In New York, like so many cities around the world, graffiti or ‘street art’ has risen from the subways to urban spaces, becoming more fashionable, accepted and even collected…
It’s the organic, transitory nature of street art that makes it so fascinating to me. And it has an edginess you don’t get in other art forms.
Maybe that’s because much of it remains illegal, with artists fined and potentially jailed and their work buffed off at a high (and resented) cost to the city.
No surprise then that one of the highlights of our trip was the New York Graffiti and Street Art Tour in Bushwick, a working class district on the north side of Brooklyn.
Our guides Izzy and Mar took us on a fascinating journey into this artform – from tagging to masterpieces and beyond.
TAKI 183 is recognised as the one who started it all in New York City, with his simple signature (tag) attracting the attention of a New York Times reporter.
The story ran in 1971 and TAKI 183 became the ‘father of contemporary graffiti’*
If the street art in this city started with TAKI 183, he did the place a service (although I’m sure many would disagree)! Here are some of the works you might catch in Brooklyn – if you’re quick.
…and some ‘shoeffiti’
We highly recommend taking the tour… and when you’re done, stop into the Rookery in Troutman Street, where the atmosphere, service, food, craft beer and wine really hit the spot. Try their signature comfort food dish Oxtail Sloppy Joe (not recommended for vegetarians!).
Never let go…
Flight path 
May 24th, 2014 at 9:53 pm
I don’t know if I’m just noticing it more because I actually have a trip booked to New York, but I’ve read a bit about Brooklyn’s street art lately! Any streets you could recommend in particular for a visitor to the city?!
May 24th, 2014 at 10:10 pm
Hey Jess, wish I could tell you but was so busy looking at the art I didn’t really notice the street names! I really do recommend the free tour on foot though – you take the subway to Morgan Ave. subway station and meet them in front of Brooklyn Natural grocery on Bogart Street. But you need to book, so go to http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/walking-tours/new-york-graffiti-and-street-art-tours/ to do it. It’s a pay-what-you-want tour, so no pressure there… Have a great time in NYC!! Lou
May 24th, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Oh I’ll definitely be looking into the tour, don’t you worry! Do they run in winter?! Thanks for the great information, much appreciated 🙂
May 24th, 2014 at 11:43 pm
Fabulous post, Lou & awesome pix. NYC is on my bucket list 🙂
May 25th, 2014 at 8:31 am
Thanks Samira! Glad you liked it – and it’s hard not to take good pix, the artwork is so awesome. I have about 60 so the hardest part was choosing 🙂
May 25th, 2014 at 8:33 am
I’m pretty sure they would do winter tours… We managed to go on the sunniest, hottest day in NYC all year!