“The Streets of the World” Converge at Opera Gallery Tonight

May 10, 2012 Artists, Events, Gallery, Manhattan, NYC, Opening

Without much fanfare, the Opera Gallery is selling the streets of the world. The crossroads of many countries meet there tonight as the gallery presents a survey of some of the better-known Street Artists of the moment and a few predecessors; a show of their growing roster of names from the last decades’ explosion on the street and a reflection of the tastes of a new generation of collectors.

Take a survey of the action in auctions, galleries, art fairs, Flickr pages, and even blogs, and anyone would conclude that the streets are a source of life that ignites the imagination of many in the art world today. While the movement of Street Art and graffiti-inspired art into commercial sales always sparks debate about it’s rightful place (or definition), the undeniable fact is that the market for Street Art is now in full bloom.

Banksy. This piece was originally shown at the Bristol Museum. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

So here they are, some of your favorite Street Artists, most of whom have been profiled here on BSA, collected in one space for you to view and appreciate under well lit conditions and protected from the elements. Watching the transition from ignominy to untouchable over a little more than a decade is positively head spinning as the identities of many of these same artists were once shrouded, and some still are. When you look at pieces made specifically for the gallery, it can be gratifying and illuminating to see whose talent can evolve and deepen when there is no need to hit and run, or look over your shoulder. As we cross this gossamer veil to see the work of these artists once more before it disappears into private collections, it’s worth noting that the creative spirit is always alive for anyone who wants to access it. That’s what keeps us running to the street.

BSA got a chance to see the show going up – and caught just a few of the amazing pieces – but many were not unpacked yet or hung. If you are in New York, this little show is a big one that you will be glad you saw.

Among the artists on view are Anthony Lister, Rone, Kid Zoom, ROA, Dal East, Blek le Rat, Herakut, How and Nosm, Alexandros Vasmoulakis, b., Know Hope, The London Police, M-City, Sixeart, Hyuro, Liqen, Interesni Kazki, Paul Insect, Remi Rough, Nick Walker, Mark Jenkins, Saber, Augustine Kofie, Revok, Faile, Bäst, Swoon, Ron English, Trustocorp, Mare 139, Jose Parla, Eric Haze, Logan Hicks, Aiko.

Swoon (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Swoon. Detail (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Swoon (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Saber (photo © Jaime Rojo)

ROA (photo © Jaime Rojo)

ROA. Detail (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Os Gemeos (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Interesni Kazki (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Mark Jenkins (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Logan Hicks (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Blek le Rat (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Jose Parla (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Ron English (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Nick Walker (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Mare139 (photo © Jaime Rojo)

How & Nosm (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Love Me (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Faile (photo © Jaime Rojo)

b. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Alexandros Vasmoulakis (photo © Jaime Rojo)

“Streets Of The World” opens today at the Opera Gallery in Manhattan. Click here for further information regarding this show.

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