Daily photographs by HANS VON RITTERN, with humorous, artistic and social commentary on life in the big city.

Archive for March, 2014

Photo of the day: THE LAST PICTURE SHOW – Sunday November 17, 2013, 8:24pm

LAST PHOTO©

Photo of the day: THE LAST PICTURE SHOW – Sunday November 17, 2013, 8:24pm is the last time I saw 5 Pointz as it was in it’s glory. In the night of November 18th, owner Jerry “I love graffiti” Wolkoff whitewashed the building to the horror of the art world. Well – we’re BACK with a vengeance! Come to the “Whitewash” art exhibit at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery to mourn the loss and celebrating the perseverance of art.
Curated by Marie Cecile-Flageul. April 5 – June 8, 2014
Opening reception April 5, 6-9pm! Come join me – you’re invited!!
Contributing Artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Meres One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad.

FIVE DAYS TO GO TILL 5 POINTZ EXHIBIT OPENING !
http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php

You can currently catch my photos on exhibit at The Gold Coast Arts Center “PHO-TO-GRAFFS exhibit

Photo of the day: LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON 2011 AT 5 POINTZ – 6 DAYS STILL “WHITEWASH” EXHIBIT

LAZY SUNDAY AUGUST AFTERNOON 2011

Photo of the day: LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON 2011 AT 5 POINTZ – 6 DAYS STILL “WHITEWASH” EXHIBIT – Sundays was a day where people from all walks of life would meet a 5 Pointz and stroll around and marvel at phantasmagorical artwork, then go to the art deco dinner across the street enjoy brunch and then perhaps stroll to the waters edge. The waters edge is now built up with glass high rises and 5 Pointz is no more.
5 Pointz will be mourned and celebrated at the ‘Whitewash” exhibit at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery April 5, 2014. Contributing Artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Meres One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad.SIX DAYS TO GO TILL OPENING !
http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php

You can currently catch my photos on exhibit at The Gold Coast Arts Center “PHO-TO-GRAFFS exhibit

Photo of the day: TOXIC – 7 days till “Whitewash”

TOXIC

Photo of the day:TOXIC From an oasis of creativity to one of the most (literally) toxic places in New York City, 5 Pointz will be mourned and celebrated at the ‘Whitewash” exhibit at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery April 5, 2014. Contributing Artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Meres One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad.
7 days to go!

http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php


Photo of the day: ‘SEE’ “WHITE WASH” !

WW RED HEAD AD

Contributing Artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Meres One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad

Curated by Marie Cecile-Flageul
April 5 – June 8, 2014
Opening reception April 5, 6-9pm! Come join me – you’re invited!!
To read more click http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php


Photo of the day: GET READY TO GET ‘WHITEWASHED’!

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We’re getting ready for the Whitewash show opening April 5th 2014 #save5pointz #keepthelighton

 


Photo of the day: MERELY THE BEGINNING!! APRIL 5, 2014, Hans in “Whitewash” exhibit!

Jeffrey Leder Gallery    2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, NY 11101   jeffrey@jeffreyledergallery.com

Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, NY 11101 jeffrey@jeffreyledergallery.com

Photo of the day: MERELY THE BEGINNING! APRIL 5, 2014 – I am incredibly proud and joyful to announce I am one of 11 artists asked to be a part of this important exhibit here in Long Island City, New York!! The Jeffrey Leder Gallery (2 blocks from PS1 MOMA) will open with a unique exhibition featuring 9 Graffiti Artists and 2 photographers. These artists have created art that explores their strong reactions to 5 Pointz being whitewashed overnight.

Contributing Artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Meres One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad

Curated by Marie Cecile-Flageul
April 5 – June 8, 2014
Opening reception April 5, 6-9pm! Come join me – you’re invited!!
WW LOGO

“Whitewash, is an answer to the violent act of G&M realty on November 19th, 2013 in Long Island City Queens. Overnight thousands of murals adorning the building known as 5 Pointz were destroyed. It‘s a story of pain, sadness, and anger at times and reflection – An epic of an art community and its home coming apart under the pressure of economical trends and waves of gentrification.
Bringing together a cluster of resident graffiti artists and two Queens photographers, the exhibition enables the artists to express their true feelings and thought process since loosing their work to a white layer of paint, and their home to the pressing demands of real estate development. For the first time since the whitewash we will witness how affected this collective is by being eclipsed from their 11 years home.

The works in Whitewash aspire to such: Laying feelings on canvas, and letting go of the pain, the show brings together artworks that can be interpreted as confession, lessons, or reflection but also aspirations and hopes.

Whitewash is an obvious requiem for 5 Pointz the building but also maybe the beginning of a rebirth of 5 Pointz the community and its true core: the people.“
Marie-Cecile Flageul

http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php


Photo of the day: WAS THIS THE END of 5 POINTZ?…or….

WAS THIS...

EXciting details to come tomorrow ! STAY TUNED . . .


Photo of the day: 15,000 HITS ON MY PHOTOGRAPHY WEB SITE – THANK YOU !

15,000

Photo of the day: 15,000 HITS ON MY WEB SITE – THANK YOU ! – This weekend I reached another milestone.
My http://hansvonrittern.com/ photography web site reached 15,000 views and climbing!  I am updating it daily in preparation of a really big announcement coming soon!
STAY TUNED ! !
Hansvonrittern.com

Hansvonrittern.com


Photo of the day: “CALL ME LIZ”

CALL ME LIZ

Photo of the day: “CALL ME LIZ”: Elizabeth Taylor-Hilton-Wilding-Todd-Fisher-Burton-Burton-Warner-Fortensky. Actress, stunning beauty, one of the first AIDS activists and great dedicated humanitarian.  Born February 27, 1932, died March 23, 2011. Having been known for being notoriously late, at her request, the funeral began 15 minutes after it was scheduled to begin; as her representative told the media “She even wanted to be late for her own funeral.”
Cartoon by: Bramhall/New York Daily News

Photo of the day: “I ~AM~ BIG, IT’S THE PICTURES THAT GOT SMALL!”

I AM BIG HvR

Photo of the day: “You’re Norma Desmond. You used to be big.” “I ~AM~ BIG, IT’S THE PICTURES THAT GOT SMALL!”
As seen in Little Italy, New York on the corner of Hester and Mulberry Streets.

Photo of the day: IT’S SPRING – BUY A HAT! . . . “does anyone ~still~ wear a hat?

SPRING HATS 2

Photo of the day: IT’S SPRING – BUY A HAT! . . . “does anyone ~still~ wear a hat?


Postcard story from New York: “WHEN I WAS A BOATSMAN”

BOATSMAN collage

Postcard story from New York – “WHEN I WAS A BOATSMAN”

Brookhaven, New York, January 20, 12pm, 1907

To: Hr. C. Schmer

Thisted, Denmark

“When I was a boatsman”

Yours Bernard

1907

The romance and intrigue of this card is wonderful! Who was this handsome Bernard with his piercing and determined eyes? Danish? A whaler? A shipmen? A boat dealer or repairman?  A fisherman? It was obviously something he came to America  to do since it was his heritage’s trade.

Thisted, Denmark to this day remains a tiny architecturally untouched town with no more than 13,067 inhabitants. Founded in the year 1500, Thisted is on an inlet on the North Sea and has Denmark’s leading fisheries port in Hanstholm. Notice: all you had to address the card to was “Schmer, Thisted, Denmark” – – and it got there?!?!?!…it was a smaller world in 1907.

Brookhaven is located on Long Island, New York. It was settled between 1640 and 1655, ousting the Indians. Cattle ranching was it’s first industry and then by 1900 whaling was their big income. So was Bernard ’the old man and the sea’ hunting whales? So it seems Bernard sailed to Long Island, New York to seek his fortune across the Atlantic in Brookhaven and seemingly (hopefully) happily retired there since his card fondly reads “When I was…”

A poem to the sea
I must go down to the seas again,
to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea’s face, and a gray dawn breaking.
~John Masefield 1878-1967


Photo of the day: VANISHING VIEW

#7 train, Court Street Station, before the station's  renovation.

#7 train, Court Street Station, before the station’s renovation.

Photo of the day: VANISHING VIEW – As the over zealous, over greedy and over crammed building continues in the neighborhood of Long Island City in Queens, joyful surprise views like this one of the treasured Chrysler building, are rapidly vanishing as the new glass wall of condo towers obliterate the century old Queens view of Manhattan. Next stop, Blandville.

Photo of the day: “IT’S A VON RITTERN!”

IT'S A VON RITTERN!

Photo of the day: “IT’S A VON RITTERN!” – A very proud Ursula Von Rittern, aka “mom” points to the six photos exhibited in the “PHO-TO-GRAFFS” exhibit that opened this weekend at the Gold Coast Gallery! Great news: I sold some pieces and I am featured in the gallery’s store too!!
Mom checks out 'the Von Ritterns' for sale

Mom checks out ‘the Von Ritterns’ for sale

I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to Marie Flageul and Meres One without whom 5 Pointz would not have been what it is and to their treasured friendship. To Jude Amsel, gallery director of the Gold Coast Arts Center for her kind guidance. To two of my dearest friends who came out to support me, tour guide alums Deborah Blau and especially to Tom Orzo who took the time to drive a very proud and delighted Ursula Von Rittern (not bad for 88 years old, huh?) to her son’s gallery premier. I am a very lucky man.
Deborah Blau, Tom Orzo, Hans Von Rittern and Ursula Von Rittern

Deborah Blau, Tom Orzo, Hans Von Rittern and Ursula Von Rittern

PHO-TO-GRAFFS: March 16 – April 27, 2014 http://www.greatneckarts.org/


Photo of the day: HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY !

SHIRO ST PATS

Photo of the day: HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY !
Art courtesy of SHIRO (Shoko Mikami) of Japan.

Photo of the day: COME TO THE GOLD COAST TODAY !

MEET HANS ROOF

 

Photo of the day: TODAY IS THE DAY! – Opening reception of the PHO-TO-GRAFFS exhibit featuring 9 great photographers documenting the ethereal nature of street art. I am thrilled ot be a part of this exhibit amongst freinds. Come join in the celebration for the opening reception at 3pm today.Now most people think if you leave the 5 boroughs you need a passport – no you don’t. Just 20 minutes by LIRR to Great Neck, Long Island. Hey, it takes longer to get to Brooklyn!

GOLD COAST MAP

113 Great Neck Road. Telephone: 516-829-2570. Here are step by step instructions:

When you get off the train station walk approx. 5 blocks straight down the charming old Americana street of Middle Neck Road, till you get to Maple Drive.

 

Middle Neck Road, main street USA

Middle Neck Road, main street USA

At Maple Drive turn right

At Maple Drive turn right

 

At Maple Drive you make a right and you’ll see the parking lot of the Great Neck Arts Center.

DSC_2950X

And viola – there it is!

The Gold Coast Arts Center

The Gold Coast Arts Center

SEE YOU THERE!


PHO-TO-GRAFFS Photo Exhibit, Gold Coast Gallery, Sunday, March 16, 3pm

MEET HANS

A word from the Gold Coast gallery director Jude Amsel:

Today, the distinctly urban popular culture of graffiti has
been supplanted by the likes of hip-hop, rap concerts, slam poetry performances
and the sub-culture of skateboarding. Due to the impermanent nature of much of
this art, photography has become the primary means of documenting its evolution.
It is the photographer’s goal to record the diversity of the city as a canvas,
the people who create art and the art itself.

These photographers keep urban
culture alive by providing historical documentation for future generations.

A handful of artists/photographers recognized the artistic and social significance
of the hip hop movement. Each of these individuals approached documentation in a
unique way. Through collective efforts, these photographers preserve an
important part of this distinct urban art form. Their photographic record of the
art has not only assisted in the preservation of the culture; it has also aided
in its growth. These photographers go out into the streets and find incredible,
even unlikely places and subjects that have inspired them. We can’t fail to be
inspired as well.

Artists on display: Raymond Hamlin, Orestes Gonzalez ,Norma Hill, Hans Von Rittern, Barry Stern, Farbeon,
Liu Bolin, Rachel Alban, Jay Hirschfeld.

The PHO-TO-GRAFFS exhibit at the Gold Coast Arts Center, this Sunday March 16 opening reception at 3pm! Just 20 minutes from Manhattan by LIRR. 5 blocks from train station, no car necessary :)
113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island. 516-829-2570, see you there !

Photo of the day: THE 5 POINTZ JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE STAMP

HENDRIX STAMP

Photo of the day: THE 5 POINTZ JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE STAMP – Today the US Postal Service releases an awesome Jimi Hendrix postage stamp to commemorate his great music. So, today I am releasing my Hendrix postage stamp commemorating over a decade of great art at the 5 Pointz graffiti and street art museum.
    “White collar conservative flashin’ down the street, pointing that plastic finger at me, they all assume my kind will drop and die, but I’m gonna wave my freak flag high. Excuse me while I kiss the sky.” Jimi Hendrix.
    Come see great street art immortalized at the PHO-TO-GRAFFS exhibit at the Gold Coast Arts Center, this Sunday March 16 opening reception at 3pm! Just 20 minutes from Manhattan by LIRR. 5 blocks from train station, no car necessary. Rock on! 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island. 516-829-2570, see you there !

Photo of the day: GOOGLE EYES

GOOGLE EYES PRINT collage

Photo of the day: GOOGLE EYES – In 1961 a local photographer asked my mother if he could photograph me because of my big eyes. Fifty years later in 2011 to my surprise, I kinda found myself looking back a me from the walls of the 5 Pointz graffiti and street art museum!
Come see my photos exhibited in the PHO-TO-GRAFFS exhibit at the Gold Coast Arts Center, this Sunday March 16 opening reception at 3pm! Just 20 minutes from Manhattan by LIRR. 5 blocks from train station, no car necessary 🙂
113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island. 516-829-2570, see you there !

Photo of the day: LEARNING TO WRITE

5 Pointz Graffiti Museum

5 Pointz Graffiti Museum

Photo of the day: LEARNING TO WRITE – August 21, 2011 a class of grade school children was brought to the 5 Pointz street art museum and learned about hip hop culture, the history of graffiti art in NYC and then they were shown how to stylize their names. Once they had perfected their names they were allowed to write them on the lids of the dumpsters in the loading dock area, taking great care to leave their new artistic names with pride.
Come see my photos exhibited in the PHO-TO-GRAFFS exhibit at the Gold Coast Arts Center, March 16 opening reception.
113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island. 516-829-2570, see you  there !

Photo of the day: THE DETERMINED PHOTOGRAPHER

October 13, 2013

October 13, 2013

Photo of the day: THE DETERMINED PHOTOGRAPHER – I am going to post vintage photos of the 5Pointz graffiti museum this week, in honor of my upcoming participation in the ‘PHO-TO-GRAFFS’ gallery exhibit opening this Sunday, March 16, 3pm at Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck, Long Island.
This photo was taken Sunday afternoon, October 13, 2013, thirty-six days before the unexpected destruction of all the artwork. Little did this aspiring and determined little photographer know, he was capturing a piece if history.

Photo of the day: LOST IN PROGRESS

MAN WITH BANNER©

Photo of the day: LOST IN PROGRESS – Early Sunday (March 9) morning Artists gilf! and BAMN (By Any Means Necessary) collaborated on the banner making their statement felt to the glee of art lovers everywhere at 5Pointz arts center in Long Island City, Queens. It was quite a struggle to attach the banner is they came to realize it was much heavier in weight than they  had anticipated. The original plan was to hang it from the roof, but with strong winds, weight and time issues against them it was finally placed in the ‘plan B’ position around the bottom of the building like the crime scene it is. The impact worked perfectly as people seemed to be enveloped and some lost in the message.

Photo of the day: GENTRIFICATION IN PROGRESS at 5 POINTZ

5 Pointz, Jakson Avenue, Long Island City. March 9, 2014. 9am

5 Pointz, Jakson Avenue, Long Island City. March 9, 2014. 9am

Photo of the day: GENTRIFICATION IN PROGRESS GENTRIFICATION IN PROGRESS – Daylight savings time greeted Long Island City this morning with a surprise. 5 Pointz has been gift wrapped by the artists gilf! and BAMN (By Any Means Necessary) who collaborated on the banner making for the lobotomized zombies that will one day move into the glass towers that will replace the greatest street art museum on earth. Even as I was photographing it at sunrise this morning, the workers were on the roof doing ‘asbestos abatement’, ripping the roof apart as the dust particles flew everywhere, irritating my throat as I photographed. This is gentrification?  This is destruction.
How the Grinch stole 5 Pointz
Welcome progress. Bring your greed,
Art is stronger, we will succeed.
A better city is in our grasp
So long as we have art that makes us gasp.
Gentrification will always be
Just as long as we have we.
Welcome progress with a gentler hand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.

HANS VON RITTERN in PHOTO EXHIBIT – GOLD COAST ART CENTER, GREAT NECK LONG ISLAND, MARCH 16

GOLD COAST ARTS CENTER, 113 MIDDLE NECK ROAD, GREAT NECK , LONG ISLAND. 516-829-2570

GOLD COAST ARTS CENTER, 113 MIDDLE NECK ROAD, GREAT NECK , LONG ISLAND. 516-829-2570