizona and beyond.  All proceeds from the limited edition of signed posters will go to the production of “Bienvenidos” campaign signs and stickers. Thank you.”

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VOTE FOR YOTE

Here’s a LINK to his “Bienvenidos” print:

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Art Works For The Cure 2010 Presents: A Benefit Art Sale And Auction (Santa Monica,CA)

September 14, 2010 , ,

Art Works For The Cure 2010
A Benefit Art Sale & Auction – Over 50 contemporary painters, sculptors and photographers

Enjoy an eclectic collection of contemporary art, originals, and limited editions, from an array of established and exciting up-and-coming painters, sculptors and photographers, including the graphic work of well-known music artists. All the art will be for sale or auction.

Artworks for the Cure 2010 is presented by the T.J. Martell Foundation, a leader in providing grants for innovative, early stage research into the cause, treatment and cure for cancer, leukemia and AIDS. Martell has provided over $240,000,000 in funding, of which $27,000,000 was granted to Childrens Hospital LA.
Featured Artists

* Featured Artists

A Benefit Art Sale & Auction – Over 50 contemporary painters, sculptors and photographers
Sunday, September 26, 1-5pm – Bergamot Station 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica 90404

For more details click on the link below to go to their website:

http://www.2010artworks.org/

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“Relish” A Silver Car And Great Hamburgers. The Kitchen Is Now Closed.

September 14, 2010 , ,

So OK. This is not Street Art. We know that. But it’s Brooklyn, and it’s always changing. Today we’re saying goodbye and thanks to a local diner that we relished.

When we first moved to Williamsburg in 1999 it was all crack vials and condoms and burning cars. And that was just our studio! Nobody wanted to come visit us from Manhattan – they couldn’t be convinced that there was a lively artist bohemia pulsating in this abandoned industrial neighborhood.

Billyburg had few places to go out at night or to eat at, so most socializing and parties were in studios or on roofs. But what it lacked in quantity it pretty much made it up with quality: The converted mechanics garage Galapagos had $4 beers and a fire-eating bartender, eclectic DJ’s, assorted local artists and artisans in scruffy clothes, and the sunken floor that created a reflecting pool. “Diner”, still there today (although a lot more expensive than it used to be) was a reliable dive to walk in, have a legendary pork chop and beer, and watch the bartender goad someone into dancing on the counter. The pint sized Planet Thailand on Bedford Ave had only four or six tables but the kitchen was fast and you could order your food ahead of time and take it home. And on the North Side there was, and still is, Thank God, Pete’s Candy Store – a bar made in a converted you-know-what that had beat up old furniture and Bingo on Sunday’s and local singer-songwriters on the stool in the backroom. Thanks to Tammy Faye’s son, now it has church on Sunday.

Until last month there was also Relish on Wythe Ave. across from the burly motorcycle repairman with the German Shepard who made you cross the street with his barking. For most of it’s existence we loved Relish for their great not too expensive brunch offerings and their amazing $8 dollar hamburgers; the best antidote for hangovers. The owner was always hanging out and chatting with the customers. The wait staff was friendly with the rare exception of the occasional starlet-to-be with an icy stare and no patience. The garden was open for you to come in and sun bathe if you’d wish with a small statue of the Virgin Mary there, perched in her half shell and keeping an eye on the grounds and making sure patrons and movie shoots didn’t get out of control.

After the image you can read the farewell letter that the owner typed old fashion style on a typewriter and posted on one of the doors. Then you can see Kelis’ video shot there a few years ago.

Relish. (Photo © Jaime Rojo)
Relish. (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

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Factory Fresh Gallery Presents: “Seenoevilseenoevilsee evil” A group Show. Jeremiah Maddock, Daniel Trocchio and Amanda Wong (Bushwick, NYC)

September 14, 2010 , , , , ,

Factory Fresh
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seenoevilseenoevilsee evil
Jeremiah Maddock, Daniel Trocchio & Amanda Wong
Opening Reception Friday, September 24th from 7pm-10pm

On September 24th, Factory Fresh enters a dreamlike state hosting the unusual art of Jeremiah Maddock, Daniel Trocchio and Amanda Wong.

Brooklyn-based artist Jeremiah Maddock specializes in the hypnotic. His lack of traditional practices, both in his artistic process and his choice of canvas, makes for an intriguing body of work. Devoid of any subscribed intention, Maddock’s art is a trip into the subconscious, where the doodles and absent-minded patterns come alive to form diverse work. His drawings range from sketchy pieces to claustrophobic works that hum with repeated figures against their tarnished frames. Maddock’s inclination towards working on dilapidated materials like stained wood and burnt paper creates a haze of antiquity within which the fruits of his imagination play. His subjects- robots, white faced strangers, and unidentifiable animals- are entrancing but never definable, ringing with an eerie note of nostalgia but skirting any fully formed identity.

Maddock’s work will be complimented by Daniel Trocchio, whose curious and vibrant pieces will not rouse you from this show’s enigmatic dream, and Amanda Wong, who will be creating an installation in collaboration with Maddock featuring video, sound scapes and paintings. All these artists share a desire for a concept to reveal itself through the process of making. Perhaps only to reveal the characters lurking in the basements of our minds.

Join us at Factory Fresh on September 24th for an examination of the unknown.

seenoevilseenoevilsee evil is on view September 24th – October 24th

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The Goethe Institut Of Los Angeles In Collaboration With LA Art Machine Presents: MA’Claim (AKUT, TASSO, and CASE), RETNA and Tom Kummer. “Vox Humana” (Los Angeles, CA)

September 13, 2010 , , , , ,

VOX HUMANA
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The GOETHE INSTITUT LOS ANGELES, in collaboration with LA ART MACHINE and supported by the GERMAN FOREIGN OFFICE, is proud to present VOX HUMANA featuring German graffiti legends MA’Claim (AKUT, TASSO, and CASE).
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This historic art happening is two-fold. Arriving on Sept. 20, MA’Claim will begin a large-scale mural installation on the side of Boombang, a cutting edge, boutique design firm on the corner of Motor and Palms Ave,in Los Angeles. They will continue the mural through September 24. map it!
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Then, on Sept. 25, a live art installation will take place at the Goethe Institut followed by a panel discussion with, MA’Claim, L.A. street artist RETNA, and infamous Swiss journalist and rabble-rouser, Tom Kummer.

VOX HUMANA
September 20 through 24
3459 Motor Ave.
L.A., CA 90034
Wall Commissioned by the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles and sponsored by the German Foreign Office, Montana Paints, and Boombang.
Live Art Happening and Panel Discussion
September 25
GOETHE INSTITUT LOS ANGELES
5750 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100
L.A., CA 90036

2:00 – 6:30 p.m. Live Painting
7:00 p.m. Conversation with Ma’Claim,
Retna and Tom Kummer

Tel. +1 323 5253388
Fax +1 323 9343597
info@losangeles.goethe.org

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Pandemic Gallery Presents: Vilaykorn Sayaphet Solo Show “Split Personality” (Brooklyn, NY)

September 13, 2010 , , , , ,

Split Personality
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Vilaykorn Sayaphet was born in Laos and emigrated to the United States in 1982. He grew up where his family settled, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was quickly and heavily influenced by American culture, but at home was taught very traditional Laotian values; as a result, Vil was conflicted, leading two separate lives. He developed a kind of split in his personality, a way to accommodate his parents and yet to also adapt to the new culture around him. His experiences from those early years gave way to his artistic visions. Art was a way to reflect on his past while looking into the future. Vil pursued the formal study of art at High Point University, where he received a BFA, and later obtained an MFA at UNC Greesnboro. He continues to be influenced by all aspects of art, from the street to conceptual and fine art.

For his first solo exhibition, “Split Personality,” Vilaykorn embraces a painterly vision, while also showing his more playful and illustrative side. In this split series, one half draws towards the abstract/ impressionist influence. These pieces, painted with feeling and emotion, are his more serious and steadfast works. In the other half of the series, he draws from life as an observer, working his day job and finding some artistic escape whenever he can. The combination of the two styles provides a unique look into the mind of an artist as he makes his way through life…

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Stencils of The Week on BSA 09.13.10

September 13, 2010 , , , ,

Stencil-Top-5

This weeks top stencils as picked by Samantha Longhi of Stencil History X

Boxi. Image Courtesy of Samantha Longhi. Stencil History X

Boxi at the STAMP (Street Art Melting Pot) festival in Hamburg, Germany  (courtesy Stencil History X)

Check out an interview with Boxi by Samantha Longhi here

Grafeeney. (Courtesy Stencil History X)

Martin Whatson. Image Courtesy of Samantha Longhi. Stencil History X
Martin Whatson sprays this stencil on aluminum. (Courtesy of Stencil History X)

Finbarr. Image Courtesy of Samantha Longhi. Stencil History X

From the Schoony Show at Blackall Gallery in London, “Mummy’s Little Army Boy”, by Finbarr (Courtesy Stencil History X)

Snikk. Image Courtesy of Samantha Longhi. Stencil History X

“Eyes of Night”, by Snikk in Berlin. (Courtesy Stencil History X)

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Featured Video | Martin Wong’s “Houston Street”

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