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    “Tales” by Aleksi Ivanov in Bucharest, Romania

    Bulgarian artist Aleksi Ivanov recently brought the streets of Bucharest to life with his mural Tales, as part of the BSBSA (Belgrade Sofia Bucharest Street Art) project. Known for his multidisciplinary approach and public art interventions, Ivanov’s week-long visit was filled with creative workshops, an artist talk, and the development of this expansive mural that explores shared folklore of the Balkan region.The mural, Tales, vividly represents the rich, interconnected folklore traditions of Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Ivanov has skillfully woven together mythical characters and modern urban elements, including figures like Karakondzul, Rusalka, and the Giant, alongside symbolic references to vampires, dragons, and graffiti artists. He even pays tribute to the local street art scene by incorporating elements from Bucharest’s graffiti culture, like a subway adorned with tags by well-known artists Mser and Erps. These details give the mural a vibrant, multilayered appeal that invites viewers to find their own interpretations.During his residency in Bucharest, Ivanov shared his process and insights with the public. His street art workshop and artist talk allowed participants to engage directly with his experience in large-scale mural projects, public space transformations, and community-driven art. Ivanov’s dedication is clear, with each day of the project requiring up to 14 hours of meticulous work to bring the mural to completion.This initiative, made possible by the Creative Europe program, showcases the BSBSA project’s goal of fostering cultural connections and artistic expression across borders. Supported by local and international partners, Tales offers a dynamic cultural encounter, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the stories within the mural.Located at Mihai Bravu Boulevard in Bucharest, Tales stands as a testament to Aleksi Ivanov’s commitment to storytelling through art. To follow more about this project and others like it, visit bsbsa.org and connect on social media platforms. More

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    Book Review: ‘Rammellzee,’ edited by Maxwell Wolf and Jeff Mao

    In the mid-1970s, a half-Black, half-Italian teenager from the projects in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens started hitting the A train with a spray can. At 18, he legally changed his name to Rammellzee, and since then no conversation about graffiti culture or the late-20th-century New York art scene has been complete without mentioning his influence.In RAMMELLZEE: Racing for Thunder (Rizzoli, $65), the first major monograph on the multi-hyphenate artist, who died in 2010, the co-editors Maxwell Wolf and Jeff Mao intersperse more than a half-century’s worth of art, photos and archives with an oral history as told by the fellow artists, friends and family who knew him best.Rammellzee spray-paints the Berlin Wall in 1983, on the occasion of his solo exhibition “Gothic Futurism.”via Silvia Menzel and Rizzoli“Untitled (Bands of Steel),” painted in acrylic and spray paint on carpet, circa 1985.via the Estate of Rammellzee and Rizzoli“In the Middle of Robbin the Bank the Dam Yard Bizzard Hits Us,” 1983.via D.E.F Collection, Paris and RizzoliAs a teenager Rammellzee conceived his theory of Gothic Futurism, which saw language as a “tool of oppression” and graffiti writers as heroes in a fight to liberate the world of letters. In the ’80s he began experimenting with new materials and a more formal studio practice, producing large-scale paintings, frescoes, sculpture, music, performance art and the elaborate costumes he wore to embody otherworldly, gender-fluid characters, like “Chaser the Eraser” and “Shun-U.”“Tower of Panzerism, The S.S. Speedway,” 1984.Matt Grubb / Red Bull Media HouseRammellzee as Chaser the Eraser, c. 2000.Mari Horiuchi, vía RizzoliRammellzee was an “enigma,” Wolf writes: “manic genius, style god,” and also “irascible overlord” and “to some, simply an incoherent madman.” A pioneer of hip-hop and freestyle, he played with idiosyncratic nasal and at times comic vocal styles that were widely mimicked in early rap and would inspire artists like the Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill. He had an on-and-off friendship with Jean-Michel Basquiat, who helped produce his 1983 vinyl single “Beat Bop,” and he had a small part in the 1984 film “Stranger Than Paradise,” whose director, Jim Jarmusch, called him an overlooked genius.Rammellzee in his apartment in New York City’s TriBeCa neighborhood, c. 1991.Monica Fritz
    “He was not part of anybody’s school,” the artist Henry Chalfant says in the book. “Rammellzee literally invented his life and the compelling mystique around himself and his work. This is a quintessentially American thing.” More

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    “ORB” by SpY in Montreal, Canada, After Its Debut in Egypt

    SpY’s stunning “ORB” sculpture, which first captivated audiences at the Pyramids of Giza, has found a new home in Montreal’s Place des Arts. This work, blending formal simplicity with deep symbolism, explores the relationship between art, history, and urban space. The transition from the ancient Egyptian site to a modern cultural hub emphasizes its universal appeal, allowing it to engage with diverse environments and audiences.At the heart of “ORB” is the reimagining of a common urban object—the convex traffic mirror. By multiplying and arranging these mirrors into a spherical pattern, SpY transforms a mundane feature of city life into a thought-provoking work of art. The mirrored surface reflects its surroundings and viewers, creating an ever-changing interaction that evolves throughout the day, prompting contemplation on how art influences and is influenced by urban spaces.Drawing inspiration from Egyptian history, “ORB” references the mathematical and symbolic elements found in the Pyramids. The spherical form hints at the relationship between the Pyramid’s geometry and the concept of ‘pi,’ tying the sculpture to ancient mathematical principles. This connection extends to the circular mirror, a symbol in Egyptian culture linked to the sun, creation, and rebirth.The installation in Montreal highlights the sculpture’s ability to resonate in different contexts, reinforcing its status as a universal artistic symbol. Its reflective surface captures fragments of the city and its inhabitants, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper reflection on their connection to the environment and each other.“ORB” was part of the exhibition Forever Is Now II, organized by Culturvator Art D’Égypte in collaboration with UNESCO. The exhibition juxtaposes ancient heritage with contemporary art, exploring themes that transcend time and encourage us to imagine the future of humanity.Check out more photos of “ORB” in Montreal, Canada, and Egypt below! More

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    Snik – Still Life – Manchester UK

    SNIK have made a strong return to Manchester’s Northern Quarter, unveiling a new 20-meter mural that promises to become yet another iconic landmark in the city. The artists, whose work last appeared in Manchester in 2018, have made a big move with their latest work, entitled Still Life. The mural aims to create a little oasis of calm in the busy city.Still Life blends seamlessly into the area’s creative heritage, while also offering a reminder to appreciate the beauty and tranquility that can be found in our surroundings. SNIK explain; “With Still Life, we wanted to create something that not only enhances the urban landscape but also encourages people to take a step back and appreciate the little things, the moments of calm that we often overlook.”Still Life is an ode to Manchester’s love for street art and serves as a reminder of the city’s dynamic and ever-evolving cultural scene. This new work is set to become a cherished part of Manchester’s artistic heritage, much like its predecessor, Serenity, which remains a solid fixture in the city.Snikstagram More

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    “Animated Perception” Robert Proch Exhibition in Poland

    Together with Sainer and the Robert Proch Foundation, a retrospective exhibition, Animowana Percepcja (Animated Perception), has just opened in Robert Proch’s hometown of Bydgoszcz, Poland. Running until October 30, 2024, this heartfelt tribute to one of the most influential Polish artists of his generation showcases the breadth of his creative genius. Curated by Karolina Pikosz with the support of Przemek Blejzyk (Sainer) and the Robert Proch Foundation, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Proch’s artistic career.The exhibition features an extensive collection of Robert Proch’s works, gathered from the foundation’s archives and two private collections—those of Paweł Kita and Bartosz Kaczmarek. A curatorial text by Professor Jacek Adamczak from the Magdalena Abakanowicz University of the Arts in Poznań provides deeper insight into Proch’s unique artistic voice.Known for his dynamic compositions and his ability to merge painting with animation techniques, Proch’s works on display range from large-scale murals to his animations. This exhibition celebrates the innovative ways Proch captured motion and emotion, seamlessly connecting traditional forms of art with animation.With over 250 sketches, all his animations, and a curated selection of 20 of his finest paintings spanning his entire career, Animated Perception honors Robert Proch’s legacy and the lasting impact of his visionary approach to art. Photo credits: Łukasz Sowiński More

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    “La Rivière Golden” by Hopare in Paris, France

    In the heart of Argenteuil, street artist Hopare has brought a community-driven mural to life, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Impressionism. With the support of Urban Signature, Hopare’s vibrant mural honors the rich artistic legacy of the region while incorporating the personal stories of the Val Sud neighborhood’s residents. Titled La Rivière Golden, this mural is more than just a visual tribute to art history—it’s a reflection of the voices, dreams, and shared experiences of the community.The project began with Hopare conducting a series of interviews and distributing anonymous questionnaires to local residents. Through these interactions, Hopare learned about the community’s desires, concerns, and aspirations. Based on their feedback, he created two mural designs, allowing the residents to vote on which concept would represent their collective vision. La Rivière Golden emerged as the final choice, symbolizing the fluidity of the neighborhood’s history and the golden threads that tie its people together.Hopare didn’t stop at simply listening to the community—he invited them to participate directly in the creation of the mural. Several local figures, including athletes and community leaders, were portrayed on the wall, making this artwork a deeply personal homage to the people of Argenteuil. The mural took thirteen days to complete, overcoming challenges like weather and technical difficulties, but throughout the process, the support and presence of the community were palpable.Hopare’s mural stands as a testament to the power of collaborative art. His unique geometric style, characterized by vibrant straight lines and emotional intensity, infuses the mural with energy and life. More than just a painting, this project embodies the spirit of collective creation, connecting Hopare’s artistic vision with the shared history and identity of Argenteuil’s residents. It’s not just his mural—it belongs to everyone.Scroll down below for more photos of Hopare’s recent work. More

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    “BOT (Platichthys Flesus) Nr 36” by DZIA in Rivierenland, Belgium

    DZIA, a well-known Belgian street artist, has completed his latest mural titled BOT (Platichthys Flesus) Nr 36 for the Animalinas series at Natuurpark Rivierenland. This artwork, featuring a detailed and whimsical flatfish, captures the essence of the surrounding natural environment and highlights DZIA’s continued focus on wildlife. Sponsored by organizations like Aquafin NV and Natuurpunt, the mural serves as a reminder of the fragile ecosystem and the species inhabiting it.The flatfish, painted in DZIA’s signature swirling, graphic style, appears to swim effortlessly across the wall, embodying both movement and tranquility. With playful, circular patterns and expressive details, DZIA turns this creature into an eye-catching work of art. The vibrant colors and bold lines inject energy into the natural surroundings while simultaneously paying homage to the aquatic life in the area.This mural is part of DZIA’s larger mission through his Animalinas project, where he aims to reintroduce nature into urban settings. Over the years, DZIA has crafted murals that portray wild animals, often in decaying urban spaces, bringing a touch of wilderness and poetry into the city. His distinct approach blends tenderness with a sense of adventure, as seen in the expressive fish that now graces the walls of Natuurpark Rivierenland.DZIA’s work has spanned the globe, with murals across Europe, the U.S., and beyond. Whether in the heart of the city or in nature parks like this one, his art captivates and invites viewers to rethink the relationship between urban spaces and wildlife. Stay tuned for more exciting street art projects from DZIA & Sons as they continue to blend art, humor, and nature across various landscapes. More

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    New Mural by Reka One in Portsmouth, UK

    Renowned artist James Reka has recently completed a striking mural in Portsmouth, UK, as part of the LOOK UP Portsmouth Mural Festival. This community-themed piece adds bold colors and abstract forms to Southsea’s urban landscape, further enriching the artistic scene of the area. The mural’s address is 23 St. Paul’s Rd, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike who wish to explore this latest addition to Portsmouth’s public art collection.The mural, defined by Reka’s signature style of surrealist, abstract figures, demonstrates his exceptional skill in blending vibrant colors and clean, dynamic shapes. Through the juxtaposition of these lively forms, Reka’s mural communicates a sense of movement and interaction, inviting viewers to engage with the art and its setting. It’s a visually playful yet thought-provoking piece that transforms the building into a canvas, brightening the surrounding neighborhood.Reka’s involvement in the LOOK UP Portsmouth Mural Festival brought together a diverse selection of talented artists. His contribution stands out with its combination of bold, geometric designs and flowing organic forms that have become emblematic of his unique approach to street art. Reka’s murals, which appear in urban areas across four continents, are known for their ability to create an artistic dialogue between the environment and its inhabitants.James Reka, an Australian artist now based between Berlin and Malta, has made his mark globally with his abstracted, surreal figures that often bridge the gap between graffiti and fine art. His work features a meticulous attention to detail while conveying a playful yet eerie vibe. Reka’s mural in Southsea continues his tradition of using urban spaces as a platform for artistic expression, offering a fresh and engaging perspective to passersby.Stay tuned for more updates and street art news from around the globe! More