Along a quiet stretch of N 10th Street in Williamsburg, between Roebling St and Union Ave, stands a bottle company.
Over a week ago, I noticed street artists painting different works along the factory’s side wall.
I’m always inspired by the dedication of streets artists given the impermanence of their medium. It was only a couple of days ago that I’d spotted the blemish of blue graffiti disrupting the red background on the work below. The next day, it was painted over and looked new again. (You might notice the damage to the left of the left wing)
Street artist, Gilf!, who painted the work above, coordinated a group of artists to paint these quirky works.
“I would like to affect major social and environmental change… Life is too short and the world too delicate to ignore the serious challenges we face as a global society,” she said earlier this year.*
Gilf! went to art school, focused on interior design, but turned to street art in 2008 as response to “being completely outraged by what was happening in the world.”
“I’m motived by all the apathetic, uninspired people. I want them to care. That’s why my work is on the street, approachable, and easy to understand.”
About the collection of works on N 10th street, she told Brooklyn Street Art recently: “It’s so rewarding to know that we’re positively influencing the community by doing what we love.”
Above: art by Veng (RWK).
Icy and Sot, from Iran, contributed the “Dream” work, above -an international dose of whimsy to an eclectic collection.
Below: art by Sophia Maldonado (enlarge the photo to see its details)
I mentioned in a previous post that Howard Truman’s quote speaks to how I describe Williamsburg, personified:
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
This outdoor art exhibition, and the artists behind the works, is a grand example of that.
Above: art by Cake.
It’s my hope that this community spirit will be strong enough survive the neighborhood’s rapid ascent.
banner image includes art by LNY (left) and Joe Iuarto (right)
Love the ‘DREAM’ piece…
It’s great isn’t it? I drive past this area nearly every day – it makes a difference to read/see art. thanks!
These images brought smiles to my face. Thanks for finding and sharing, Marina!
Hi Ray! The beauty of street art. It is a nice collection to drive past, and I am so glad to share across the miles to generate smiles 🙂 (So poetic!) Thank you!
These are fun! I can’t believe the size of the art works.There’s so much work involved in each piece… certainly brightens up an ordinary street.
I agree jenny – they’re fun and nice to see on a day to day. I also like how there are a curated collection – nice to see some order in street art 🙂 Thanks – and I appreciate you sharing via Twitter 🙂
Stunning! 🙂
I thought I had seen street art before I started to follow your blog. Wonderful and very moving images – I’m so impressed.
Great stuff……………………..
Hi Marina, So much work goes into these pieces. As you say, they are dedicated people.
Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.
These are very beautiful street art pieces. I love you visual perspective, Marina. Beautiful!
somehow street art brings such life to a community!
Thanks Karen! It does bring life – this street art is a labour of love for the artists!
beautiful, I absolutely love street art, such a good way to inspire people in their daily lives.
Thanks S.~ And I agree, so inspiring and so accessible!
I love the attitude of the artists and that they make their work approachable to everyone. You can see how much skill they have and effort they put into something they love doing.
Exactly – so much skill, so much time, effort, and planning! It’s a great way to make a place continue being conscious and aware. Glad you liked these K! Thanks 🙂
A great little story told in pictures and a few words about the spirit on the street. Very nice. I like your thoughts about street art and I like your pictures. My favourite is actually the one you have chosen as the header for the blog. Tight and strong composition.
Thanks so much Otto! I appreciate that – street art is one of the ways the neighbourhood expresses itself, and it’s nice to link it with a story. Happy you enjoyed these large scale artworks!
A terrific story, as usual, told in photos. Thank You!
Thanks so much Mike! I’m glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Those are great! I’m often amazed at how good and artistic just regular graffiti art can be.
More great images and an interesting read (again)!