[Photo from 2011 by Single Linds Reflex]
Over the weekend, rumors started circulating that Antonio "Chico" Garcia, the prolific graffiti artist and muralist whose work adorns dozens of walls around the East Village and Lower East Side, had died.
This is absolutely not true.
EVG contributor Stacie Joy spoke with him by phone last night from Florida, his home these past 10-plus years.
The rumors seemed to originate at a group art show on 11th Street Saturday afternoon, where this tribute was on the wall...
[Photo by Lola Sáenz]
"I am still alive and kicking. And I am still creating artwork and new paintings," he told Stacie last night. I took a little break [due to COVID-19] but I'm still here [in Florida] and doing well!"
You can see some of his more recent work on his Instagram and YouTube accounts.
Chico, who still has family in the neighborhood where he grew up, returns from time to time for new work and commissions. He hopes to be back in NYC as soon as travel is safer. He also has some ideas about new wall work to give back to the community.
Meanwhile, here's a look at a few of his murals...
[Lucy, Chico and Ray via Single Linds Reflex]
9 comments:
"Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Good news.
We could use some Chico art around the neighborhood right now - his murals have always made me happy.
I still miss the beautiful murals he did to memorialize the deaths of the Twin Towers and 2,606 people on the east and west corners of 14th and A; he actually started painting them on 9-11, and they were a heartfelt tribute to a devastated city.
Excellent news, which is in desperately short supply these days.
Hi Chico. Glad all is well. I love your work.
I went to the Art show and I cried when I got home. I texted Shell Sheddy and EV Grieve to relate the news. Then I went on line to look for any information of Chico's so called passing, found none. And then EV Grieve gave me the Best news this Morning, that Chico is Alive, Thank God🙏 Stacy and EV Grieve for clearing this up! Chico is a Legend and I admire his work. I Love all the photos, especially the one with Lucy,Ray and Chico, 3 of my Favorite people!! :)
He is not dead and doing great In Florida just spoke to my dear Friend last week.
Hoe about the mosaic man? Any news on or from him?
Those photos of Ray, Lucy, Chico are from when Chico painted Bob Arihood on Ray's store. Bob was key in getting Ray his citizenship and Bob's street photography was second to none. Bob took great care of Ray.
I remember the moment I read on EV Grieve that Bob had died. His passing is still felt.
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