Happy St. Patricks Day to all our Irish brethren and sisteren (?) — unless you are unlucky to be a gaylesbitrans Irish resident of Staten Island: their official Saint Patty parade bans all of those other types. Our 5th borough always complains that it doesn’t get enough attention because Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens hog the spotlight. So bigotry, because why not? But Manhattan shouldn’t bray too loudly; we’re old enough to remember the LGBT bans by The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) at the beery 5th Avenue parades for decades.
And now images from our ongoing conversation Specter, Cern, Homesick, Peter Phobia, Dzel, REW, Folk, Appear 37, BRK. Nover NYC, GUS, Hand of Tess, 1krlOs, Pirdb!, Kool Hand, Croke, Regae, Nova44, and Spyee.
We’re excited to introduce the inaugural Martha Cooper Scholarship (MCS), celebrating Martha Cooper’s legacy in capturing human cultures through photography. This scholarship presents a unique chance for photographers from Africa or Latin America to engage in an eleven-month artistic journey in Berlin.
As founding members of the Martha Cooper Library, we will select an individual who embodies her spirit, vision, and legacy alongside Martha and a panel of experts in art, academia, and photography and the Urban Nation Museum. This is not just a scholarship in her name; it’s an opportunity to contribute to a global dialogue and to represent the Urban Nation Museum and the Fresh Air program. The Fresh Air theme is “I AM FLUX: The Freedom of Being and the Possibilities of Becoming,” reflecting on human transformation and social issues.
If your artistry and vision resonate with these themes, this could be your path to making an impactful statement in documentary photography. Apply for this transformative opportunity to join us in continuing Martha’s story.
The Martha Cooper Scholarship (MCS) offers a unique opportunity for an individual from Africa or Latin America to dedicate themselves for eleven months to an artistic project through the medium of photography. With the newly announced MCS, the Foundation Berliner Leben acknowledges the importance of documentary photography and purposefully offers a production scholarship for professional photographers who use their photography in an effort to promote a positive impact on the world. The scholarship is based on the annual topic of Fresh A.I.R., the scholarship program of Stiftung Berliner Leben, which addresses social and political developments that affect us in the present, and highlights the diversity of human experience and perception of the world.
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The chosen photographer will be invited to live and work in one of our Fresh A.I.R. residencies in Berlin Schöneberg.
The current call is for the 10th class starting in January 2025 and ending in December 2025.
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Thematic Call: “I AM FLUX: The Freedom of Being and the Possibilities of Becoming”
Art can convey the relevance and complexity of themes of our time in unexpected ways. Under the title “I AM FLUX: The Freedom of Being and the Possibilities of Becoming,« the 10th class deals with the inexhaustible capacity for development and transformation of human beings and their perspectives on themselves.
We encourage artists to critically examine selected socially relevant thematic complexes and apply with projects that contribute to raising awareness about the call’s contents and enriching ongoing discourses.
Within the framework of »I AM FLUX,« three thematic fields of action, namely »HORIZONS OF BEING,« »WHISPERS OF EXISTENCE,« and »BEYOND LIMITS,« are being introduced. Project ideas will be supported in which at least one of the three thematic focuses finds expression in the artistic works.
1. “HORIZONS OF BEING” In the first thematic field of action, “HORIZONS OF BEING,” artists and cultural practitioners are invited to investigate the multi-layered and dynamic nature of gender identity. Through artistic expressions, the focus is primarily on embodiments, practices, and self-perceptions of people who do not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth.
Funding will be provided for: • Projects that address the diversity and manifestation of gender identity and/or the development and shaping of gender possibilities, realities, perceptions, and representations. • Projects that identify and critically artistically reflect upon the current heteronormative hierarchical structure of gender, both in its institutional and everyday routine forms. • Projects that promote a broader conception of gender.
2. “WHISPERS OF EXISTENCE” The second thematic field of action, »WHISPERS OF EXISTENCE,« is intended to emphasize the metaphysical dimension of art. The imagination is intended to be challenged and expanded in diverse ways through artistic expression.
Funding will be provided for: • Projects that place art as a metaphysical activity at the center, addressing and reflecting upon ontological questions. • Projects that artistically process a transgression of the experiential reality of the natural self.
3. “BEYOND LIMITS” The third field of action, »BEYOND LIMITS,« serves as a platform supporting the exploration of various approaches through which art and creativity, in conjunction with other influences, endeavor to redefine the boundaries of the human in new ways. Funding will be provided for: • Projects that aim to experimentally expand human potential or those centered around (self-)creation within the imaginative space of natural or technological (further) development. • Projects that examine ‘Creative Artificial Intelligence’ and the fundamentally changing possibilities of artistic expression resulting from applying the latest technologies. • Projects that delve into historical forms of surpassing bodily boundaries and explore the visions, opportunities, consequences, and dangers associated with them.
Application for a scholarship in 2025 Application deadline: Sunday, 21 April 2024 Applications are only accepted via Email: FreshAIR-office@stiftung-berliner-leben.de For a successful application, please include the following documents: • Curriculum vitae • Project outline/description • Budget plan
You can find further information about Fresh A.I.R. at
Durham is a historic city located in the northeast of England, known for its medieval cathedral and Norman castle, both of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s also home to Durham University, one of the oldest universities in England. Here you can enjoy charming cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and a picturesque setting on the River Wear. Rich history and contemporary culture; what’s not to like?
In the heart of Durham chilly evening air a new public art installation recently sprouted like a beacon of collective voice and personal expression. “On Blank Pages,” was a brainchild of renowned public artists Luzinterruptus, commissioned by Artichoke for the luminescent tapestry of Lumiere Durham 2023. Known for their signature blend of literary love and interactive engagement, the artists once again wove a narrative that turned passersby into poets, thinkers, and artists.
“On Blank Pages” has journeyed through the veins of cities worldwide, but its stint at Lumiere Durham was not just another dot on the map. This one became a monumental dialogue between the public and the pulsating questions surrounding the UK’s judicial system- a thematic choice that bore a bumper crop of words and opinions. The installation – a sprawling wall blanketed with over 2,200 white-sheeted notebooks – stood not just as an art piece but as a testament to freedom of expression, resilience against the elements, and a profound ecological consciousness with its cement-derived paper.
But what truly set the Durham iteration apart was its thematic heart. Diving deep into the labyrinth of the judicial process, prisons, and the remnants of colonial regimes, the project turned a mirror to society’s deepest flaws and silent cries for justice. Workshops across the UK funneled diverse voices into this wall of reflection, creating a tapestry of public opinion that was as raw as it was real. This was not just art for art’s sake; it was a societal pulse check, an open forum where the wind carried whispers of reform, critique, and hope across the illuminated nights of Durham.
The beauty of “On Blank Pages” lies not just in its visual spectacle but in its ability to morph with each contribution – a living, breathing entity that reflects the collective soul. As the public poured their thoughts – the piece transcended its physical form, becoming a monument of shared narratives and unfiltered truths. Durham wasn’t just hosting a festival; it was nurturing understanding and evolution, page by page, voice by voice.
Lumiere Durham is commissioned by Durham County Council. LumiereLondon is commissioned by the Mayor of London. Artichoke is a registered charity, funded by Arts Council England.
Welcome to BSA Images of the Week! Set your clocks forward an hour!
Guess you can’t bite a graffiti artist and expect to make bank – without getting bitten. This new Nekst campaign on the Manhattan streets appears to have Claudia Schiffer and Anna Nicole Smith putting their best face forward, aside from the streams of wrinkles caused by the wet wheat paste. Time is a cruel mistress, even as our nostalgic memories of the 90s are suddenly aflame when seeing these large-scale posters and images on the catwalk named New York.
This takes the fashion labels’ accused theft of Nekst’s tag to a new level – and back to the street, where the best fashion houses traditionally find creative inspiration. The deceased graffiti writer was bold in his command of high-profile spots, and his output was profligate, giving him a reputation that current writers still pay homage to a decade after his passing. With the fashion label Guess, Inc. publicly traded, one wonders if this restyling of their brand in a fashion capital will hit them in the ticker, especially when it appears they directly ripped their style from a self-made artist/vandal and took it to the cash register.
This act highlights the ongoing debate about the street’s raw, authentic creativity and the fashion industry’s appropriation tactics. The situation questions the consequences for a major brand like Guess, primarily when the originality in question stems from the underground art world.
As Daniel Cassady from ARTNEWS and Deborah Belgum from WWD illuminate, the recent uproar in the street art/graffiti community is not merely about the misuse of street credibility but a deeper infringement on street artists’ intellectual and cultural property. Cassady discusses the blatant replication of Nekst’s signature by Guess, bringing to the forefront the fashion industry’s recurrent pilferage from street art’s raw, unfiltered energy without due homage or consent. Meanwhile, Belgum adds a familial and emotional layer, highlighting the distress caused to Nekst’s family by the unauthorized commercialization of his legacy, an act they describe as “horrifying.”
In a city where the lines of art, fashion, and identity blur, these incidents prompt us to question the ethics of inspiration versus theft. As we showcase these charged visuals, we invite our readers to ponder the fine line between tribute and exploitation in the ever-evolving narrative of street art. This is not merely about images on a wall or polished cotton; it’s a testament to the indelible impact of artists like Nekst on the fabric of urban culture and the complexities of their posthumous relationships with the commercial world.
In the midst of ongoing turmoil, the Gaza Strip is engulfed in a conflict that has now stretched into its fifth harrowing month. The escalating violence has led to the tragic loss of over 30,000 lives, including countless children, marking a somber chapter. Amidst this backdrop of sorrow and chaos, a beacon of artistic activism addresses the darkness: Unmute Gaza, a bold initiative melding the worlds of photojournalism and visual art to break the silence surrounding the war’s devastating human toll.
Unmute Gaza represents a collective outcry against the indifference of the global community and media. This creative coalition has rallied around the poignant snapshots captured by five courageous Gazan photojournalists: Belal Khaled, Mahmoud Bassam, Sameh Nidal-Rahmi, Saher Alghorra, and Majdi Fathi. These photographers’ raw, unfiltered depictions of life amidst conflict are translated by artists worldwide. The striking images, reimagined as paintings and sketches, serve not only as powerful testaments to the human spirit but also as rallying cries for action and empathy.
Highlighting the intersection of activism and art, the Unmute Gaza movement recently partnered with environmental powerhouse Greenpeace to unveil a compelling piece by renowned artist Shepard Fairey (video below). Inspired by Belal Khaled’s haunting imagery, Fairey’s work—portraying a blood-stained Palestinian child beneath the pleading words “Can you hear us?”—was dramatically displayed at Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum. This collaboration epitomizes the campaign’s reach and impact, with Unmute Gaza’s message resonating in public spaces across 83 cities in 30 countries worldwide, urging us to confront the harsh realities of war and to amplify the plight of people demanding to be heard.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FILES FOR PRINT FREE OF CHARGE
Curated by Mirko Pierri of the a.DNA project association
When Evolution Splashes onto School Walls: The E.C.O. Mural Unfolds
Let’s dive into a story where fish climb out of the sea and onto the school walls. Picture this: The Toscanelli Institute in Ostia, Italy, is no longer just a backdrop for mundane school routines. Thanks to the visionary Mirko Pierri of the a.DNA project, this school has turned into an extraordinary canvas that narrates the fascinating tale of evolution, courtesy of the street artist known as Hitnes. This isn’t your everyday science class; this is art making school cool again.
“The Poetry of the Fishes’ Evolution” is a journey from the ocean’s abyss to the land’s expanse, with Hitnes as our guide. His artwork wraps around the school’s walls like storybook pages, where fish transform into mammals right before our eyes. But there’s a twist – this story is a nudge towards thinking about our environmental impact.
Mirko Pierri puts it brilliantly: “These two architectural facades have… intrigued the students’ gaze who experience them. Now they are a source of curiosity… changing the perspective of those who cross this large courtyard.” Perhaps the new work can spark new conversations and encourage young minds to ponder, all while passing to the next class.
The E.C.O. project has turned the school into a buzzing hub that goes beyond textbooks. Hitnes’ work, with its echoes of ancient seas and critiques of human intervention, isn’t just for show. It invites the young (and the young at heart) to reflect, question, and discuss.
Director Paola Toto and the surrounding educational community have welcomed this vibrant addition, turning the Toscanelli Institute into a beacon of learning and environmental awareness. Imagine the usual school bell ringing, but instead of a rush to escape, there’s a buzz of students discussing evolution, art, and the environment. Here, you can trace your fingers over the evolution of life on these walls and think about our place in the world – all before the bell rings for your next class.
Museum of Graffiti Unveils “A Mouthful of Crome”: A Reflective Exhibition on the Evolution of a Graffiti Legend.
Crome (image courtesy of the Museum of Graffiti)
Set to debut on March 5 at Miami’s Museum of Graffiti, the “A Mouthful of Chrome” exhibition spotlights the work of Crome a graffiti artist who made his mark across South Florida in the 1990s. Alongside his roommate Crook, they tagged surfaces across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, from stop signs to massive walls. One of their most notable works was a mural painted in broad daylight on the defunct RC Cola factory wall in Wynwood, visible from I-95.
Their bold actions attracted attention from law enforcement, leading to Crook’s arrest shortly after. The State Attorney General pushed for an extravagant one-million-dollar bond, which the judge rejected, sending a message to other graffiti artists.
Despite the legal trouble, Crome continued his artistic journey. He shifted to abstract portraits on canvas and paper, exploring new avenues beyond the streets.
Crome (image courtesy of the Museum of Graffiti)
“Guests of the exhibit can expect masterful paintings that communicate the artist’s raw emotion, a dedication to a life of art, and an honest perspective on life in an urban environment where people’s dreams are often lost and free thinkers are rarely celebrated, Crome’s paintings celebrate the marginalized and the fighters that inspire him to stay in the game as a working artist.” – Alan Ket
In an unprecedented homage to one of graffiti’s most transformative periods, the Museum of Graffiti proudly presents “A Mouthful of Crome,” a showcase of new works by the artist Crome, commemorating 25 years since his pivotal role in Miami’s graffiti history. The exhibition opens to the public on March 5, 2024, at the heart of the Wynwood Art District.
For the 4th installment of the Martha Cooper Library at Urban Nation Berlin’s series MCL Presents, the theme for discussion will be Graffiti and politics. Many people have argued that all art is political, and, graffiti wouldn’t be an exception. From the American writer Toni Morrison who famously declared “All good art is political! There is none that isn’t. And the ones that try hard not to be political are political by saying, ‘We love the Status quo.’ To the American performing artist Lin-Manuel Miranda who wrote in an article for The Atlantic “All art is political. In tense, fractious times—like our current moment—all art is political. But even during those times when politics and the future of our country itself are not the source of constant worry and anxiety, art is still political.” The MCL Librarian Mrs. Eveline Wilson will lead the talk with hosts René Kästner, Sven Niemann, and a mystery surprise host.
Talk with René Kästner, Sven Niemann, and a special guest from a street art crew
February 29, 2024, 6.00 to 7.30 pm URBAN NATION Museum | Bülowstr. 7, 10783 Berlin
Vandalism or message? Sprayers reach for the can when they want to convey a political message to a broad audience in highly visible and public places. The volume “Political Graffiti” was recently published in the Guernica Society’s “Art and Politics” series. René Kästner and Sven Niemann discuss graffiti as a tool of political agency with an artist from an internationally renowned street art crew.
For more details and information about the guests and related exhibitions at the museum click HERE
René Kästner (photo courtesy of Martha Cooper Library. Urban Nation Berlin)Sven Niemann (photo courtesy of Martha Cooper Library. Urban Nation Berlin)
Here is our weekly conversation with the street, this week including Dan Witz, Okek, Ian Mutch, ATOMS, Lover, Senk, Greks Steffi, ZAPS, Solito, and Bley.
Hey Brooklyn Artists! This is your moment to shine and showcase your incredible talent at the iconic Brooklyn Museum, which is throwing a massive bash to celebrate its 200th anniversary. And guess what? You’re the stars of the show. The museum is rolling out The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition this fall, paying homage to the rich history of creativity and artistic brilliance that defines the borough. This isn’t just any exhibition; it’s a love letter to Brooklyn’s diverse and dynamic art scene, curated by some of our own local legends: Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Fred Tomaselli.
Why Brooklyn artists, you ask? Because Brooklyn’s heart beats through its art. From Walt Whitman’s early days as the museum’s first librarian to the vibrant streets filled with the energy of new immigrants, Brooklyn has always been about community, knowledge, and the transformative power of art. This exhibition is more than just a show; it continues a legacy that champions local talent and community spirit.
Whether you’re into painting, sculpture, video, performance, or any other medium, this open call is your chance to be part of Brooklyn’s artistic lineage. We want to see your work if you’ve been living or creating in Brooklyn for the past five years. Dive into this unique opportunity to stand alongside your fellow Brooklyn creatives in the Museum’s Great Hall, illuminating our borough’s artistic journey’s past, present, and future. Let’s make history together, Brooklyn style!
To Apply
The application deadline for The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition open call is Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET. Applications must be submitted on or before the deadline to be considered for the review period. Late submissions will not be accepted. Submissions will only be accepted via the Brooklyn Museum’s Submittable application. Email submissions, phone calls, or walk-ins will not be considered. There is no fee for applying to this exhibition open call.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ABOUT HOW TO APPLY TO THE OPEN CALL
A groundbreaking exhibition showcases over 200 photographs of graffiti by Gordon Matta-Clark.
Gordon Matta-Clark. Tag Wall. 1972. (photo courtesy Estate of Gordon Matta-Clark)
“GRAFFITI ARCHIVE 1972/73: An Exhibition of Photographs from Gordon Matta-Clark” provides a unique glimpse into the graffiti culture of New York City in the early 70s, shot by the New York artist at a time when the movement was just beginning to take shape. Matta-Clark’s exploration of this vibrant street culture reflects his eye as much as the burgeoning scene in evolution, a unique pairing of artists’ visions through film.
Gordon Matta-Clark, known for his significant impact on conceptual art and his critiques of urban environments, captured these moments with a different aim than most photographers of his time. Instead of simply documenting, he delved into the graffiti scene with an artist’s eye, capturing the raw and spontaneous energy of the city’s youth. His photographs from 1972 and 1973 reveal the early days of graffiti, where the art form was more about personal expression and claiming space in a rapidly changing city than about the notoriety it would later bring.
Gordon Matta-Clark. 7UP. 1972. (photo courtesy Estate of Gordon Matta-Clark)
Roger Gastman, a key figure in the graffiti community, has played a crucial role in bringing this collection to light. He speaks of the exhibition not just as a display of historical moments but as an important act of preservation, bringing well-deserved recognition to Matta-Clark’s work and the graffiti culture of the time.
“What really resonates with me is the sense of pride I feel to be able to share these photos,” he says. It’s not just about showcasing graffiti—it’s a genuine homage to real history, a glimpse into the ‘who,’ ‘what,’ and ‘where’ of these vibrant stories etched onto walls and trains. I can’t help but feel happiness, knowing that Gordon Matta-Clark had the foresight to capture these moments and that his estate entrusted us to put this show together—it has truly felt like a collaboration,” says Gastman.
He emphasizes the significance of these images, highlighting the collaborative effort between himself and Matta-Clark’s estate to showcase this hidden chapter of art history.
“Throughout the years, I’ve invested considerable time into unearthing vintage gems from the early ’70s—drawings, paintings, and ephemera that tell stories of a bygone era. This exhibition, for me, is like revealing a well-kept secret, placing these treasures in their genuine context,” he says.
Gordon Matta-Clark. SUPER KOOL 1 Tag Wall. 1972 (photo courtesy Estate of Gordon Matta-Clark)
The exhibition doesn’t stop with Matta-Clark’s photographs. It also features original artworks from notable graffiti artists of the period, such as SNAKE 1, SJK 171, LEE 173rd, WICKED GARY, TRACY 168, and STAY HIGH 149. These pieces offer a direct link to the images captured by Matta-Clark, providing a fuller understanding of the era and its artistic output.
Gordon Matta-Clark. STAY HIGH 149. 1973. (photo courtesy Estate of Gordon Matta-Clark)
BEYOND THE STREETS & CONTROL Gallery announce the opening of “GRAFFITI ARCHIVE 1972/73” on March 1 and continuing until April 13, 2024.
The opening reception for EXHIBITION 010: GRAFFITI ARCHIVE 1972/73 will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 6PM – 9PM, running through April 13, 2024.
Elfo is a graffiti writer and social commentator whose work intentionally sidesteps traditional notions of style or technical lettering. This …Read More »
In her latest mural, Faring Purth delivers a powerful reflection on connection, continuity, and the complexity of evolving relationships—a true …Read More »
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