underground treasures

Even the ordinary subway ride can be extraordinary. Check out these pictures from an abandoned subway stop by city hall. I usually try to get above ground as soon as possible, but this article has made me start thinking about the possibilities of a secret community living in historic grandeur, with the magic of a Stuart Little novel. more pictures can be seen here, courtesy of the Huffington Post.

FAILE

Last night I stopped by the Perry Rubenstein Gallery on 23rd between 10th/11th to check out FAILE's new show Bedtime Stories. Known for collage work and mosaic-like pieces (each piece is contrived of small individually painted/pasted blocks), I was thoroughly impressed with the juxaposition of iconic, pop culture and graphics. Not only did FAILE have 12 large scale pieces, but perhaps most exciting was the rectangular pillar statue in the center of the gallery--the 3D perspective allowed for more connections made. The mix of typography and familiar images was delicious to the eye. My favorite part of the show is pictured above--i think it shows an interesting commentary on American history and nationalism.

The Underbelly Project

NY local Roa

Jeff Stark's installation

Faile

From the public realm to the undiscovered, the Underbelly Project is a huge art show would be a struggle to stumble upon. Created by two street artists PAC and workhorse (not their true names), they organized over 100 street artists to participate, risking their health and permanent records to work in dark and grimy conditions by putting their artistic mark directly on the walls of the gallery--an abandoned subway station. Artists were required to bring their own supplies, and had only one visit to start and complete their work for the show. For the full story (and a slideshow and video), check out the New York Times article by Jasper Rees. The official website for the project is under construction but worth keeping an eye out for.
**(all photos from NYTs article)