The Archive; cafe, movie rental spot and beloved epicenter of Morgantown has been sold. Apparently they have been suffering from financial woes for some time. Its last day open as The Archive will be tomorrow (9-2-10) from 7am-2pm. Get yourself a coffee and say goodbye.
So you hate Mondays, right? Then why waste a perfectly good Sunday night resting up for a day thats already going to kinda suck? What you do is get a band, a dj, a keg, bbq and British girls with inflatable boxing gloves. You gather that all on your roof and enjoy.
Below are photos of a perfectly good example utilizing Maybe the Welders, DJ B-Rad, and PBR
So if you missed it, Eastern District woke up with a benefit art auction entitled Brooklyn Saves this past weekend (July 24th). Raising money for St. Baldrick's Foundation for Children's Cancer Research, these guys pulled out all the stops. Armed with a myriad of artworks, a number of interesting bands, mountains of beer and a tattoo exhibition, the opening night had a little bit going on for everybody. Bidding on artwork will be continuing at least for a few more days so you should stop by and try to pick something up for a good cause.
So we hosted our very first live show this beautiful memorial day weekend, bringing in the undeniably talented Listener, flanked by Fienix and Homeless Gospel Choir. The weather was perfect. The bands were amazing. The burgers were tasty. The jungle juice was thoroughly consumed. A good time was had.
Thank you to Listener, Fienix, Homeless Gospel Choir, DJ B-Rad, and (((unartig)))
Operation Design; an organization dedicated to giving public school children access to pick the minds of accomplished designers and architects, is currently holding a brilliant online benefit auction called Eames Inspiration. To be sold are a collection of classic Eames molded plywood chairs, each beautifully adorned by an individual street artist. Certainly a good buy for a good cause.
Well you should. Located in The Loom, the Bushwick version of a shopping mall, this new art space packs a wallop, as shown by their very first art opening featuring the likes of Alex Passapera and Dana Bunker. And yeah, they also had a sick blue grass band playing out front. You've got to love it.
Here are a few shots of the newest show by Factory Fresh featuring ROA by way of Belgium. This incredible work will only be up till May 30th so you better get over there and take a look before you miss your chance.
Missing since her Thursday escape from Woodhull Hospital, This girl is reported as off her meds and seriously disoriented. If you see her, call 339-293-3841 or 978-664-1425.
Brianna Zani: 5' 6", blues eyes, blond hair. For more information go HERE.
Scatterbrain; collection of art and objects created, found or stolen by D (Alden) Stover. Including artwork by Skewville, Bobby De Leonibus III, Karl Mann, Daniel Mitchell, Jim Avignon, and many still unidentified. Also, old books and shit for sale.
Oh look its Subway Crush; A way for people to try to find their missed connections on the subway. Hmmm...that sounds familiar. Oh yeah, the missed connections section on craigslist. Sorry Subway Crush. You are a bit behind in the game. Nice design though.
Apparently evolutionary psychologist Dr Satoshi Kanazawa has found that liberals and atheists tend to be a bit more intelligent than their god-fearing conservative counterparts. The National Geographic has written up a nice article about it. All of a sudden the legacy of George W. Bush makes a bit more sense.
Any bicyclist in this city knows that you gotta watch your ass. With all the crazy drivers and poorly marked, if not completely lacking, bike lanes its a risky ride out there. Well thanks to Lazer Helmets being struck by some asshole cab driver may be a bit more survivable. Using "SuperSkin" technology they have created a helmet that better deflects impact and lessens the rotational force caused by, lets say, bouncing your head off the street at 30 mph. The future is now people.
Thats right, the Associated Super Market on Knickerbocker, long known for not paying their employees and only stocking their shelves with Goya products has now started sneaking in some hipster friendly foods. Bob Dylan was right, the times they are a-changin'
Two teens were apprehended at the Rite-Aid on Knickerbocker for shoplifting today. Four of NYPD's finest arrived to handle the situation. One of the teens were spotted crying. The world is a safer place.
Created by artist Caleb Larsen, this unassuming black cube, titled "A Tool to Deceive and Slaughter", regularly connects to the internet and puts itself up for sale on ebay. Once sold, its current owner is required to ship it off to the winning bidder. If you would like to try to bid for it, go to www.atooltodeceiveandslaughter.com.
This just goes to show you, art/concept really can't be owned. Ha.
Yes thats right. Up until Feb 28th you can go to the lower east side and take a class in exchange for basic goods and services depending on whatever the professor wants; A novel idea indeed brought to you by OurGoods.
Located on Jefferson St. between Wyckoff and Irving is this banksy knockoff stencil. It is possible that the "S" was replaced by a "$" to imply that banksy has sold out. Wait...take it all in. It really makes you think doesn't it?
Seriously, are there not more interesting statements to make? And maybe more clever ways to make them?
AdFreak has compiled a nice list of the 30 freakiest commercials of 2009 , the majority of them being public service announcements. Be warned; these range from interestingly odd to completely twisted.
Studies show that out of all the states in the USA, NY has the most unhappy of people. Are you really that surprised? Read more and see the states happiness ranking HERE.
On Friday the 13th Factory Fresh opened their doors to showcase the work of Armer, Darkcloud, Goreb and Deeker. No bad luck except for a slight drizzle outside. No one seemed to care.
A brilliant obscure gem from the BBC with a stinging commentary on all hipsterdom. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. It may very well inspire you to set fire to all of williamsburg.
This can only mean one thing. A new show is coming. This Friday, October 23rd Factory Fresh will be opening "Grand Champions Forever, Never Say Die", featuring an impressive 30+ graffiti artists hiding under the guise of their real names. Why would you miss such a thing?
Misinformation is flooding the veins of this country. A juggernaut propaganda machine is in place and peoples patriotism is the fuel for a nonsensical fight. Be afraid.
So you have some spare paint in a can in the corner. It has been there for a while and you have been meaning to use it. Pick it up, pop off the top, and pour its contents in the street. Go wild. Make a mess. Liven things up a bit. As example, here is maybe half a can of pink that has been artfully spread on Jefferson St between Irving and Knickerbocker, possibly signed Jay.
Every year the people of Jefferson St between Knickerbocker and Irving get together to have a block party. It is a time for music, BBQing and kids running around like mad. Here is an in the round view.
Recently the layout of this humble gallery has slightly changed and kitchen equipment has appeared in the back. Could it be a future juice bar? Seems so.
If you weren't at Factory Fresh this Friday, well, sorry. It was night of music, drinking, and dancing. In the line up: Larry Bang Bang, Kim Boekbinder, and Neoangin.
Well it is time for you to get to know Vahge. She lives right in our little neighborhood of Bushwick. You may pass by her on the street every once in a while and not even know it. Vahge was kind enough to fill out an interview/questionnaire for us and share some of her work. Enjoy.
TBD - Where are you from / what kind of place is it?
Vahge - I have a tendency to move every few years, so I've been here and there, east and west and back. I spent my childhood in Clarksville, Maryland, a delicious suburb. It's the kind of place where people judge you based on the car you drive and the grades you get and watch you from their windows. It's very paranoid.
TBD - How did you end up in Bushwick?
Vahge - I was in Santa Fe (New Mexico) and realized that I was not 65 years old, and did not paint desert scenes, and was therefore in the wrong place. New York seemed like a good choice and the best thing I could barely afford was Bushwick.
TBD - What do you do?
Vahge - I make weird collages. I cut out lots of small pieces of magazine and glue them into creepy scenes. They seem to be getting larger.
TBD - Why?
Vahge - I'm obsessive, so the tediousness of the collage process is really satisfying. It's also something I've been trying to be good at since I was little.
TBD - What is it that drives you?
Vahge - New ideas, restlessness, and childhood trauma. A lot of people say that the process of creation keeps them sane, but that's actually not true for me... I kind of go psycho if I'm working on something for too long, the process is just meticulous. The need to accomplish something is a big influence.
Finally this summer has emerged from its lull and the heat is on. So what is one to do in an area in which the beaches suck and all the pools are crowded with the masses? Well, break open a fire hydrant and you have your own water park. And if a building catches fire and the FDNY can't get water pressure to their hoses, fuck 'em. I guess its going to burn.
If you aren't already aware, these people driving around Bushwick are crazy and just so you know, there is a reason that side mirrors fold in on many models of cars and if you don't use this nifty feature you can't really complain when some reckless asshole rips the mirror off of your BMW.
Curated by Jim Avignon, Factory Fresh hosted an opening Fri showcasing artist representing our near and dear Brooklyn and imports from across Europe. It was a night not only of sight but of sound, as a number of bands blew up FF's back court yard all night. The last performance of the evening was an indoor intimate affair by Jim Avignon and Jon Burgerman's freshly formed music due; Anxieteam. It was good times.
A fine example of graffiti editing on Thames. Technically, six of these people, you can in fact fuck with. The question is, in the end, who is going to end up on top?
Located on Jefferson St between Wyckoff and Irving, this once majestic beast lies in ruin, its dismembered body hid amongst the greenery of the Trees Not Trash mini garden. This poor creature obviously met a gruesome fate. And to ad insult to injury, its head is placed on the edge of the street in open view, like a trophy to this abhorrent act. We never knew you, strange kinda purple elephant, but you will be missed.
You know how it goes. You live in a place with high crime. It is the city, what do you expect? Well the people at the New York Times has provided us with a very detailed map to illustrate the point. Take a look at where you live and spot the dots, HERE.
Watch your step. Someone has taken the nuisance of people not curbing their dogs and highlighted it with a can of gold. One should note that once these guilded turds leave their landing sites, perfect golden outlines will remain; a reminder of their former presence.
If you ever chill near the Morgan stop you may be quite familiar with this guy. Typically shirtless, always quite over weight, this man likes to share his little hobby with the neighborhood. This remote control car of his is no ordinary toy mind you. Gas powered, fast as all hell, and buzzing like a massive insect on PCP, this thing tears down Bogart. Some consider him a menace, as the noise this thing makes is in fact loud. I hear that he has had the cops called on him before. Others like to watch and hope that eventually he will slip at the controls and run his little car under a vehicle. And then there are those who just ignore him and walk on their way in typical NYC fashion.
So we gathered once again. This time with the goal of watching Visioneers. It was a relatively low key night but have no doubts, fun was had. Where were you?
This a simple but important message: Read people. And really read. Surely this artist isn't suggesting you read Vice Magazine or TMZ.com. Read something informative, enlightening, or inspiring; something different that will make you a better person. Having a unique body of knowledge benefits everyone around you.
This Saturday; the first day of August, we the fine people at The Bushwick Dream will be hosting our first movie screening. So whats on the menu? Why its the VISIONEERS, a new movie starring Zach Galifianakis(of G-Force fame). We are starting sometime around 8ish for some fine BBQing. At 9:30 or so we will be starting watching the aforementioned movie, and then well, we don't know yet but its sure to involve drinking and dammit, some fun. Do you wanna come? email us a thebushwickdream@gmail.com. yeah!
Yes, it is true. You know those mundane little in-flight magazines they have on planes? Well British Airways has a version called "Highlife". In it they have an article highlighting bushwick, referring to it as a "time warp to a golden age of New York cool."
Good god, I fear an eventual onslaught of gawking tourist.
This box can be seen tucked in a small corner on vandervoort. Its hard to identify what this thing actually is. Standing on caster wheels, its has a strange tube thing sticking out of one side. On the other is a receded mirror box with a single wheel in the center. ...wtf? Take a look and tell me what it is.
It has already been mentioned right here but this is a reminder. This Friday you'll be expected to come to Tandem. You will be required to enjoy music as provided by B-rad, and drink. You like to drink, don't you?
Here is the flyer. Feel free to print it out and hand it out to friends and perfect strangers.
Once again the masses gather on our rooftop thanks to the great people of 3R. Music, dancing, drinking and yes, some falling over. The roof didn't cave in, and though the cops stopped in front of the building, they didn't come in. All in all, a proper way to spend a Saturday.
Today small envelopes appeared on the front doors of every residential building along Jefferson St near the Jefferson L stop. Written on each one, "To owner". Within each, a note offering cash for the property. One side in poor English. The other, poor Spanish. It was signed Sal. What are your intentions Sal?
As reported in an earlier post shown here, this feline has once again been spotted prowling in front of the Archive. I'm sure once again searching for a hipster with a sandwich that is susceptible to the power of cute. A friendly, clean and apparently well fed feline. Though he/she takes horrible pictures. Always blinking.
If you are "intellectually stimulating, physically attractive..., considerate, love to cuddle, goal-orientated, respectful, giving, and loves to have FUN" you should definitely contact this cute girl. Just go HERE
Once again a lively night filled with drinks, conversation and good art. Loro Verz, Apolo Torres & Mundano did some fantastic work and were amongst the most gracious and engaging artist, enthusiastically mingling and discussing their work with all that came. It was a lovely night that has left myself and I'm sure others with a well worth it hangover.
Here is a look at Factory Fresh one day before the opening of their new show LICHEN by Loro Verz,Apolo Torres & Mundano. See you there Fri(7-10-09) 7-10pm.
Always looking to keep things interesting, the people at Factory Fresh have yet again reached well beyond the borders of NYC, bringing in Brazilian artists Loro Verz, Apolo Torres & Mundano. Here is a peek at them at work as they prepare for the upcoming show, which opens Friday July 10th.
It is completely understandable that you could be sick of all the Micheal Jackson tributes and such. Yes he was an amazing performer. Yes in his private life he was wildly and in some forms dangerously eccentric, possibly fucked in the head. Yes he is dead. How many times do we have to have to watch his life outlined in tv special after special to get it?
regardless of your fan/nonfan/superfan status, you have to appreciate this:
possibly a mechanical serpent, a vine from the future, or maybe a stake of metal doughnuts. who's to say? decoration, its not just for christmas trees anymore.
If there are any questions as to what to do with the forth of July. Take a roof. Add equal parts people, food, drink and smoke. Have a top notch dj. Set things on fire. Go wild. Take pictures.
Out of the 500+ photos taken last night, here is a taste:
There is no escaping them. No matter how cautious you may be. They will find a way to crawl in your window or ride one of your friends into your apartment. This little bastard I found darting around frantically in my bedroom. It was odd. He must have been lost. His death came by way of the blunt force of a copy of 1984 catching him as he tried to scurry along the edge of my dresser. I am now left with the concern that he may have siblings.
Who doesn't love free shit. For those of you in the area who act fast, Bushwick is offering a flat file, some film, vintage playboys and cardboard tubes. If you ask the guy he also has lots of scrap fabric to get rid of.
Its slim pickings in terms of adult services. it seems that locally you would have to choose between a self proclaimed super sexy ebony beauty and, well, the shemale beauty. Ummmm....yeah.
How do you guarantee at least a minimal value to your artwork along with maximum exposure? Draw on money! In no way would we condone such an action. It is illegal, but well, you know.
After a night of...lets say "rocking out" at Goodbye Blue Mondays , Greg; singer and guitarist for Maybe the Welders made us some quite enjoyable food on our roof. He provided the drinks also. This is how you spend a Sunday night.
Remember people, those streets are dangerous, especially with this recent dark rainy weather. Not everyone gets struck by a car and comes away with just some scraps and bruises like this lucky bastard.
