If you have even a slight bit of interest in graffiti or what I call street art (if it’s good)…then head on over to Long Island City in Queens to 5 Pointz. Soon. Seems it’s slated to be demolished, real soon.
So here’s the story. 5 Pointz is an outdoor art exhibit in Long Island City. Just a subway ride from Manhattan you can find artist’s work from all over the world on the walls of a huge factory building. It was named 5 Pointz to signify the five boroughs of New York City coming together as one, but it’s much bigger than five boroughs. Legendary artists from all over the world have united here. The better the mural, the longer it stays. Some pieces are left on display from one day to a couple of years, depending on the quality and the effort of the piece. This isn’t just some place than anybody can bring a spray can and run a muck. It has a curator and many of the artist must display a demonstrated creative vision in order to use the building as their canvas.
But the owners have recently decided to sell the building to developers for high rise condos. (Oh yes, we need more of those. Not.) So demolition plans are in the works. But only a few days ago a federal judge granted a 10 day restraining order to a group of artists who are suing the owners on the grounds that the demolition of the murals would damage their work and careers. Hmm… Anyway, I certainly don’t know all the ins and outs, but I do know that it will be a shame to see this building blown to bits. Check it out. It’s free…just to roam around the outside of the building, photograph and chat it up with folks! (Speaking of…that’s another future posting…some fun and interesting folks hanging out at this venue!)
portion of a mural by Onur Dinc (Switzerland)..expressing thoughts about the upcoming demolition…
reflections in the glass window of the building…
David and Golliath mural, depicting the legal battle over 5 Pointz…
So there you have it…I plan to return in the late afternoon in hopes of catching some of that incredible evening light. It’ll also be an opportunity to check out MoMA PS1, located across the street from 5 Pointz. It’s affiliated with The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Manhattan, but is solely dedicated to contemporary art.
Also, in a few days I’ll show you my polaroid SX-70 shots from this visit. It was a fun afternoon photo walk that was coordinated by the Impossible Project in Soho…and free! A big thanks to the folks at Impossible!
Way cool frissy. I know you were in you in your glory zone there!!! Thanks for sharing. XoXo
That is amazing art! Thanks for sharing -nice job of capturing it in photos, too.
This is so fabulous. I love reading your posts because you help me see all sorts of fun parts of my beloved city I hardly knew existed. Thanks for sharing
Amazing art! What a shame!
I love graffiti and it’s always a shame to see it covered up – especially when it’s artful and not just junky tags. Thanks for sharing your city with me. 🙂
What a pity it would be ….great pieces of art. Artists from around the world did the same on remains of the Berlin wall…. Now it is going to be destroyed for exactly the same reasons. Many protests might have an impact? I doubt that.
It will be a tragedy to see this site go. Many a snap of the great works there taken for my collection. I guess they will be keepers for sure!
In a nick of time! Great photos Robin! Sorry to see this disappear.
Thanks everyone for dropping by and commenting! I so hope this work of art is able to stay. It certainly won’t be long until we know if it stays or if it goes.
would be a shame to demolish the building! Please keep us updated …
Just … Wow!