Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
Art At Alphabeta
I have been incredibly remiss in writing this post. I had planned to do so this weekend but life (a birthday party, losing my cell phone and antics of the feline kind) intervened. At long last, here it goes.
Jason Maas (the creator of the above mural) writes:
I am a williamsburg artist (just moved from greenpoint a few months ago) who just recently began doing murals on the streets, doing my best to keep the “art” in “street art.” I recently painted a mural at Alphabeta… (I’ve attached the a pic of the mural, 20’x20′ house paint and spray paint)… The concept behind these paintings is that these are the colors I see when I close my eyes, all the paintings are photos of friends, so the idea is that I look at a photograph and close my eyes and this is what i see.. kind of like conceptualized nostalgia.
Unfortunately by the time I finally made it Alphabeta to see Jason’s work in situ (Alphabeta’s courtyard) they had already commenced covering it up with another mural. However, you can see more of his work at his web site. Do give it a look-see, some of it is quite lovely. The previous having been said I did not walk away disappointed; there was plenty of other nifty artwork for the delectation.
This bald eagle tickled my fancy.
My friend across the creek will be interested to know the above-depicted gentleman is a big, big fan of his blog.
But without argument the most stunning work to be found was in the gallery. The show was entitled “La Santa Lucha” by an artist whose nom de plume is “El Hose”.
Simply put “La Santa Lucha” is a mixed media installation featuring approximately twenty images of saints. But the individual works of art are anything but simple.
El Hose’s work is absolutely beautiful —albeit in a grotesque way. But given the subject matter he is working with (the lives of the saints are hardly Walt Disney material after all) the style is completely appropriate. I would strongly recommend that you, dear readers, swing by and see this show in person. Photography does not do this work justice.
La Santa Lucha
Alphabeta
60 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Miss Heather
UPDATE 12/10/08: This show has been taken down. 🙁
‘Tis The Season: O Come!
This image hails from St. Francis of Paola on Conselyea Street. (The same folks who brought us the good news about knee mail.)
Miss Heather
The Pickleville Pugilist
Last week we learned about what life was like in Greenpoint’s very own Dangertown. Today we will explore (albeit tangentially) another colorfully nicknamed part of the Garden Spot (and beyond): Pickleville. Where was “Pickleville” located, you ask? The Eighteenth Ward, e.g.; the sliver of Greenpoint and “East Williamsburg” roughly contained within Meeker Avenue*, Flushing Avenue, Newtown Creek and Bushwick Avenue (as seen on the map to the left). Why was this area called Pickleville? My educated guess is because there was once a rather substantial German immigrant population in this area (just look at some of the street names and you’ll see their legacy). So much for ethnic sensitivity. But I digress.
This post is about one very special Pickleville resident. Her name was Gussie Freeman — but the Brooklyn Daily Eagle preferred to call her the “the slasher of the rope walks.” A typical turn-of-the-century housefrau Ms. Freeman most decidedly was not. You can learn more about how her claim to fame (or infamy) by reading this article dating from November 22, 1891. Enjoy!
Female boxers in north Brooklyn, who knew? This post goes out to you Gussie (“the Gouger”, “Limpy Sal” & company). You make me proud to be a Greenpointer!
Miss Heather
*Namesake of the Meeker Avenue plume which the New York Times expounds upon in today’s edition. I could have told them people were unwilling to have their homes tested for fear it would affect their property values and saved them a trip. Oh well…
Map Credit: www.bklyn-genealogy-info.com
Williamspoint Video Du Jour: Time Lapse Crap
mugsniffer (the creator of the previous video) writes:
This is a short time-lapse of the obnoxious EDGE building in Williamsburg taken from my apartment window in Greenpoint, Brooklyn… It spans approximately 12 hours, as my camera battery conked out and I don’t have a power supply yet to keep it running any longer.
God am I grateful I do not have to look at THAT every day!
Miss Heather
Dysfunction Junction: Crosstown Local Co-Dependency
I have often wondered why the MTA does not host “meet your station manager” days for the Crosstown Local (as they do for other subway lines like our tonier sister the L). Initially I chalked this up to the Transit Authority’s desire not to have their employees screamed at and pommeled with brickbats by a very angry public. Last night at Metropolitan Avenue, however, I finally learned the truth: the very G train itself is more than happy to field inquiries from concerned commuters. What’s more, this four car wonder will put it in writing!
Behold the Crosstown Local wailing wall. It is located at the southern end of the Smith – 9th bound platform.
Dear G Train
Well sorry about those things i said about you last week
But the thing is, you are never here for me Seriously why? Please please
come here pick me up, be there for me? is that (so much to ask?)
-love
Gutter
REPLY
Dear Gutter:
I don’t have much time, but you should know that whenever I’m here, you’re not. And when you’re home I’m out, scouring the old paths – looking for you. I’ll always be here on my way there. Where will you be?
Love, G.
OH YEAH…
You only come see me when you need a ride.
Stop using me, freeloader!
Gutter/Other
G train- You’re A Slut! Give anyone A RIDE!
Oy vey. Where is Doctor Phil when you need him?
Miss Heather
*As sponsored by HSBC because different values make the world a richer place penis!
‘Tis The Season: Styrofoam Dreams
It would appear that erecting a manger is so prohibitively expensive in Greenpoint nowadays it necessitates selling air rights for high rises. I wonder if former city councilman, failed pretender to the Brooklyn Boro Presidency, Libertarian, despoiler of north Brooklyn and all-round real estate whiz lobbyist, Ken Fisher, is behind this arrangement? If it worked for Ismael Leyva, surely we can spare a little FAR Jesus of Nazareth!
Miss Heather
‘Tis The Season: Take Off!
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
From Hausman Street.
Miss Heather
Crosstown Local Photos du Jour: TD Bank
Smith – 9th Bound Platform at Fulton Street
Queens-bound platform at Greenpoint Avenue
Miss Heather
Meet Yes Gallery
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
While this newest addition to the Garden Spot of The Universe isn’t entirely new, I have been meaning to give it a mention on New York Shitty. Today, dear readers, is that day.
Here are the deets: Yes Gallery is located in the basement of 147 India Street between Manhattan Avenue and beautiful McGuinness Boulevard. They opened late October with a group which, quite frankly, I’m pretty disappointed I missed. It looked fantastic. Anyhoo, I was lucky enough to see their second show, have a quick chat with their proprietress and meet her French Bulldog Cobra (who, if you’re wondering, is a SHE).
Here’s a sneak peek at the interior of this establishment.
While difficult to capture on camera, it is a lovely space. What’s more, the show they currently have up is pretty spiffy to boot! I for one really like this painting of a primeval couch. Those of you who have the time really should give this show a look-see. It closes on December 15, 2008.
Yes Gallery
147 India Street (basement)
Brooklyn, New York 11222
(347) 599-2322
In other news (of particular interest folks staying in New York City this holiday season and last minute shoppers alike) I have been told their next show will feature 100 8″x10″ photographs by 100 different artists for sale at the (very) reasonable price) of $99.00 a pop. The opening is scheduled for December 21, 2008. I will publish more details here as I learn them.
Miss Heather
NYS Flickr Pool
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