Brooklyn Street Art Initiative

Has anyone else noticed these chalk drawings popping up around Prospect Heights? Yesterday, I snapped a photo of one at the corner of Vanderbilt and Bergen:



...more commentary here...

I haven't seen them but it's about time the sidewalk was copyrighted (copywrote?).

Isa wrote: I haven't seen them but it's about time the sidewalk was copyrighted (copywrote?).

well, the parts that arent in the photo are where it says "drawing #271 out of... countless...?" and what appears to be a tracing of the shadow cast by the walk/dont walk sign (visible on the right edge of the photo).

as far as copywrighting a sidewalk... umm, ok!

Isa wrote: I haven't seen them but it's about time the sidewalk was copyrighted (copywrote?).

theyre popping up everywhere now! this, from bergen and flatbush, yesterday:

I haven't seen them but it's about time the sidewalk was copyrighted

OK, this is the new Daily Heights code word. If you suspect somebody is "DH", and they are standing on a sidewalk, just go up to them, point at the sidewalk and say, "stop infringing on my copyright!"

If you both burst into laughter, then high-five each other and go do some Jello shots.

Subject: machete mugging inspires public artwork and exhibition

For Immediate Release:


KILI is pleased to announce an exhibition of paintings by

ELLIS G.


Continues through 12/1/05 @ KILI
81 Hoyt St. bet. State St. and Atlantic Ave. Bklyn NY
A,C,G Trains to Hoyt/Schermerhorn or 2,3,4,5,B,D,N,R,Q to Atlantic/Pacific
718-855-5574


Artist's Statement:
I have never experienced an art form more all consuming than graffiti. At one point, graffiti had a very firm grip on my life and lifestyle- it was the last thing on my mind before going to bed and the first thing that came into my head every morning. From acquiring supplies and photographing a finished work, to wandering the city trying to find the perfect spot to paint and marking the terrain along the way, graffiti motivated almost every move I made. Even perils with the law, fights with rival writers and injuries sustained while out on missions couldn't have ended my relationship with graffiti. I still love it to this day.
The death of a friend and fellow graffiti(HEC UFC REST IN PEACE) artist while we were bombing the F train tunnel between Bergen and Carroll Street in 2001 caused me to take a less active role in graffiti. Deeply affected by the tragic loss I chose to channel my energy into other artistic endeavors. Since then, I have participated in a number of group shows displaying the talents of graffiti artists as well as traditional artists. While I use canvas, wood, metal as well as found objects, I remain true to my roots and try to incorporate the essence of graffiti into everything I produce. I continue to use the tools of the trade (paint markers, spray paint, homemade writing implements) in my work; while I have transitioned to the less controversial use of chalk for my street art.
This show is dedicated to the graffiti life and the ongoing struggle graffiti artists continue to face today. I have massive respect for the forefathers of graffiti who paved the way and pioneered this art form (do the research). The graffiti writer's struggle is not limited to running from the police and fighting court cases, but it also lies in the ongoing battle we face to transition from being understood by mainstream society as a "vandal" to a legitimate and commercial artist. Even though graffiti has inestimably influenced our entire environment- from music and fashion to advertising, architecture and graphic arts, many graffiti artists remain anonymous and unrecognized by mainstream society.
Writing graffiti is putting out public art for people who normally wouldn't go to a museum or gallery. All of my chalk drawings are like graffiti in that respect, although they are temporary. They capture a moment in time. Ironically they have spawned from an un-pleasurable moment in time, one that Time Out NY has called an "only-in-New York back story." However, I'd like to thank my machete wielding assailant and his shadow for inspiring me to create my drawings on the streets and these pieces on display. I hope that they make a difference in people's lives- they sure have made and continue to make a difference in mine.

Ellis Gallagher 2005

Biography:
Ellis Gallagher is a native New Yorker. As the graffiti writer formally known as "NET," his work can be found in the five boroughs and environs, The Brooklyn Front Gallery, in Autograf: New York City's Graffiti Writers by Peter Sutherland (Powerhouse Books 2004), as well as in numerous newspapers, magazines, on television and in films. Currently a street artist known as Ellis G., Gallagher's work has appeared in Time Out NY, the NY Daily News, Trampoline House Gallery, as well as on NY 1 and The WB 11. Gallagher will publish his first book "Adhesives," the ultimate compendium of graffiti, graphic design and street art stickers in fall 2006 with Miss Rosen Editions for Powerhouse Books.

Contact Info:[email hidden]

Subject: Re: machete mugging inspires public artwork and exhibition

ELLIS GEE! wrote: For Immediate Release:


KILI is pleased to announce an exhibition of paintings by

ELLIS G.


Continues through 12/1/05 @ KILI
81 Hoyt St. bet. State St. and Atlantic Ave. Bklyn NY
A,C,G Trains to Hoyt/Schermerhorn or 2,3,4,5,B,D,N,R,Q to Atlantic/Pacific
718-855-5574

Artist's Statement:
I have never experienced an art form more all consuming than graffiti. At one point, graffiti had a very firm grip on my life and lifestyle- it was the last thing on my mind before going to bed and the first thing that came into my head every morning. From acquiring supplies and photographing a finished work, to wandering the city trying to find the perfect spot to paint and marking the terrain along the way, graffiti motivated almost every move I made. Even perils with the law, fights with rival writers and injuries sustained while out on missions couldn't have ended my relationship with graffiti. I still love it to this day.
The death of a friend and fellow graffiti(HEC UFC REST IN PEACE) artist while we were bombing the F train tunnel between Bergen and Carroll Street in 2001 caused me to take a less active role in graffiti. Deeply affected by the tragic loss I chose to channel my energy into other artistic endeavors. Since then, I have participated in a number of group shows displaying the talents of graffiti artists as well as traditional artists. While I use canvas, wood, metal as well as found objects, I remain true to my roots and try to incorporate the essence of graffiti into everything I produce. I continue to use the tools of the trade (paint markers, spray paint, homemade writing implements) in my work; while I have transitioned to the less controversial use of chalk for my street art.
This show is dedicated to the graffiti life and the ongoing struggle graffiti artists continue to face today. I have massive respect for the forefathers of graffiti who paved the way and pioneered this art form (do the research). The graffiti writer's struggle is not limited to running from the police and fighting court cases, but it also lies in the ongoing battle we face to transition from being understood by mainstream society as a "vandal" to a legitimate and commercial artist. Even though graffiti has inestimably influenced our entire environment- from music and fashion to advertising, architecture and graphic arts, many graffiti artists remain anonymous and unrecognized by mainstream society.
Writing graffiti is putting out public art for people who normally wouldn't go to a museum or gallery. All of my chalk drawings are like graffiti in that respect, although they are temporary. They capture a moment in time. Ironically they have spawned from an un-pleasurable moment in time, one that Time Out NY has called an "only-in-New York back story." However, I'd like to thank my machete wielding assailant and his shadow for inspiring me to create my drawings on the streets and these pieces on display. I hope that they make a difference in people's lives- they sure have made and continue to make a difference in mine.

Ellis Gallagher 2005

Biography:
Ellis Gallagher is a native New Yorker. As the graffiti writer formally known as "NET," his work can be found in the five boroughs and environs, The Brooklyn Front Gallery, in Autograf: New York City's Graffiti Writers by Peter Sutherland (Powerhouse Books 2004), as well as in numerous newspapers, magazines, on television and in films. Currently a street artist known as Ellis G., Gallagher's work has appeared in Time Out NY, the NY Daily News, Trampoline House Gallery, as well as on NY 1 and The WB 11. Gallagher will publish his first book "Adhesives," the ultimate compendium of graffiti, graphic design and street art stickers in fall 2006 with Miss Rosen Editions for Powerhouse Books.

Contact Info:[email hidden]

Dude get out of here!
:arrow:

Subject: Re: machete mugging inspires public artwork and exhibition

KateBklyn wrote:
Dude get out of here!
:arrow:

lol. he hit my blog, too.

http://www.citynoise.org/article/2349#14561

looks like getting up- whether in graffiti or internet forum comments- is his goal. 8)

If I ever see this I will piss on it

getting over (c) 2005 qtrain

qtrain wrote:

getting over (c) 2005 qtrain

lol.

ellis g is a doofus.

http://www.citynoise.org/article/2349#14670

rhodamine wrote: lol.

ellis g is a doofus.

http://www.citynoise.org/article/2349#14670

I wonder if it's him every time with this crap because on City Noise there's a bunch of different years after his name. Maybe it's someone just adding fuel to the fire. Hey Ellis, register, and then we won't have to wonder.

bewitched wrote: I wonder if it's him every time with this crap because on City Noise there's a bunch of different years after his name.

server stats indicate its the same person :?

rhodamine wrote: server stats indicate its the same person :?

Oh ok, then he really is an @$$hole.

Alex wrote: If I ever see this I will piss on it

then it'll really be "art"?

Subject: i did not post any of the above.

i did not post any of the above.

Subject: Re: i did not post any of the above.

Ellis G. wrote: i did not post any of the above.

id love to see the IP logs. and compare them to mine on citynoise. :roll:

Why bother? I've checked the IP addresses on the posts here, and you already know what I found out, don't you? :roll:

Subject: Re: i did not post any of the above.

rhodamine wrote: [quote=Ellis G.]i did not post any of the above.

id love to see the IP logs. and compare them to mine on citynoise. :roll:Ask the admin/mods, I bet they'd oblige.

EmilyM wrote: Why bother? I've checked the IP addresses on the posts here, and you already know what I found out, don't you? :roll:

Registered and guest Ellis are one and the same? I'm so disappointed, I was holding out hope.

and "ellis g." is "ELLIS GEE!"?

never that.

Subject: gallager

ellis is a fake . i've seen his paintings at the bar they are cheap quality and bad craftsman,also not a consistent body of work.very amateure.
for the rest well the shadows are fantastic the only problem is that not his idea you can see it in here http://www.woostercollective.com/2005/06/shit-were-diggin-facundo-newberys.html and in my website http://facundonewbery.home.mindspring.com/pages/HOME.html

Poor Facundo -- he was chalking shadows at least 6 years ago -- rendering these NYTimes lines today curious:
"Earlier this year, Mr. Gallagher (ellis g.) was mugged on his way home from a shift at Bar Tabac on Smith Street, where he worked as a waiter. "I turn around and this guy's got a two-foot machete in my face," he said.
Mr. Gallagher was unhurt and the mugger was later caught by the police, but one night soon after the mugging, with the image of his attacker's dark silhouette still burned into his memory, Mr. Gallagher was mesmerized by a shadow on the sidewalk. He reached into his pocket and felt the chalk he had used to write the outdoor menu at Bar Tabac, and he dropped to his knees to outline it.
Shadow art was born."

Born again is more like it.

Captain M wrote: [quote=Alex]If I ever see this I will piss on it

then it'll really be "art"?

LMAO

ellis g is a fucking chump. he sucked as "graf writer" NET and sucks even more as a chalk-tracing amateur.

oh, also- a neighborhood blog troll/spammer.

sigh.

Subject: shadows

The concept and practice of tracing shadows as an art form has existed for a very long time. (Do your research, it originated in France). Any attempts to take credit for the idea of tracing shadows would be as futile as trying to take credit for the idea of painting a portrait or photographing a landscape. Many people have these ideas, but it is the artist that makes them different, interesting and unique. I have read that you believe that I have copied your work, although I have never heard of you, nor seen your work before checking out your link after seeing your post. It is not my practice to badmouth any artist. it is important that we offer one another critiques or opinions, but to bash something and someone you seem to know very little about leaves the impression of insecurity. My current work was born out of something very real to me and I enjoy what I do and sharing it with others. In short, tracing shadows is not your original idea, nor is it mine- actually, I have learned that ZEVS (a parisian graffiti artist who works with space invader) has been doing it long before me and I assume, before you. He has his way of doing it, which I respect and admire. I have my way. And I guess, you have yours. In the future, I suggest that you take the time to brush up on the real origins of this art form, before you make claims of ownership. Thank you very much. Have a nice day.

Subject: Re: shadows

ELLIS GEE! wrote: The concept and practice of tracing shadows as an art form has existed for a very long time. (Do your research, it originated in France). Any attempts to take credit for the idea of tracing shadows would be as futile as trying to take credit for the idea of painting a portrait or photographing a landscape. Many people have these ideas, but it is the artist that makes them different, interesting and unique. I have read that you believe that I have copied your work, although I have never heard of you, nor seen your work before checking out your link after seeing your post. It is not my practice to badmouth any artist. it is important that we offer one another critiques or opinions, but to bash something and someone you seem to know very little about leaves the impression of insecurity. My current work was born out of something very real to me and I enjoy what I do and sharing it with others. In short, tracing shadows is not your original idea, nor is it mine- actually, I have learned that ZEVS (a parisian graffiti artist who works with space invader) has been doing it long before me and I assume, before you. He has his way of doing it, which I respect and admire. I have my way. And I guess, you have yours. In the future, I suggest that you take the time to brush up on the real origins of this art form, before you make claims of ownership. Thank you very much. Have a nice day.

stop being such a philistine, ellisg. as if reading this exact comment on my own blog wasnt enough, now i have to see it here. you spam communities. you take cred for art that many have done long before you. you talk so much shit.

you, through your protracted self-promotion and spamming, have discredited any aesthetic value from your own work.

how fucking sad. you need to really reconsider how youre acting out in regards to your "art". as a fellow writer, i really despise your interactions with the public re: your "work".

by the way, son, get a non-guest account already.

He deserved the mugging.

correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it possible that neither the registered nor the unregistered "ellis g(ee)"s are the "actual" ellis g.? because it could very well be someone who had heard the name beforehand and used it as a moniker, for sh*ts and giggles...

a small attempt to be cautious, needlessly. no need to tar an individual for trolling when there is a possibility its just some guy who took the name...not that his "art" is Art, but, hey, it is nice in its own way. Ok, I don't know what I'm saying anymore. disregard me.

muteflute wrote: correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it possible that neither the registered nor the unregistered "ellis g(ee)"s are the "actual" ellis g.? because it could very well be someone who had heard the name beforehand and used it as a moniker, for sh*ts and giggles...

a small attempt to be cautious, needlessly. no need to tar an individual for trolling when there is a possibility its just some guy who took the name...not that his "art" is Art, but, hey, it is nice in its own way. Ok, I don't know what I'm saying anymore. disregard me.

it would make more sense if all the comments in question didnt come from the same ip (at least as far as ive noticed from his various comments on my blog...)