Showing posts with label the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall. Show all posts

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Noted



Someone tagged Banksy's two-day-old work on the Bowery Mural Wall overnight...



A worker scrubbing the graffiti off the #KindComments mural back in January said that the wall was getting tagged on a daily basis.

Friday, March 16, 2018

At Banksy's Bowery Mural Wall this morning



A NY1 crew was on East Houston and the Bowery early this morning for a segment on Banksy's new mural, a protest over the incarceration of Turkish-Kurdish painter and journalist Zehra Doğan. The black hash marks on the wall apparently represent the number of days that Doğan has spent in prison...



Meanwhile, someone added his or her own message... about the March for Our Lives rally on March 24 ...



The person who added this message sent an email, saying there are issues closer to home that need attention. "I did it because it's such a big wall, and there's room for an American statement."

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Banksy's message to 'Free Zehra Doğan' at the Bowery Mural Wall



As mentioned yesterday, the Bowery Mural Wall had been painted over in preparation for the next installation here at East Houston ... that apparently happened late last night and early this morning (top photo from around 7:15) ... and later... EVG regular Lola Sāenz shared these photos...





The message via Banksy reads "Free Zehra Doğan" ...





Here's artnet News with more about Doğan:

The Turkish-Kurdish painter and journalist Zehra Doğan has been sentenced to two years, nine months, and 22 days in prison for creating a painting which depicted the destruction caused by Turkish security forces in the Nusaybin district of Mardin province, a Kurdish region in Turkey.

Banksy also added a rat to the clock of a former bank of 14th Street and Sixth Avenue.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

A blank canvas awaits at the Bowery Mural Wall



Workers painted over the Bowery Mural Wall here at East Houston yesterday ... to provide a blank canvas for the next artist to make his or her mark here. (Haven't heard just yet who this might be...Updated: Oh, Banksy.)

The most recent mural was a collaboration by London-based artist Lakwena along with Instagram and Goldman Properties. The mural, which promoted Instagram’s #KindComments campaign, seemed to get tagged on an almost-daily basis in recent months...


[Photo from Jan. 24 by Lola Sāenz]

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Meanwhile, at the Bowery Mural Wall...



Seems to be a daily ritual here on East Houston at the Bowery... someone tags the wall, then Goldman Properties has someone paint over it... repeat!

David Choe's mural here was painted over in June as the controversy over his past comments about an alleged sexual assault resurfaced... his work was scheduled to be up through October.



There has't been any word of a replacement.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

[Updated] David Choe's work has been painted over on the Bowery Mural Wall



Updated with a statement from Jessica Goldman Srebnick, CEO/founder of Goldman Global Arts, landlord of the mural wall.

That's it for David Choe's mural on East Houston and the Bowery. The mural was painted over in the last 24 hours.

It's not immediately known who was responsible for the white out. The mural had been defaced multiple times since it was completed early on June 5. (The work was scheduled to be on view through October.)

Choe's work on the high-profile wall caused a stir, bringing back the story from 2014 in which he bragged about a sexual assault before later saying that he made the whole thing up. However, that wasn't an isolated incident. As Caroline Caldwell detailed at Hyperallergic, "The artist has an impressive history of making public statements that attempt to normalize or make a joke out of rape." An anti-rape protest and performance art piece titled "NO MEANS NO" is scheduled here today at 5 p.m. (Updated: Find a video clip here.)

Meanwhile, Choe issued an apology on his Instagram account yesterday ... complete with a blank image...

How does one apologize for a lifetime of doing wrong? Through my past three years of recovery and rehabilitation, I’ve attempted to answer that question through action and understanding. In my life I’ve struggled deeply with an unnatural amount of hatred I’ve had towards myself. Most of my life I’ve been a scared hurt shame filled person, trying to mask my insecurities with false confidence and an outwardly negative behavior to validate myself as worthy. In a 2014 episode of DVDASA, I relayed a story simply for shock value that made it seem as if I had sexually violated a woman. Though I said those words, I did not commit those actions. It did not happen. I have ZERO history of sexual assault. I am deeply sorry for any hurt I’ve brought to anyone through my past words. Non-consensual sex is rape and it is never funny or appropriate to joke about. I was a sick person at the height of my mental illness ,and have spent the last 3 years in mental health facilities healing myself and dedicating my life to helping and healing others through love and action. I do not believe in the things I have said although I take full ownership of saying them. Additionally, I do not condemn anyone or have any ill will towards those who spread hate and speak out negatively against me, no one will ever hate me more than I hated myself back then. Today I’ve learned to love and forgive others just as much as myself. It’s been a rough journey but i am grateful to be alive and to dedicate myself to shining the light I have found within myself and live in service and gratitude. I am truly sorry for the negative words and dark messages I had put out into the world.

A post shared by DAVID CHOE (@davidchoe) on


Updated 12:30 p.m.

The wall white out happened after midnight...


Updated

Jessica Goldman Srebnick, CEO/founder of Goldman Global Arts, landlord of the mural wall, posted a lengthy response about the Choe mural on her Instagram account...

When Keith Haring’s mural appeared on the Bowery wall 35 years ago, that wall achieved legendary status. Through the years, we have privately funded the wall to make it a platform for world class art. Our sole motivation is to share beautiful artwork with the city of New York. Our selection of artists has always been based on talent, diversity of styles, and aesthetics. We have featured local and international artists, prominent and emerging ones, men and women. Our selection has never been an endorsement of the artist’s personal life or past behavior, nor do we believe we are in a position to judge a person’s character or morality. We have heard the voices of those of you who have protested our selection of David Choe for the Bowery wall because of his past statements about women. We admire your courage in speaking out against the glorification of rape culture. It is never acceptable to objectify women or to joke about rape. Mr. Choe has now spoken for himself and publicly apologized for his past behavior and the dark words he put into the world. We commend him for publicly acknowledging what he privately shared with us before we selected him. We believe his sincerity. In a broader sense, your voices have prompted us to question whether we should evaluate the character of the artists with whom we work, and automatically disqualify from consideration those who have behaved inappropriately. This debate is universal and not unique to the art world. We honestly don’t know the right answer. Where do we draw the line? None of us is without flaw, and what often differentiates artists and inspires them to greatness is their personal struggles with darkness, and their willingness to confront their insecurities and commit to heal and help others. We are proud of the impact we have made in the street art world. We are always hopeful that our choices have positive ripple effects, not negative ones. Perhaps this experience will stimulate the conversation about everyone’s responsibility to contribute to tolerance and understanding. We remain committed to providing a canvas for millions of people to be inspired by the creativity of artists from all walks of life.

A post shared by Jessica Goldman Srebnick (@jessicawynwood) on

Saturday, June 17, 2017

[Updated] David Choe's Bowery mural site of anti-rape protest tomorrow


[Photo from Thursday]

Updated 6/18: The mural has been painted over.

David Choe's mural on East Houston and the Bowery has been tagged multiple times in the past week, as Hyperallergic has been documenting.

There is mounting criticism over Choe's residency on the Bowery Mural Wall. As Caroline Caldwell detailed at Hyperallergic, Choe "has bragged about his predatory sexual behavior."

There is a protest planned here late tomorrow afternoon. Here's artnet News with details:

The Bowery Mural, currently home to a controversial work by street artist David Choe, will be the site of an anti-rape protest and performance art piece titled “NO MEANS NO” on June 18. The high-profile street art location has come under fire for offering a platform to Choe, after he bragged about a sexual encounter that sounded anything but consensual.

The protest is organized by curator Jasmine Wahi, co-owner and director of the Gateway Project Spaces, and founder and director of Project For Empty Space, both in Newark. "This piece is intended to examine examples of violent and predatory misogyny," reads the Facebook invite to the event. "Our aim is to provoke widespread rejection of the continued normalization of rape culture by bringing visibility to the topic."

The performance will take place simultaneously at Union Square South and in front of the Bowery mural on Houston Street, from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In 2014, on an episode of his podcast "DVDASA," Choe admitted to co-host Asa Akira that he had engaged in what he called "rapey behavior" with a masseuse at her spa. He later claimed that his confession was simply "bad storytelling in the style of douche."

Buzzfeed and XOJane were among the media outlets that called him out on his actions. His alleged rape fixation is outlined here with multiple citations from his quotes.

Here's a comment via EVG reader East Village Community Member on a previous Choe post:

Public art is supposed to be a benefit to the communities in which is it is shown. Supporting David Choe and normalizing his public boasts of sexual assault against women is irresponsible and harmful to our society as it perpetuates rape culture. Choe may get big art commissions, he may be rich, he may be a celebrity.

However, he is an inappropriate choice for public art in our community. The Bowery Mural Wall is a project of the corporate Goldman Properties. They have been irresponsible in presenting a public art project by Choe in our neighborhood. Choe's offensive actions and comments should not be supported or normalized but should be condemned. I'm not advocating censorship of his art, but in my opinion he is an inappropriate choice for a public art project in our community. Wouldn't we rather see projects by artists who have something constructive and positive to contribute?

Swoon, who had the Hurricane Sandy-themed work on the Bowery Mural Wall in 2013, spoke out against Choe on Instagram:

I just read the transcript of your rape story and I thought to myself wowwww, this guy honestly thinks he's being edgy while he celebrates within the safety of the same metaphorical locker room that has long protected Donald Trump, Bill Cosby, and countless entitled date raping predators of whom there are too many to name.

Why reinforce the most disgusting aspects of the already dominant mainstream culture while playing it off like it's some fun taboo or wild boundary crossing adventure? The day Trump got elected is the day you must have had to admit to yourself that there's nothing transgressive about your rape stories. Rape culture is all around us, and you choose to "entertain" by being just another drop in the bucket of violence.

Art gives us so many more ways to express sexuality and confusion than just normalizing rapist shop talk. To be honest I have a hard time believing there is not a major element of truth to the tale. As someone who comes from a family of survivors of sexual violence I can tell you first hand that the ripple effects of the actions and attitudes that you put forth as cool destroy more lives than you may even have the capacity to imagine. I hope you wake up soon.

Several people have spray painted rapist on the wall... this one remains...



Goldman Global Arts, the wall's landlord, has yet to address the growing controversy. The mural was slated to remain up through October.


Updated 6/18

Here's a clip from the Sunday evening protest/performance...


Updated 6/19

Here's video via The Dusty Rebel...



Monday, June 12, 2017

[Updated] Tagging the Bowery mural wall



This past weekend, someone defaced David Choe's week-old canvas on the Bowery Mural Wall.

BoweryBoogie reported that the vandalism was due "to past comments made on [Choe's] podcast bragging about an alleged sexual encounter with a masseuse in 2014." Choe later claimed that his confession was simply "bad storytelling in the style of douche." Regardless, as BoweryBoogie put it, "Critics have been accusing him of rape ever since."

Hyperallergic published an op-ed last week titled "How the New Bowery Wall Commission Puts Rape Culture on Display."

The "BTM" tag on the wall is apparently the work of Big Time Mafia. It's unclear if their message is related to Choe's past or general disdain for the wall, owned by Goldman Properties, and/or Choe's work.

Another tag on the wall last week was more explicit...


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Updated 6/14



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And this wasn't the first time that someone has tagged/bombed/defaced the work up on the Bowery Mural Wall in recent years. A sampling includes:

Logan Hicks last September...



Swoon in January in January 2014...



Maya Hayuk's criss-cross mural in February 2014...



Kenny Scharf multiple times in early 2011...



Shepard Fairey in July 2010...





...and Fairey in May 2010...



The bottom part of the mural was eventually ripped to shreds...

Monday, June 5, 2017

[Updated] Looking at David Choe's finished product on the Bowery mural wall



David Choe wrapped up work on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall early this morning (4 a.m.) ... here are some details of the mural...





Here's what the wall looked liked on Day 1 — May 28...



The mural will be up through October. Curious if Goldman Properties will keep the security detail on it until then.

Updated 6/9

Hyperallergic has a post titled "How the New Bowery Wall Commission Puts Rape Culture on Display." Read it here.

Friday, May 26, 2017

[Updated] David Choe next up on the Bowery mural wall

David Choe will start work next week on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall, according to a news release landlord Goldman Properties issued yesterday.

Choe’s work as a visual artist spans pop culture and entertainment, encompassing everything from album covers for Jay-Z to music videos and museum shows. Also famed for writing, directing and appearing in many VICE shows, Choe first achieved renowned success as a muralist after creating work for Facebook’s first Silicon Valley offices in 2005.

Not sure what he has planned. The release notes: "For the first time ever in the history of the Houston Bowery Wall, Choe will share this monumental experience with a diverse group of community members who have never before had an opportunity to participate on a public project of this scale."

His completed mural will be up through October.

Updated 6/9

Hyperallergic has a post titled "How the New Bowery Wall Commission Puts Rape Culture on Display." Read it here.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Watch 'Urban Homeric Hymn to Poseidon' come to life on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall



The Spanish street-art duo PichiAvo completed their piece on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall at the end of January. (This may be my favorite of any of the recent murals here.)

Here's a recap posted yesterday of the work, titled "Urban Homeric Hymn to Poseidon," featuring some drone footage...


The mural will be up through May.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Pichi & Avo wrap up new work at the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall



After a week of work, the Spanish street-art duo PichiAvo have completed their piece on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall today...the first in NYC for them.

Some detail ... the two are known for fusing classic ancient gods with contemporary urban art



...and a look at the mural from last night...



The mural, titled "Urbanmythology" according to a news advisory from Goldman Properties, will be up through May. (I've also seen the mural titled "Urban Homeric Hymn to Poseidon.")

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Checking in on 'Urbanmythology' on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall



Despite the crummy weather, the Spanish street-art duo PichiAvo (above) started work on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall at the beginning of the week, as expected.

The official release about the new work — the first in NYC for the two — said it would be complete by Feb. 4... here's how it's looking this afternoon (the tape is part on the never-ever-ending East Houston reconstruction project)...



The mural, titled "Urbanmythology," will be up through May.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Spanish street artists PichiAvo will bring 'Urbanmythology' to the Bowery Graffiti Wall

Landlord Goldman Properties confirmed yesterday that the Spanish street-art duo PichiAvo will be the next artists to work on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall.

Here's more on the announcement via the EVG inbox...

The artist team are recognized for their ability to ignite relationships between art and social contexts — fusing classic ancient gods and contemporary urban art to create exciting new works. Painting will begin, weather permitting, Monday, January 23, and will continue throughout the week until approximately February 4. Titled “Urbanmythology” the mural will remain up until the end of May 2017.

According to the artists, “We are excited about the opportunity to bring our “Urbanmythology” to the Houston Bowery wall, where we’ll combine classics that coexist in the city. It is an honor and we are very excited to share our artistic concept with New York and the world in a year where we celebrate 10 years as PichiAvo, enjoying and working together as one.”

This will be their first mural in NYC. Here's a sampling of their work from Lisbon in 2014...


[Image via]

And here's how the wall was looking early yesterday...where there's a blank slate for the taking...



After nearly a five-month run, workers recently removed the stenciled tapestry by Logan Hicks.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

New mural in the works for Houston and the Bowery


[Photo from yesterday morning]

After nearly a five-month run, workers have started removing the stenciled tapestry by Logan Hicks at the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall.

According to BoweryBoogie, the Spanish street-art duo Pichi & Avo will begin a new mural here at the end of the month (weather permitting).

Here's a sampling of their work from Lisbon in 2014...


[Image via]

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

RIP 2016



Via Vinny & O ... there's an homage to some of the creative personalities who died in 2016 taking place tonight at the Bowery Mural Wall ... included in the projection: David Bowie, Bill Cunningham, Carrie Fisher, Leonard Cohen and George Michael ...











Other people honored included Prince, Natalie Cole and Gene Wilder.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Logan Hicks mural tagged again



The stenciled painting titled "Story of My Life" by Logan Hicks has been on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall for less than two weeks... and the work has now been tagged twice in the last few days...

Goldman Properties, who owns the space, has been quick to clean up the tags... Will be interesting to see if this escalates to the level of Shepard Fairey hating in 2010.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

The Houston/Bowery Mural Wall coming to Life



Work continues at the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall, where Logan Hicks and crew continue on the stenciled painting titled "Story of My Life" ...







Work started up here again on Wednesday after the first attempt in late July was aborted due to stormy weather and extreme heat.


[Photo of Hicks yesterday by Marjorie Ingall]

Meanwhile, the wall continues to provide a fine backdrop for wedding photos...(here and here)

A photo posted by Logan Hicks (@loganhicksny) on


Updated 8:30 p.m.

Here's a look at the final product at the end of today...

A photo posted by TheDustyRebel (@dustyrebel) on