April 2009: Tijuana with Luchuk

I hope to do some traveling this summer and Mexico is near the top of my list. Guess I should get a book and work on my Spanish, ja? I'd love to see some of these stickers if I go. Luchuk, a street artist from Tijuana, Mexico, shares his thoughts and stories about his work today. He writes:

“My name is Eder ‘Luchuk’ C.L. and I am from Tijuana, Mexico. I’ve studied graphic design and drawing since I was small. I always knew I wanted to devote myself to art. I draw fan art, comics, and cartoons. I’ve been doing street art for about four or five years. It’s addictive!” “When I’m not painting on the streets, I personally love painting in my room because it has everything I like. My small studio space is where everything comes to life.”  “Fortunately, I have never been caught, jaja! Getting away with it creates the rush you feel when you’re painting or gluing things in the street.I think the street is a giant canvas. It is the best space where you can express yourself and show your stuff to hundreds of people. Obviously, I respect locations like homes or private places.” 

 “I feel that if my characters express something. They express my feelings or emotions when I am sad, frustrated, angry, or melancholy. However, I want people to view them the way they want to see, not the way that makes sense to me.”

“I feel that here in Tijuana there's not much support for street art. However, there is a lot of good talent. My goal for the future is to expand to other areas and to do collaborations with other artists.”

“Right now, I'm doing a lot of large stencils, new sticker designs, wheat pasting posters, artwork made by pasting cardboard, decorating beer and wine bottles, drawing portraits for friends.” 

All images courtesy of Luchuk. For more information, visit his MySpace or blog.

Luchuk, gracias por su contribución! Me encantó sus fotos y historias. I'm off to New York tonight to visit my ladies and my favorite Ghanian will actually be in attendance! However, I promise to have your Friday ProFile ready and raring to go. Well, perhaps a little later in the morning than usual. We'll see. Have a good one!

November 2006: San Antonio

This blog receives a lot of traffic from Texas, so it's only fitting that my favorite Texan would report on the state's graffiti scene. Nick and I met abroad (see last week's Amsterdam post) and have since kept in touch. Last week, he sent me a note about the unexpected turn of events that piqued his interest in San Antonio's transient graffiti. While the photo quality is not optimal (the images are film stills), the pictures offer a glimpse at what the Lone Star State has to offer. Nick writes:

“In November of 2006 I was developing a short documentary for a production class at Trinity University.  Since I was completely devoid of ideas, my film involved following around my friend Phil, a fellow classmate, as he made his documentary about TUVAC, Trinity's community service organization.”

“At the time, TUVAC participated in a city initiative called Graffiti Wipe-Out, which was exactly what it sounds like.  Initially, I took no issue with the project, assuming it involved painting over gang tags and other crude forms of vandalism.  This couldn't be further from reality.”

“This particular day involved whitewashing two long walls filled with extremely skilled and meticulous street art.  Each mural was the work of a different artist, and varied in subject matter and style, but never in devotion or skill.  The artists obviously came from all over the state (or country), and put a lot of thought into each work, often inserting local subject matter and topography.  One featured a detailed overhead map of downtown San Antonio, with its famous Riverwalk snaking through the center.”

“My objective quickly switched from recording Phil's process to documenting as much graffiti as I could before it was destroyed forever.  I covered as much ground as possible with my DV camcorder, but it was impossible to record everything with the limited time frame and overabundance of material.”

“As I filmed, a middle-aged man snapped photos with a disposable camera.  He lived in the area and was also disappointed that the city was painting over these masterful pieces.”

“My favorite work was Tron (from the movie Tron), featured beneath the underpass.  It contained the right combination of artistic skill and nerd cred which sets street art, and pop art in general, apart from other mediums.”

“While watching Phil interview the woman in charge of the initiative, I could understand her intentions.  The Graffiti Wipe-Out sought to beautify the city and improve the lives of its residents.  I only take issue with the complete lack of thought and consideration in deciding what should be destroyed.  These were amazing works, and the city should have celebrated them instead of having them removed.” 

“The raw footage is all that remains.  I hope that street artists continue these types of projects in the future.  Even if the city council doesn't appreciate them, a vast majority of the citizenry does.” 

Thanks, Nick! For more photos, check out his Photobucket. Also, if you're interested in cheesy films, take a look at his blog, Your Stupid Minds, where he reviews all things corny, tasteless, and tacky. Fabulous!

April 2009: Nieuwleusen Overijssel with Pieter Zandvliet

Before we hear from today’s artist, I’d like to mention that I found another one of those “Comrade Obama” stickers today (see yesterday’s post). This time, I found one on a stop sign in Marlborough, the next town over. Anyone know what’s going on? If you’re in the know, let me know! Today’s post is short and sweet. Dutch artist Pieter Zandvliet started on the streets but transitioned to galleries. He writes: 

“I began in 1994 with A4 stickers. I covered them in original cartoons and stuck them all over the center of Rotterdam.”  “I stopped after a fight with two police suckers in 2005. I still miss it. Sometimes I relapse and stick some of them.”  “Today, I live for mixed medias.  What’s next? I dream of a big show in a big city where everybody loves my art!” All images courtesy of Pieter Zandvliet. For more information, visit his website.

Thanks, Pieter! I really appreciate your contribution. Now you can sit back and enjoy the rest of the posts!

Also, I forgot to give credit to Gotcha for the Irish artist and his impromptu show at the national gallery. Thanks! Tomorrow’s post follows up last week’s Amsterdam report with a lengthy note from the aforementioned Nick.

And finally (shameless plug), I wrote a small piece on Michael De Feo for Push It Magazine. The piece is cached in the website’s “Art” section. Let me know what you think! 

In The Headlines

A complete change of plans this weekend led to some unexpected finds. I spent some time in Willimantic photographing a new batch of Ektin stickers. Digging through my junk drawer, I found a zipper that perfectly matched a dress in need of mending. And, most surprising of all, I found this sticker up the street from me. While I've seen plenty of "Stop Bush" stencils floating around, this is my first Obama-related sighting. Are these stickers in anyone else's neighborhood? Do you know who put this one up? I'm curious to see how long it lasts; Bush supporters were quick to scrub out stencils, but stickers are a completely different removal nightmare. In other news? The headlines.

More news on Shepard Fairey vs. the AP, complete with 50% more legal jargon. 

While I’m a tad late with this one, Joshua Allen Harris makes a mean trash bag monster. 

Street artist Aymeric Hamon visits Nepal and imparts his stencil knowledge on the locals. 

An interview with Portland, Ore., artist Klutch promotes his solo show, Invasive Species. 

Catch the drawings of street artist and illustrator Hush at San Francisco’s FIFTY24SF Gallery.

Thailand’s national PR department sent out a press release about a Phuket gallery opening featuring street artists D.E.A. and T.G. 

After Igor P. criticized the bland Russian street art scene, curator Yevgeny Orlov created Karelfest, an exhibition dedicated to the quirky and unusual. The collection of Russian and Finnish art is on display at the Museum of Non-Conformist Art in St. Petersburg  from April 11 to May 17. 

I prefer a sombrero-wearing skull over a Scion ad any day. L.A. street artist Mr. Cartoon discusses his style and the West Coast scene. 

M-City's City Up exhibition runs until May 6^th at Baraka Street in Cracow, Poland. 

Denver’s Lady Fancywork Society comes clean about their cuddly crocheted street pieces. Have they spoken to Knitta about this? 

Introducing: Wii Spray? Now you can tag without ever leaving your house? Hm. Does it come with virtual cops, dogs, and razor wire, too? 

And finally, an anonymous Irish artist who paints pantless Taoiseachs held his own gallery opening in the National Gallery. However, the exhibit only lasted a few hours before authorities removed the pieces. Did anyone catch it? 

Friday ProFiles: UNDENK

For a little rabbit, Winston sure gets around. In Israel, he greets visitors at Capharnum. Perched on a sign along Australia’s Rabbit Proof Fence, he is the one bunny that got away. Atop the Petronas Tower, Winston wafts in the breeze. After a day of wandering England’s Natural History Museum, he peruses souvenirs in the gift shop. Breeding like, well, their own species, Winstons nestle into the landscape and and gently observe their surroundings. 

Winston is the brainchild of Herb, a member of German collective Undenk, who works in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Köln, and Berlin. As a child, Herb recalls “clearing tan-bark to make a drawing space at the kindergarten playground and painting my room’s walls.”  The desire to beautify his surroundings never subsided, and he eventually took his work outside. As a street artist, he started Undenk, choosing the name because,  he explains, “It is German for ‘doublethink,’ a major theme in Orwell’s classic novel, 1984.” With a name and a plan, he developed his trademark character, Winston, and spread him across Germany and Australia.   “A great campaign subversion or interaction with the public gets me out there,” he says, adding cheekily, “Chicks love it.” In the future, Herb hopes that street art will continue to evolve with urban landscapes. “It may be more subversive, like the billboard subversions in the UK. People may use street furniture and large scale urban artifacts to re-decorate their surroundings. Whatever it is, I hope it’s something intelligent, appropriate, and stimulating.” Herb’s rebellious streak has led to amazing adventures and run-ins with the law. “I’ve met great people and slept in galleries,” he recalls, “But I’ve also had bottles thrown at me. Oftentimes, cops don’t understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.”  Fortunately, Herb is a smooth talker who can verbally maneuver himself out of the stickiest legal situation. Today, Winston can be found in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. Herb feeds off of getting up; he explains, “I loved seeing Winston stickers in Köln in 2001.” The more he tagged, the more caught up he became. Since his initial foray into the streets, he’s accumulated other members under the Undenk umbrella. Speaking about his crew, he says, “More brains equals more ideas. Undenk for life.” Although Herb’s tags come with a sticky backing, he sees parallels between stickers and traditional graffiti. “The goal of tagging and stickering is the same: you leave your mark.. Tags just stay longer. We love graffiti, but there are no kings in street art.”  When he’s not tagging, Herb can be found lecturing writing copy, dabbling in architecture, selling clothes, and speaking to young creatives. Currently, he says, “I’m working on a Police Station in Secret Harbour for their Percent for Art project. I’d like more of this sort of gig. I’m also doing screen-prints in the kitchen.” Unlike the doublethink his name refers to, Herb hopes his viewers contemplate his work and think outside of the prescribed media box. “I want people to re-think the manipulation of the masses by the television media. I want them to realize the importance of independent investigation of the truth.”  Thanks so much, Herb, and say hi to all the members of Undenk for me! A few quick things before I sign off for the weekend:

1. If you live in NYC or have ever been, watch this NOW. I now have a new respect for the newspaper box and the public telephone.

2. If you happen to be in Hartford today or tomorrow, be sure to stop by Trinity College for their fourth annual International Hip Hop Festival. The name isn't just a front; performers hail from Puerto Rico, Cape Verde, the Philippines, and Iraq, just to cite a few. With K'Naan as a headliner, the event is definitely worth a look. For more information, visit the festival's website.

3. Closer to NYC? No problem! Day in the Lyfe Magazine hosts the LYFE movie screening at 

Element NYC. The party kicks off at 11 p.m. with painting, filming, and partying for all. The Lyfe team says no hats, please, and guys, throw on a button-down shirt. And sorry, all you underage drinkers, but this event is 21+. Have a fabulous weekend and I'll catch you all on Monday!

February 2007: Amsterdam

My friend Nick turned 23 last week, so I'd like to commemorate his day of birth with a post. When I lived in Ireland, Nick and I shared our love of Guinness, Kings of Leon, and Irish comedy. As the Dougal to his Father Ted, we watched David Lynch films at the IFC, slurped ice cream cones at Howth, and threw a few pints back watching the Six Nations final. Hanging out with Nick was fabulous, but I was never more grateful for his presence than when we went to Amsterdam.

I'm an experienced solo traveller, but it was nice to have company for those first three days. While Nick stayed with a friend, I spent my first night in a hostel. As I climbed into bed, a sketchy dude clearly hopped up on some other shit entered my room. Gesturing to the comatose man in the bed above me, he insisted that he was staying up to wake his friend for their 6 a.m. flight to Denmark.  Plunking down in the corner, he pulled his knees to his chest and proceeded to rock back and forth. Building a fortress with my pillows, I smushed myself against the wall and tried to fall asleep. When I awoke in the morning, Rocking Man was gone but his "friend" still snored in the bed. Whoops.

Fortunately, the rest of my Amsterdam experience was delightful. Dublin's wintery weather made for poor street art hunting conditions, but Amsterdam was a tad warmer. The snug city center allowed for easy exploration on foot. Technicolor spray painted pieces leapt out from every corner. Crackhead cats, Rainbow Bright's Air Force Ones, and a gluttonous drumstick-wielding cat all welcomed me to the Venice of the North. During those three days, I burned through two sets of AA batteries. I think my point and shoot camera is still recovering from the workout. 

In addition to the city's wellspring of graff and street art, I truly appreciated Nick's support. Anyone who's friends with a street art junkie knows the challenges of exploring new places with him or her. With my graffhead tendencies, staying focused is impossible and all schedules go out the window. However, Nick was nothing but patient and encouraging. His second pair of eyes caught pieces I didn't always see the first time through. 

While our itineraries diverged after Amsterdam, the first three days of that trip were a great time. Nick and I practically live on opposite sides of the country these days, but I have nothing but fond memories of our time together. He's an amazing screenwriter and a hilarious character, so he deserves a big break soon. 

One final announcement!French publication PLATEFORM Magazine jumps out of your computer screen and into real life for artist STF's gallery opening. Taking street art inside, the event features acoustic performances from Drou & the Candy Kid and Anything Got Married. William Geslin follows up with a DJ set. Admission is free, so if you're in Paris, head over to le Forum de la Bellevilloise on April 17. Can't make the opening? You can still sneak a peek at the art until May 3. For more info, check out www.plateformag.com.

April 2009: Hebron with Dig Safe

Pretty mind-blowing stuff, this one. I've seen Dig Safe's stuff around for years, but I think he's either branching out or recruiting a posse. The spring weather brings writers out in full force, so let's see the best of what Hebron has to offer.

Are these supposed to be candy buttons? Polka dots? Multi-colored checkers? I found these brightening up the local gas station. The attendant gave me a funny look, but I think they're fabulous.

Such a realistic rendering! Has Dig Safe moved on from text to image? What's he trying to tell us? What does it all mean?

Finally, here's the new tag by Dig Safe's latest crew member. I think he or she is still figuring out how the name should be spelled. A little unorthodox in terms of length, but PCS gets up like no other. I think you'll be seeing this tag in a neighborhood near you.

Like what you see? Hope so! (P.S. Happy April Fool's Day!).

All kidding aside, here's a very real event that you need to know about. First, my friends over at The Figurehead Project are putting on a sticker expo in Willimantic, CT. Head over to The Annex on May 30 for an evening of art, music, and sticker trades. Currently, they're calling for submissions. If you want your stickers traded all over New England, definitely send them a pack or eight. For more info, check them on MySpace. 

Tomorrow, I promise my posts will return to normal. Hope you don't get punked today!