Best Outdoor Art, Street Art In NYC
You don't have to go to gallery to be blown away by an artist's talent. You can take in the beauty just by walking around and catching glimpses of art all around New York City. Here are just a few top spots where you can see some of the best art in New York. By Tracy Dunstan/Ashleyan Lopez
Banksy
Banksy is perhaps the most well-known street artist in the world. He hails from the United Kingdom, but has made his mark all over New York City. Using a stenciling technique, many of his pieces tend to be satirical in nature. Banksy also directed the award-winning documentary, "Exit Through the Gift Shop." One of his most famous works is a Boston piece about the lost dreams many have and how they should be pursued no matter what. This street art design urges people to keep trying to reach their goals and ideas even if things in life, such as lack of money or encouragement from others, try to deter them.
Gera Lozano
Gera Lozano is well known around Manhattan for her street art. One specific piece of note is the "Breath of Life" which is located at Steinway Street and 34th Avenue in Queens. It's a mural of a man and a tiger with his hands outstretched and surrounded by bright and whimsical colors. Lozano is based in Brooklyn and is a conceptual artist whose work has been showcased in places such as the History Museum of El Paso.
Aakash Nihalani And Know Hope
Aakash Nihalani and Know Hope's work, "Uncornered," can be found in Brooklyn and is significant in its simplistic beauty. Know Hope is from Israel while Nihalani is Brooklyn based, the two artists have very different styles but came together to create "Uncornered," which features a pale blue wall with white birds flying in and out of two black windows.
The High Line
Runs from Gansevoort St. to W. 34th St.
www.thehighline.org
With gorgeous scenery and pieces of art projects throughout the walkway, the High Line has become a popular park for locals and tourists alike. The relaxing, breathtaking walk on a spring or summer day features art by Spencer Finch, Barbara Kruger, Matt Johnson and many more.
Kobra, The Street Museum Of Art
W. 25th St. New York, NY 10001
N. 9th St. and Bedford Ave.
www.streetmuseumofart.org/kobra
This mural by Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra on West 25th Street is a colorful recreation of the iconic 1945 photo "V-J Day in Times Square" also known as "The Kiss." If you aren't familiar with the photo, it features an American sailor kissing a woman in Times Square in celebration of the victory over Japan. Rather than the typical black and white photo we all know and love, it is filled with vivid colors and energy, Kobra's signature style.
Another mural by Kobra, "Fight For Street Art," is in the North Side of Brooklyn. With a similar style, Kobra expresses a clear message through visual and written art.
Park Avenue Mall
Park Ave. Mall, 53rd St.
New York, NY 10055
Ever notice someone staring up at something and suddenly you find yourself curious and must look up? This work of art inspires just that — for people to look up. The impressive 33.3-foot tall stainless steel sculpture by Tom Friedman titled "Looking Up" encourages you to gaze up towards the sky and admire its heavenly beauty.
Bushwick Street Art
This area has plenty of witty, artistic graffiti and beautiful murals. As you walk around, you can even find smaller pieces with political statements one may otherwise miss. You can also check out the Bushwick Collective -- an outdoor street gallery that begins on Jefferson Street and continues through Troutman Street. It features work from various artists, both local and international.
More: 5 Best Art Galleries In Bushwick
Hendrik Beikirch
German artist Hendrik Beikirch's work can also be found in Bushwick. The art is magnificent in its use of black and white mixed in with loud, vibrant colors. In each weathered and distorted portrait he tells a story. Beikirch is also known as "ecb" and he does documentary and fictional portraiture work, which overlooks large portions of the city.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.brooklynbridgepark.org
Take a stroll through the Brooklyn Bridge Park to find some innovative works of art and larger-than life installations. This year, Martin Creed's "Understanding" and Deborah Kass' "OY/YO" are featured.
Tracy lives in the downstate area of New York. Some might call her an avid graduation affectionate (MA, Fordham University & MLS, SUNY Buffalo). She'd say she's just waiting for the right degree to come along with a promise and a ring someday. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
