The Walking Gallery brings art — and protest — to St. Mark’s Place

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy

Outside the new Sephora, the Walking Gallery is staking its own claim on St. Mark’s Place.

The small outdoor gallery sets up most afternoons and evenings on the northeast corner of Third Avenue at St. Mark's Place, weather permitting. It features original clothing by NOFACE, HOMESICK and STOP MEN, along with prints, trinkets and poems written on the spot by artist Mia (@lovemia.arg). 

We caught up with @nofuckenface at the gallery to discuss the work, reclaiming space for artists and the group's uneasy relationship with its corporate neighbor.

When can people expect to find the gallery here?

The hours vary, but mostly we're out here six to seven days a week; we usually start at 3 or 4 p.m., depending on the day. Sometimes a little bit later, but we go till 2 a.m. We're always here unless it's raining, or unless it's super windy. But even if it's super windy, we're still sometimes here! 

We have a new Instagram, and from now on we'll post on our stories when we're up and when we're not.

What is available at the gallery?

The clothing is mine, with work from HOMESICK and STOP MEN as well.

I truly believe in the idea that when I make clothing, it's the same as a painting. I want each piece to be unique, and I only use my own film photos, which were mainly shot in New York and on this very block of St. Mark's.

Each piece incorporates aspects of my film photography and art; the idea is to cross mediums until the border between them blurs. That's what I live for. 

And my friend Mia? She’s a poet and artist. She writes poems for people on the spot — for donations; she's incredible and people really connect with her work.

You are set up right outside the new Sephora. What is your relationship like with them? How have they reacted to your art gallery? 

Sephora… we don't see eye to eye with Sephora. They came onto St. Mark's… They are a corporation that literally gives nothing back to the community or the artists who inhabit it. 

[He went on to argue that the arrival of large chains contributes to rising costs and puts additional pressure on residents, artists and independent businesses such as Village Works on the block.]

Sephora is very angry. They strong-armed Mia into moving to the other side and down the block a little bit, but they did it in a very hostile way. I came back, and I moved it all back here. And I said, we're never doing that again. 

They also asked us to move across the street, which is ridiculous, so no, we don't see eye to eye with them. 

They've called the cops on us before, and sent their security guards out here to try to make us leave. I told the security guard we're in solidarity with the artists, bringing back art to St. Mark's. 

This is a protest against Sephora too, and a poke at gentrification, at the corporations buying up St Mark's. We want to bring back art and reclaim the movement.

Find the Walking Gallery on Instagram here.