My New Favorite Site of the Week - The Street Spot

Street art and graffiti are part of the urban landscape.  Like trees, sidewalks and storefront (sometimes on these things), it's ever-present.  Its something I tend to take for granted.  Only when I take time to fully notice my surroundings does it pop out.  Knowing nothing about the art, I only notice random bits of color and new techniques.  And I don't know how to define it.  Posters that may or may not be old, but are incorporated into paintings, are they graffiti?  That truck on Lafayette on Bond street, is that intentional or a random accident? 

Becki Fuller has the answers.  Not only does she have a keen eye for finding these images, she documents them.  Based in Brooklyn, she follows international artists as they bring their work to this city.  Noticing new trends she chronicles the work, and sometimes the work in progress.

Becki and graffiti artist Luna Park have paired up to start The Street Spot.  The site features amazing photography of new work and follows artists as they move from the streets to the galleries. With witty commentary and true knowledge of the history and urban landscape, you can learn a lot about this every changing city.

Work To Do Review in Ducts

Back in March, I wrote about the Work To Do opening at the Greene Street gallery.  This event was unique for many reasons.  The work shown represented a collaboration by street and graffiti artists, most working together for the first time.  Before becoming a gallery the space was known as the "headquarters for hip-hop."  Building the bridge between art and music, the past and present, Afrika Baambaataa performed.

A wonderful revolution is happening in contemporary art, outside the established gallery scene.  New galleries and openings exhibit art previously shunned by the establishment:graffiti, street art, outsider art.  The openings are parties, including live music, food and dancing.  It makes for a raucous celebration that feels inclusive.

Don't just take my word for it.  Becki Fuller has been involved with the budding art scene for a number of years.  Always recognizing new movements, she's been chronicling the graffiti and street art movement for months.  You can read her review of the Work To Do show on the Ducts.org website.