Superhero or superfan, there is something here for everyone, and usually high quality. Street Art festivals worldwide have become dull and safe, perhaps because some are funded by tax dollars or their curators lack vision. The selections at the Bushwick Collective may not make a cohesive story, it’s true.
However, a sense of history, respect for graffiti’s roots, community, narrative, and free-wheeling organic creativity cuts a through-line that still feels fresh as a summer breeze in the shade of a tree. We have so many images of this year’s block party celebration that we had to split the collection into two parts.
On this Summer Solstice, we wish you strength and the wisdom to see the truth. The false will fall away.
A great beginning to summer with the Bushwick Collective Block Party this weekend – an enduring event that features ever larger hip hop names performing right on the street amidst a sea of street art and graffiti that still characterizes this Brooklyn neighborhood. Long gone are the naysayers and those who thought this international democratic people’s art movement was in the purview of a few tastemakers and gatekeepers. Joe showed that this form of creative expression was meant by the people to be for the people, and every year thousands traipse through to enjoy it.
Here’s our weekly interview with the street, this week featuring: Cycle, Faile, Lexi Bella, HOACS, Roachi, Duel, Trace, Zaone, Ligama, Carrasco, Minus, Foursome Crew, Feroz, Gerik Duenas, Rich Vagos, Loste, and HEFS.
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities.
Now screening :
1. NYC Subway from Paul Whitworth
2. Jet Martinez, Painter & Muralist 3. Monochrome: Sofles
4. Mutiny of Colours – Iranian Street Art Documentary
5. HULA paints “Imua”
6. Epic Rap Battle : Ninja Turtles V. Dudes of the Renaissance
BSA Special Feature: NYC Subway from Paul Whitworth
We start this week off with some home made subway train porn with a soundtrack by the Brazilian Girls singing in French. It’s a mesmerizing reverie with some good shots of 5 Ptz.
Jet Martinez, Painter & Muralist
American painter and muralist Jet Martinez from Oakland talking about his show last month in Denver – his influences from Mexican culture, folk arts, and contemporary culture.
Monochrome: Sofles
Great writer of course. That’s why you’ll endure the advertising for the paint company here.
Mutiny of Colours – Iranian Street Art Documentary
Take a look at this interesting project, and over-the-top special effects that are meant to be comedic, if not darkly reinforcing some stereotypes you may have. It’s not easy to make a documentary and this one is about a burgeoning scene in Iran, a country where the penalties for graffiti are draconian.
HULA paints “Imua”
Follow Hawaii born artist Hula on his surfboard as he paints “Imua”.
Epic Rap Battle : Ninja Turtles V. Dudes of the Renaissance
Yo, did you see our piece on Owen Dippie’s new mural yesterday? Somebody sent us this epic rap battle between the masters of Renaissance painting and the cartoon action heroes of your childhood. Cowabunga dudes!
BROOKLYN STREET ART LOVES YOU MORE EVERY DAY
