Up high with artist Owen Dippie and his 6-story Basquiat mural on the Bowery

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy 

It's hard to concentrate on taking photos while rising several stories above the Bowery in a construction lift. 

A swooping, rocking sensation comes as we climb; the wind picks up, and the people and traffic below get smaller and smaller. I have a mild fear of heights, so whenever an EVG assignment puts me in a lift, hanging from a harness or climbing ladders and parapets, there’s inevitably a little clenching involved. 

This time, though, the view is worth it. We’re alongside artist Owen Dippie as he works on his six-story portrait of Jean-Michel Basquiat at the corner of Great Jones Street and the Bowery — just steps from 57 Great Jones St., where Basquiat lived and worked during the final years of his life. (Dippie started the painting several weeks ago, as we first reported.)

Up in the lift with New Zealand-based street artist Owen Dippie, working on his 6-story Basquiat mural at the corner of Bowery and Great Jones https://t.co/d2lz6E8Zw1

— Stacie Joy (@Joy_of_photos) October 7, 2026

As Dippie works with spray paint high above the street, people stop below to watch. "Looks amazing!" gets shouted up more than once.

The New Zealand-based artist conceived the mural as a self-funded tribute to Basquiat, whose work has influenced him since long before his first visit to New York in 2006. Dippie says that trip included a pilgrimage to 57 Great Jones St. — something he has repeated on every visit to the city since. 

Back on solid ground, we talked with Dippie about how the project came together, choosing the image that now towers over the Bowery, Basquiat’s legacy, and the people who have stopped to share their memories of him. 

We also asked whether Angelina Jolie, whose Atelier Jolie occupies Basquiat’s former home and studio, has weighed in — and why this mural may mark a turning point for Dippie himself.

How did this project come together and how did you secure the location (and the supplies) for this mural? 

Since my first visit to New York in 2006, one of the first places I went to was 57 Great Jones St. I have since painted this city for two decades, and every visit starts the same way — with a quiet pilgrimage to Great Jones Street to pay my respects to an artist who unknowingly shaped my path. 

In late 2024, I found myself outside number 57 again. I began to imagine something incredible: painting Jean-Michel larger than life on the 6-story wall at the corner of Great Jones and Bowery, right next to his former residence. 

Two days later, I was in discussion with the building's occupants, Par Excellence. They believed in my vision but understood the scale and significance of what I was proposing. What followed was a long journey, countless emails, proposals, permits and navigating the complexities of city approvals and building preservation. 

What image of Basquiat did you work from, and why did you choose that particular one? 

I chose a photograph by Gianfranco Gorgoni taken in 1982, when Jean-Michel was 22. I grew up with a book with a similar image on the cover, which Gorgoni shot, that holds a sentimental place in my heart. 

I reached out to his estate, now run by his daughter Maya and her partner Christopher; they were in full support of the project. It was very special to explore Gorgoni's archives and have their trust.

How do you translate a face onto a wall this large and still make it feel human rather than monumental? 

I try to look beyond just translating an image; I take it very personally. I try to create something you really feel on an emotional level. All the details in the world cannot hide a piece that has no soul.

What has been the most difficult part of painting this particular mural? 

Every piece has its difficulties both technically and artistically, but I'd say artistically [for this one] because Jean-Michel means so much to me; I have to do him justice.

What kind of reaction have you gotten from people passing by while you’ve been working? Any comments or encounters that stuck with you? 

I have enjoyed listening to many stories from people who knew Jean-Michel personally. Friends, art dealers, ex-girlfriends, people who still live in the neighborhood. He impacted so many people in his brief time on this earth.

Basquiat and the downtown art scene have been commercialized and mythologized extensively since his death. Did that affect your work? 

I have always romanticized the New York 1980s, such a free time of pure energy and creativity. The many artists and movements that came from that period are a testament to that. 

Have you heard from Angelina Jolie or anyone on her team? 

I have seen her pull up a few times at number 57 while here, but I didn't want to be "that guy." I’m sure she gets harassed enough — lol! 

I would like to have a conversation with her, though, as I respect that she has kept Jean-Michel's former studio a place of creativity. 

You mentioned this being a self-funded project. How can people help support your work, and this piece in particular? 

Yes, this project is entirely self-funded; that does seem pretty wild… but nobody has commissioned this. I just really wanted to do it... the fact that commercialism is not attached to this project makes it feel pure, something just for him. 

To honor his memory, say thank you, and continue spreading his spirit.

-----

If you are interested in helping cover the costs of this project, visit Dippie's online shop here. You can follow him on Instagram here.

Vacant 2nd Avenue lot from fatal 2015 explosion hits the market again

Image via BKREA 

The vacant lot at 123 Second Ave., the site of one of the buildings destroyed in the deadly March 2015 gas explosion, is on the sales market. 

BKREA announced yesterday that it is marketing the 25-by-100-foot property, which has remained undeveloped for more than a decade. The listing notes that the 2,500-square-foot lot could accommodate up to 12,525 square feet of development under current zoning. 

According to the listing ...

Because the property sits in a former Inclusionary Housing Designated Area, a developer may purchase off-site certificates within the community board or a half-mile radius, allowing for a fully market-rate project (subject to architect review). With demolition already complete, a buyer can move directly into design and approvals, saving both time and cost. 

This lot's history is important. 

The building that stood at 123 Second Ave., which housed Pommes Frites, Sam's Deli and residential units, was one of three buildings destroyed in the deadly gas explosion on March 26, 2015. Nicholas Figueroa and Moises Locón were killed in the blast, which originated next door at 121 Second Ave. The explosion also injured over 20 others. 

The owner of No. 123, George Pasternak, had no role in the explosion. He listed the vacant property for $9.7 million in March 2016. Later that year, Ezra Wibowo reportedly bought the lot for $6 million. 

That property was separate from the adjoining lots at 119 and 121 Second Ave., which Maria Hrynenko owned. Those two parcels were sold in 2017 for $9.15 million to Nexus Building Development Group, which eventually developed the condo building now on the corner of Second Avenue and Seventh Street. 

Wibowo held onto No. 123. In 2017, a source told the Post that he viewed the property as a long-term investment and had declined an offer to sell it as part of a potential assemblage of all three former explosion sites. 

Nearly 10 years after Wibowo bought it, the lot is now being offered for sale again. 

The current marketing materials do not list an asking price. The materials also do not mention the lot's deadly history.

Pierogi Day returns to the East Village Meat Market

Photo by Stacie Joy 

The East Village Meat Market is bringing back its annual Pierogi Day on Saturday (Oct. 10). 

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the longtime Ukrainian market at 139 Second Ave. between St. Mark’s Place and Ninth Street will offer five varieties of pierogi for $1 each.

The shop, which has been in this location since 1970, holds the annual event as a thank-you to customers and a chance for newcomers to stop by. 

And as we've seen, this event draws a crowd, so plan accordingly...

Wednesday's parting shot

Photo by Derek Berg 

Still standing, more or less, on Ninth Street...

Cowabunga, dude: Teenage Mutant Turtles are (temporarily) moving into this EV space

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

The former Swiss Institute space on the southeast corner of Second Avenue and St. Mark's Place is getting a temporary tenant this weekend — with some mutant turtles moving in. 

Paramount is bringing its "World of TMNT" promotion to 130 Second Ave. as part of New York Comic Con weekend. 

The Splinter and Sons Bodega pop-up runs Friday through Sunday, starting at noon each day. Visitors can play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video games, take part in photo ops and pick up exclusive merch, etc.

As previously reported, the nonprofit contemporary art institution closed its East Village space on July 5 after eight years, ahead of a move to a new home on the Bowery.

In August, leasing materials for the two-level, 7,200-square-foot space advertised "all uses considered."

Maybe that includes becoming a perpetual pop-up space.

Some shut-eye for Shaky Eyez after multi-agency bust on 14th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

A multi-agency enforcement action took place yesterday at Shaky Eyez, the smoke shop at 402 E. 14th St., just east of First Avenue. 

According to legal documents on the door, authorities seized cannabis flower, flavored vapes, cigarettes, and other tobacco products, as well as unlabeled cannabis. 

The shop was also cited for unlicensed cannabis processing and its proximity to a house of worship. We're told that one person was arrested.

For now, the shop is padlocked...

... and rather empty...

Shaky Eyez opened over the summer in a storefront that has housed smoke shops in recent years. Signage for the business first appeared in June. 

The enforcement action apparently didn’t end sales on this stretch of 14th Street. When we stopped by around 8 last night, people outside the storefront were offering items for sale from a bag and jacket pockets. 

Readers have continued to report similar activity outside the shop and along this section of 14th Street. This corridor has seen ongoing complaints about open-air drug sales and quality-of-life issues through the years.

Have you seen Ruco?

A longtime former East Village resident is hoping for help finding Ruco, an 18-year-old Monk parakeet/Quaker parrot who lived in an apartment on 11th Street between First and Second Avenues. 

David Lemaire, who now lives in Massachusetts and regularly travels to New York City, told us that Ruco was being cared for by his former spouse, who died in late August in the apartment they had shared for 45 years. 

After the NYPD conducted a wellness check, Lemaire said the family was initially told that Ruco had also died, though that was never confirmed. 

When relatives were finally able to enter the apartment last week, however, there was no sign of Ruco — and a window was open. 

The family later learned about recent sightings of a Monk parakeet around Tompkins Square Park. They're now wondering whether the bird spotted around the park could be Ruco.

One potentially helpful detail: Ruco responds to the word "honey" as a question. Lemaire said they used the word when offering Ruco a drop of honey as a bribe to get him back into his cage — including after one previous escape. Lemaire said calling out "honey?" may get Ruco's attention and even prompt him to approach.

If you've seen a Monk parakeet in Tompkins Square Park or elsewhere in the neighborhood — particularly if you have a recent photo or know where the bird has been spending time — you can contact Lemaire at davidhlemaire@gmail.com.

Openings: Thone, a Georgian cafe on 6th Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Georgian bakery café and natural wine bar Thone debuted this past Friday evening at 501 E. Sixth St., tucked next to Corner Bistro just east of Avenue A. 

The new spot shifts with the clock: coffee, pastries and traditional Georgian breads in the morning, switching over to wine and snacks around 5 p.m. 

A staffer said the Georgian name "Thone" reflects the concept of an accessible neighborhood anchor  – welcoming, budget-friendly and meant for everyday drop-ins rather than special occasions.

We stopped by on opening night, where friends and family were on hand and the evening wine service was already in full swing.

Hours: 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

Coming attractions: A Thai tea shop for 10th Street

A new tea shop, Chong, is coming to 201 E. 10th St., just steps east of Second Avenue. 

Tea aside, Chong's Instagram account says it will also serve Thai toast and desserts. Their tagline: "Thai tea matters."

The new arrival joins a cluster of nearby drink options. Prince Tea House is across the street, while Marcha House is next door.

The space was previously Juice Press, the last of the brand's EV locations to close.

Say cheese? The photo booth boom continues on 10th Street

Photo and H/T: Steven 

The city's photo booth trend shows no signs of abating. 

A tipster tells us that a storefront devoted to photo booths is coming to 159 Second Ave. at 10th Street. 

787 Coffee, which has a cafe next door, most recently used the space as an office. 

We don't have a name or opening date yet for the incoming business. More details when we get them.

Tuesday's parting shot

View of a perfect fall weather day from the main lawn in Tompkins Square Park...

2nd annual East Village Music Festival set for La Plaza Cultural

The East Village Music Festival is returning for a second year.

The all-ages neighborhood music fest takes place on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at La Plaza Cultural, 137 Avenue C at Ninth Street. 

The afternoon will feature live music from Pinc Louds, Momentum and others, along with food and activities for kids. 

Organizers launched the festival last year as a community-minded showcase for local music. 

A $10 donation is suggested, with proceeds going to the participating artists and festival organizers. 

And, as you might expect from an outdoor show at La Plaza, there will be plenty of garden time between sets.

Signs of opposition to the Meltzer Tower replacement plan

Meltzer Tower as seen from 2nd Street 

Signs opposing the proposed replacement of Meltzer Tower have begun appearing around the East Village, as both neighboring residents and some tenants of the NYCHA senior complex voice concerns about the plan.

One flyer spotted on Avenue A, headlined "Help Us Save Meltzer Park," focuses on the landscaped open space next to the 20-story tower at 94 E. First St. It warns that a new building on the site would mean the loss of the park and its trees, along with years of construction, and says residents of First and Second Streets between First Avenue and Avenue A would be affected. 

The flyer also criticizes the lack of outreach to the surrounding community and directs neighbors to EVG's Sept. 18 report detailing the proposal. 

An email address — meltzerpark@gmail.com — is provided for people interested in updates or joining the East Second Street Block Association. 

A second flyer, titled "Stop the Demolition of Meltzer Tower," raises concerns among current residents about the plan itself, questioning why the existing tower couldn't instead be renovated and modernized — as originally announced in 2024 — and calls for preserving the open space along First Street for senior amenities.

As EVG first reported, NYCHA and its private PACT partners are considering a "build first" approach: construct a new building beside the existing tower, allow residents to remain in place during construction and then move them directly into the replacement building. 

The proposal for a new tower comes as the PACT team has documented extensive repair needs in the existing building. Presentations from the resident meetings are available as PDFs under the “Resources for Residents” section of the Meltzer PACT website.

At a May 15 resident meeting, the PACT team said Meltzer Tower has more than $80 million in projected repair needs over 20 years, with many building systems beyond their useful life. The work would include repairs or replacement of the façade, roof and windows; heating and hot-water systems; plumbing and electrical systems; ventilation equipment; kitchens, bathrooms and flooring; and building security systems.

The proposal remains in the planning stages. The building shown in materials presented to Meltzer residents is conceptual, and the final footprint has not been determined. The current timeline calls for construction to start in late 2027, with residents moving into the new building in late 2029. 

The plans presented so far have not detailed what would happen to the existing tower or its site after residents move.

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Exclusive: New proposal calls for replacing Meltzer Tower

After years in the works, 'Loisaida Walls' takes shape on Avenue A

Photos by Stacie Joy 

The oft-tagged walls of the Con Ed substation on Avenue A continued to receive a colorful makeover. 

On Saturday, local artists took part in the Loisaida Walls community painting day between Fifth and Sixth streets. The project, a collaboration between Con Edison and ArtBridge, brought artists and neighbors together for an afternoon of live painting along the substation walls.

The participating artists are TOOFLY, Andre Trenier, Indie184, Chino BYI, Cekis, Hiphopismyreligion, Jappy Agoncillo, Minha Fofa, Optimo NYC and Ski Mystress Therapy. (CRAMCEPT was here too.)

Among the artists stopping by on Saturday was Al Diaz, who grew up in the Jacob Riis Houses on Avenue D and, as a teenager, created SAMO© with his friend Jean-Michel Basquiat.

City Councilmember Harvey Epstein said the project was eight years in the making, following years of discussions with Con Ed about the graffiti and the company's repeated efforts to clean the wall. 

"We've been working with Con Ed for years around the graffiti issues and getting this mural up," Epstein told EVG. "I'm very excited that it's really come to fruition after all these years." 

Epstein said the Avenue A facility had become Con Ed's most expensive site in the city to power wash because of the recurring graffiti. 

"We partnered with ArtBridge and Con Ed to make this a beautiful wall," he said. "This is really going to change things for this block and really help our neighborhood. I love the project." 

For their part, Con Ed had reps out along Avenue A on Saturday...

Meanwhile, work will continue on the murals along Avenue A... as well as on the Fifth Street and Sixth Street side...

ArtBridge is a nonprofit that produces public art projects across the five boroughs.

What’s next for this prime 3rd Avenue corner?

A for-rent sign went up several weeks ago outside the former outpost of the Bean at 31 Third Ave. and Stuyvesant Street. 

We've been waiting for the online listing to appear to get a better idea of what's being offered here. So far, we haven't spotted the space among JLL's New York retail listings. 

The Bean closed this location in May after nearly nine years in business. The cafe opened here in September 2017, taking over the space that St. Mark's Bookshop previously occupied.

Given the size and visibility of the storefront at this prime Third Avenue-Stuyvesant Street corner, we're curious to see what might be next...

Reiwatakiya has closed on St. Mark's Place

Reiwatakiya, the Japanese and Korean beauty and lifestyle shop at 37 St. Mark's Place, has closed after more than three years in the East Village. 

The shop, which carried skincare and cosmetics alongside other Japanese goods, opened in early 2023. 

Its last day was Sept. 26. 

"After several wonderful years in the East Village, it's time for us to say goodbye," the company wrote on Instagram in announcing the closure, thanking customers who stopped in over the years. 

The storefront just west of Second Avenue has had a recent history with a Japanese beauty retailer. Shibuyala opened its first New York City outpost here in March 2019 before Reiwatakiya took over the space. 

Reiwatakiya continues to operate elsewhere in the U.S., with five locations listed on its website.

About a Pee-wee Herman pop-up on the Bowery

Pop-ups haven't exactly enjoyed the best reputation around here lately, but here's one that may be worth an exception. 

The Pee-wee New York Pop-up Shop is setting up at 213 Bowery at Rivington Street for five days, starting Wednesday. 

The shop will be open Wednesday from 4-8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian who created the iconic Pee-wee Herman character, died of cancer in July 2023. He was 70.