XSNRG Graffiti: April 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

An Artist’s Career Writ Large, With Spray Cans on Subway Trains

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Friday, April 29, 2011

By Annmarie Fertoli : Assistant Producer, WNYC/WQXR News

Enlarge
5Pointz, in Long Island City, is a block-long warehouse where graffiti is legal.(Annmarie Fertoli/WNYC)

In Long Island City, Queens, there's a five-story, mostly empty warehouse where graffiti is legal. It’s called 5Pointz, and for years, the building's owner has allowed graffiti artists to spray paint most of the facade.

But as the artists at 5Pointz prepare to celebrate a 10th summer season, there’s renewed concern that the building might not be around for much longer. The owner recently proposed tearing it down to bring new high-rises and retail space to Long Island City. The potential closure of 5Pointz, and construction of a new development, would have implications for the graffiti artists, as well as a neighborhood in transition.

Many people catch their first glimpse of 5Pointz – named for the five boroughs of New York City – from the elevated No. 7 train, near the Court House Square station in Queens.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

CRASH, FREEDOM & RISK: “Blurring the Lines” ~ Corey Helford Gallery, Culver City

Opening Reception: April 30th 7-10pm ~ 8522 Washington Boulevard ~ Culver City

On April 30, iconic graffiti writers CRASH, FREEDOM and RISK come together for a show curated by Roger Gastman at Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City. With CRASH and FREEDOM representing OG NYC, and RISK holding down the West Coast, this show will close out a crazy April for the world of graffiti in a big way.

FREEDOM hasn’t exhibited in a gallery in more than 20 years, he and CRASH will present new works in the downstairs area of the gallery. Upstairs will be RISK’s new works, called “Styles for Miles”, which are created on canvases constructed from vintage license plates.