A familiar face in New York’s art world has found a spectacular new home on the Bowery. A five-story black-and-white mural honoring the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat now covers the southern facade of a building at the corner of Bowery and Great Jones Street, just steps from the building where Basquiat once had his studio (visible in the above photo).
Created by New Zealand street artist Owen Dippie, the monumental portrait was completed in early October and offers a striking tribute to one of New York’s most influential artists. Basquiat’s unmistakable features and expressive presence are rendered on an impressive scale, transforming an otherwise ordinary city block into an open-air art destination. Continue reading A Larger-Than-Life Tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat on The Bowery→
Covering the western-facing side of City-As-School in Manhattan’s West Village, Eduardo Kobra’s enormous Ellis mural is a riot of color, featuring five giant faces surrounded by the Brazilian artist’s signature geometric patterns in pink, purple, blue, yellow and green.
Created in 2018, the mural is Kobra’s tribute to the immigrant experience in New York and the millions of people who left their homelands in search of a new life. The five faces represent people of different ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of those who have made New York their home. Kobra says the work was inspired by New York’s long history as a destination for immigrants. Continue reading NYC Street Art: Eduardo Kobra’s Ellis Mural→
When most people hear the name Fab 5 Freddy, they might first think of Blondie’s Debbie Harry giving him a shout-out in their song “Rapture.” Of course, as the original host of Yo! MTV Raps, Freddy helped introduce rap music to millions of viewers around the world. But long before that, Fred Brathwaite — a he was born —was an influential figure in New York City’s downtown art scene, moving effortlessly between graffiti culture, contemporary art, music, and film. His painting The Return of God to Africa (1984) is a vibrant reminder that his creative vision extends far beyond music. Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: Fab 5 Freddy, The Return of God to Africa→
Terry Crews is a modern Renaissance man with accolades in football, entertainment, art, and design. This wallcovering collaboration with Astek commercial and residential wall covering pays homage to his diverse talents and multifaceted career by recognizing the figures that have inspired him along the way. Continue reading Eye On Design: Iconographic Wallpaper By Terry Crews→
Kenny Scharf (b. 1958) moved to New York City in 1978 to attend the School of Visual Arts, and rose to prominence in the downtown art scene alongside his friends Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Influenced by popular culture and comic books, Scharf’s distinctly colorful and dynamic work presents joyful worlds filled with carton and anthropomorphic characters. Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: Kenny Scharf, Inside Out→
