We have been loosing our city at a rapid speed since the 12 year Bloomberg administration. Our new mayor Bill DeBlasio didn’t make things any better. A shill and phoney sell-out as our city’s history continues to be torn down left and right while being raped by an overbuilding of glass towers where they ought not to be.
As a tour guide I am supposed to tell people how wonderful New York City is...I do. But they don’t see that Harlem is now only 40% black, overrun by self-righteous white yuppies renovating Harlem’s brownstones pushing the original residents out. Greenwich Village once an epicenter of gay culture, dance clubs, cool quirky shops, cutting edge boutiques is now devoid of anything gay, buried in GAP, Polo, Starbucks, Sephora, Michael Kors, more GAP, more Polo, more Michael Kors. (Btw, Michael Kors being a screaming queen doesn’t count.)
The mushroom rate of the ‘space needle’ über high, über rich residential high rises on 57th and 58th Streets will put parts of Central Park’s south end into permanent shadow at certain times of the year. Jackie Onassis is turning in her grave.
Jackie O. would also be horrified to discover that grand Central Terminal is to be encased in super tall, super glassy high rises, therefore dwarfing the spectacular station, reducing it to a needle in a haystack.
Tribeca and Soho once filled with artists and art spaces are now filled with tourists artfully shopping. Times Square has become a 2nd rate shopping mall filled with Elmos badgering your for $5 photos. The lower east side aka ‘the Bowery’ is rapidly loosing any trace of our large immigrant history. It IS filled with our ‘new immigrants’ the young rich, spacey Millennials, trust fund babies and tech company millionaires. Apartments costing $1 million in the Bowery are cheap.
Little Italy is nothing but 6 or so blocks of Italian restaurants trying to hang on while the Chinese and the stores of Soho eat up their once large thriving Italian neighborhood. Fuggedaboudit.
New York’s harbor was once the busiest harbor in the world. Today, with a combination of damage from hurricane Sandy and the sheer greed of the Bloomberg/DeBlasio real estate ‘developers’, in South Street Seaport nothing will be left but a few gratuitous red brick buildings and only one old sailing ship to be now surrounded by a mirror glass ersatz ‘Pier 17’ and two gigantically tall mirror glass ‘luxury towers’ encroaching on America’s historical land mark the Brooklyn Bridge.
Go to Brooklyn then you say? Oh no, that is being gentrified at a hyper speed such has been never witnessed before in America. The foot of the Brooklyn Bridge is now being encased in a towering glass apartment building in DUMBO and the once spectacular view of the bridge from the Brooklyn Heights promenade is now obliterated by a gigantic apartment complex. If anyone would have told me that one day the views of the Brooklyn Bridge will be gone, I’da said you’re nuts.
Further in Brooklyn, whites buying $1+ million town homes in Bedford–Stuyvesant is now the norm. What was once our largest African American neighborhood, now has it’s residents being forced to go back to their Southern roots where they might be able to afford the rent. Meanwhile ultra hipster Williamsburg battles it out with ultra orthodox Satmar Jewish Williamsburg for real estate, who will win is anybody’s guess.
Hey, but Hans you’re safe in Queens. Not so, as my neighborhood fights off the flood of ‘poor upper middle class’ who can’t quite afford the $500,000 to $1 million dollar glass towers of the East River’s Long Island City. One by one we are seeing the affordable shops disappear, street vendors forbidden and a slimey corrupt councilman like Jimmy Van Bramer sign off on real estate deals wiping places like the spectacular 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum and the immigrant’s car-repair shops of Willet’s Point off the map while he brown noses his way up in the mayor’s administration.
If anyone has noticed, I haven’t posted daily “Photos of the Day” since mid June, I needed time to reflect. I will continue to tell people how ‘wonderful’ New York is, but I will also tell them that the city is an illusion, a big grand, sparkling, smoke & mirrors illusion. With my camera I will try to find something worth capturing that someone’s cell phone camera has not. My main concentration will be on researching and writing a book about my Von Rittern land baron roots in Bremen, Germany, and a second book on my Broadway stage door memories.
In the meanwhile, my German guests, while taking my tours say to me, “Sadly, it’s happening in Germany too, capture it while you can.”
I’ll try.
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October 31, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 5 Pointz white washed, 7 train, architecture, arts, Bedford-Stuyvestant, Bill DeBlasio, Broadway, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights promenade, Chinatown, destruction of South Street Seaport, DUMBO, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, gentrification, German tourists, Germany, Grand Central Terminal, Greenwich Village, Hans Von Rittern, Harlem, Hypergentrification, Jackie O., Jimmy Van Bramer, Little Italy, loosing New York's history, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Michael Kors, SoHo, Times Square, TRIBECA, Willets Point, Williamsburg Brooklyn | Leave a comment
Jonathan ‘Meres One’ Cohen, Hans Von Rittern
Photo of the day: 2 CHOIR BOYZ ARE WE – During our “Whitewash” exhibit Meres and I were given the task to assemble and Ikea choir bench for an artist’s talk we were to give later that evening. Quite proud that we had both assembled it successfully and that it held our weight – we posed like the two little choir boiz we are
.
Two little choir boyz from school are we
Pert as a choir boy can be
Filled to the brim with boyish glee
Two little choir boyz from school are weEverything is a source of fun
Nobody’s safe for we care for none
Life is a joke that’s just begun
Two little choir boyz from the Factory Phun
Two Little choir boyz who all unwary
Come from a boy’s seminary
Free from his genius tutelary
Two little choir boyz from school
Two little choir boyz from school !One little choir boy is the painter handsome
One little choir boy has photos done
Two little boyz in attendance to the art show come
Two little choir boyz from 5 Pointz come
Not under any politician’s thumb
Not liking that Wolkoff scum
nor that Van Bramer bum
Here to make your hood not so glum
Here wishing we had a (paint) gun
LET’S GET THIS DONE !
(With apologies to Gilbert & Sullivan.)
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June 12, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "Three little maids are we", "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Brooklyn, celebrities, choir bench, choir boyz, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, graffiti art, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jerms, Jerry Wolkoff, Jimmy Van Bramer, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, public art, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Shiro of Japan, Shoko Mikami, street art museum, the importance of public art discussion, the importance of street art discussion, The Mikado, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
#7 train, Court Street Station
Photo of the day: THE PHONE CALL – “I love you not only who you are but for who I am when I am with you, and words can not express how much I love you and care about you. I hope that you will never forget how much you mean to me & love. But I can’t keep going on knowing that you don’t feel the same way about me. If you love me let me know, if you don’t let me go, oh and…we need a pound of potatoes, oregano, chives and bean dip.”
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June 10, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: 7 train, 7 train local, cell phone chatter, cell phone user on subway, Court Street Station, Hans Von Rittern, love talk on cell phone, Manhattan, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, subway, subway window, Sunnyside, transportation | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: THE CYCLE OF ART AT 5 POINTZ – Come see the magnificent art work for these last two days and celebrate with us that life and art always prevail. Artists and writers will be on the scene.
If you would like to see more expressions by great artists on canvas and in photographs (mine included) from today till this final weekend – come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery this weekend and view the brilliant art by artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, all brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flageul! A catalog is available for sale as is all the art.
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#7/G subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open Saturday: 12-8pm. Artists will be present from 5-7 today!
Sunday: 12-6
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June 7, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz documentary, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, graffiti art, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, public art, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Shiro of Japan, Shoko Mikami, street art museum, the importance of public art discussion, the importance of street art discussion, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: ART IS TRA$H – This art work by street artist Francisco de Pájaro was discovered on a mattress late at night at 5 Pointz Graffiti and Street Art Museum which is now destroyed. So, the art at 5 Pointz is now sadly trashed. Or, is it we as society that are the trash? Come see the ‘Whitewash” exhibit at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery in it’s last days till June 8! Closing party Saurday June 7: 12 -8. LEDER GALLERY: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#7/G subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free
Here is an excerpt from an interview on Francisco de Pájaro from the blog: ‘Street Art Mecca’: “Francisco speaks about the absurdity in society, our hideous selfishness, our capacity for self destruction and our ridiculous behaviour towards weaknesses. Pajaro’s “Art is Trash” speaks directly at you and says “you are the art, the lie and the trash of society”, and we love him for it. I realised in hindsight that he is just as wonderfully satirical and humorous in conversation as his art is on the street. He sees society with the stark reality you find in many great artists. He points out our imperfections and makes us laugh at them. He converts our waste into grotesque reminders about who we are and what we do. His style of art might be named naive if it wasn’t so harsh to look at. The gallery is on the street, among our discarded belongings that we so often like to ignore.
On previous mini filming excursions with Pajaro I noted that the artwork doesn’t last long on the streets. In
Barcelona there are specific nights when people can put any type of trash on the streets. Each neighbourhood has it’s own day and we met in Gracia on a Tuesday. It doesn’t take long to find an attractive pile of crap and he gets to work. The street is dark and desolate and there’s only Pakistani immigrants competing for recyclables. They stop and watch the performance. One couple walk past and recognise him from “that documentary”. On a different occasion I’ve seen people take some of the art as soon as we leave. “It’s a Barcelona thing” says one neighbour, as he takes a mini monster sculptor back into his house.
Each piece is unique. Each piece is improvised on the street, in the moment. Each piece has the shortest of life spans, much shorter than other types of street art. Each piece interacts with the environment and creates a new perspective. There’s no catch, it’s pure street art. It’s rebellious and punk. The motivation is sincere also, to communicate with everyone. To make you think, to make you smile or laugh. To bring something new to the routine of everyday life. There’s nothing on sale, no money is involved.
Art is Tra$h: Nobody can put me down.
How true that is…..
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June 6, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 'Street Art Mecca' blog, 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, ART IS TRA$H, ART IS TRASH, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Barcelona Spain art scene, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, depajaro blogspot, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, Francisco de Pájaro, garbage made in to art, graffiti, graffiti art, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, mattress as art, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, public art, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Shiro of Japan, Shoko Mikami, street art museum, the importance of public art discussion, the importance of street art discussion, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
“Cathedral Light”
Photo of the day: COME SEE THE LIGHT – The Cathedral-like light of what once was 5 Pointz can be in seen in one of my many photographs at our current ‘Whitewash’ exhibit ending this Sunday June 8. Closing party to beheld this Saturday from noon till 8pm, please join me and my friends!
If you would like to see more expressions by great artists on canvas and in photographs (mine included) from today till this final weekend – come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery this weekend and view the brilliant art by artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, all brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flageul! A catalog is available for sale as is all the art.
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#7/G subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open 12-6.
Leder Gallery:
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June 5, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, graffiti art, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, public art, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Shiro of Japan, Shoko Mikami, street art museum, the importance of public art discussion, the importance of street art discussion, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: ‘EMPTY’ BY HANS VON RITTERN – Don’t let June pass you by with that “Empty” feeling. Only 9 more days to see our ‘Whitewash” exhibit!
This photo is one of my 16 photos on display and has already been sold to one of the men in the photo. The photo was taken the day of the whitewash, I noticed these two guys where just standing there for at least a half an hour, silent, motionless – just dumbstruck by the vandalistic act. The title ‘Empty’ says it all, how we felt, they felt and we all still feel to this day.
If you would like to see more expressions by great graffiti and street art artists on canvas and in photographs (mine included) this weekend – come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery this weekend and view the brilliant art by artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, all brilliantly curated by
Marie Cecile Flageul!
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#G subway stop to Court Square. #7 train is not running this weekend but shuttle service is available from #N/Q trains at Queensboro Plaza. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open 12-6.
Leder Gallery: http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php
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May 30, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, graffiti art, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, public art, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Shiro of Japan, Shoko Mikami, street art museum, the importance of public art discussion, the importance of street art discussion, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: FROZEN by SHIRO, 5 POINTZ WHITEWASH EXHIBIT THIS WEEKEND – One of the most beloved 5 Pointz artists is Shiro of Japan. I am delighted to also call her a friend. Two of the most iconic figures that represent 5 Pointz to this day are Meres One’s iconic light bulbs and Shiro’s Japan girls. For our current Whitewash exhibit, artists decided to represent their feelings in one of two ways – either to express their feeling through expressive paintings or to simply recreate one of their 5 Pointz murals. Shiro aka Shoko Mikami has decided to do both in recreating some of her iconic Japan-anime figures. The only thing now different is they are frozen and violated, the mermaid has been caught and chained, the geisha girl has been raped and the nurse has been poisoned. This is how most of us feel about the destruction of this iconic place.
If you would like to see more expressions by great artists on canvas and in photographs (mine included) this weekend – come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery this weekend and view the brilliant art by artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, all brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flageul!
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C. #7/G subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open 12-6.
Leder Gallery: http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php
SHIRO has been expressing her own vision of the world and for life through her original characters. Her colorful artwork is a reflection of her love for true graffiti and hip-hop. Over the years she has been touched by the essence & soul of hip-hop culture and old school graffiti styles. Her devotion to graffiti art afforded her the opportunity to work with many great graffiti artists. She decided to stay in NY and develop her talent as an artist. From 2002 to 2004, she lived in Brooklyn and Queens, and could be found painting in the city on a regular basis. Today she lives part time in Brooklyn and hopes to stay in NYC permanently one day. She has performed in various live painting events, participated in international gallery art shows and been a part of graffiti crew gatherings in the world. She also participated in community awareness murals and other large-scale graffiti projects all over New York City and Japan. In Japan, Shiro has worked with people in the hip-hop industry, organizing graffiti shows and live painting events in her hometown of Shizuoka and participating in painting events in surrounding areas. In addition to her murals, she has worked on canvases, illustrations, and has designed and produced original theater stage decorations. She happens to work as a nurse in a hospital, caring for people who need assistance in critical parts of their lives. Through her work within the medical field, she witnessed many dramas which motivate and stimulate her. With these experiences which strengthen and broaden her perspectives on life, she continues to express this message through her artwork: “We exist RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE!”
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May 24, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, graffiti art, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, public art, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Shiro of Japan, Shoko Mikami, street art museum, the importance of public art discussion, the importance of street art discussion, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
On the #7 train, Grand Central Station stop.
Photo of the day: CAN YOU SPOT THE TOURIST?
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May 19, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: 7 train, cowboy hat in New York City, cowboy hat on a subway, Grand Central Station, Grand Central Terminal, Hans Von Rittern, Manhattan, New York City, New York photo, out of towners on a subway, Photo of the day, photography, subways of New York, tourism in New York, tourists on a subway | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: DISCUSSION TODAY 6pm ‘THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC ART’ at JEFFREY LEDER GALLERY – Come join me and the artists of 5 Pointz to discuss the ever growing importance of public art in our cities and culture. ‘Street art’ gives our
… communities their identity, brightens blighted areas, gives pride and keeps the flavor of the neighborhood. Come join us! 6pm.
If you would like to hear more expressions by great artists tonight – come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery tonight and view and hear the awesome artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, all brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flageul!
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#7/G subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open 6 to 9pm.
Leder Gallery: http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php See More
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May 15, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, public art, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, street art museum, the importance of public art discussion, the importance of street art discussion, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: HEAVY CONSCIENCE by AUKS/5 POINTZ – One of the thought inducing powerful photos part of the current ‘Whitewash” exhibit in memory of the vandalistic destruction of the great murals at 5 Pointz Graffiti and Street Art Museum. I am proud to say I have one of Auk’s amazing paintings in my home.
“Auks One” (Thomas Lucero), an artist who draws much of his inspiration from Chicano tattoo art, cartoons, skateboard graphics, and later Hip Hop culture and high Renaissance drawings. He is a self-taught artist who has worked diligently over the years to refine his skills in every form of artistic expression. He is best known for his graffiti inspired illustrations and murals and his work has inevitably spread to the gallery circuit.
If you would like to see more expressions by great artists on canvas and in photographs (mine included) this weekend – come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery this weekend and view the brilliant art by artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, all brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flageul!
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#7/G subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open 12-6.
Leder Gallery: http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php
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May 10, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, AUKS One, AUKS Thomas Lucero, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, street art museum, Thomas Lucero, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
Our dog Noel – happy at last 🙂
Photo of the day: FRESHLY GROOMED ‘NOEL’ WAITS FOR HER CAR SERVICE – Our dog Noel (a sheep dog-terrier mix), my mom Ursula and I would like to extend a special thanks to our friends Jude Amsel and Marie Flageul for turning us on to a really wonderful local Long Island City groomer “LIC Doghouse”. Mom and I have been through hell with Le Pitou II/Forest Hills dog groomers that would forget appointments then screaming at my 88 year old mom, shaving sores/cuts on Noel, Noel being returned to us in a frightened state, getting her toenail ripped off by a local Sunnyside groomer (yes you read that right!) and requiring emergency surgery, finding a car service that will take a large dog to far away groomers, let alone finding a groomer that will even take a 60lb dog.
Finally we found loving and gentle groomers at LIC Doghouse, they were so gentle and kind to Noel and my mom that they now have a new loyal customer. It is rare that Noel’s tail wags through the entire grooming process. Thank you again Jude and Marie, and a great big thanks to LIC Doghouse – Noel sends you lots of wet licks !
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May 5, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: 5 Pointz, 7 train, dog grooming nightmare stories, dog grooming problems, dog sitting on stoop, dog waiting for car service, finding the right dog groomer, Hans Von Rittern, Jude Amsel, LIC Doghouse, Long Island City Queens, New York City, New York photo, Noel Hans' dog, Noel the dog, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, sheep dog terrier mix, Ursula Von Rittern | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: EYES ON 5 POINTZ, TWELVE YEARS LATER – This weekend would have been the re-opening of 5 Pointz for its 12th season. Seven months after the whitewash and the sad building is still standing, leaving Meres and us again with this question . . . why deprive the world and an entire community of the artwork, when obviously the demolition permits are not in place? Smh…
The art lives on! Currently at The Jeffrey Leder Gallery in form of the ‘Whitewash” exhibit, just one block over at 2137 45th Road in 5 Pointz, come pay your respects and enjoy!
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May 4, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Topaz, Wolkoff, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: GRAFFITI ASCENSION, PAINTING BY CHRISTIAN CORTES – This painting is my mother’s favorite at the current ‘White Wash” exhibit. This powerful, haunting and emotional piece best describes artist Christian Cortes’ feelings of the destruction of 5 Pointz. Many of our visitors to the gallery seem to mesmerized by it and agree.
Christian Cortes is a Visual Artist working in New York City. He’s a freelance illustrator and a painter. Christian has worked mostly within the music and fashion industries. His commercial work is a mixture of hand drawn and computer illustrated techniques. Although Christian’s work can seem very clean and polished, he likes to keep a sense of the hand done techniques still present within his pieces. His gallery painting style developed out of his graffiti background. Christian has been exploring combinations of graffiti typography with surrealism, abstraction, South American iconography and New York culture.
If you would like to hire Christian Cortes for a commercial job or commission him for a custom project, he can be contacted at Christian@cortescreates.com. Please make sure to state clearly the details and budget of the project.
If you would like to see more expressions by great artists on canvas and in photographs (mine included) this weekend – come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery this weekend and view the brilliant art by artists: Auks, Cortes, Hans Von Rittern, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, all brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flageul!
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#7/G subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open 12-6.
Leder Gallery: http://www.jeffreyledergallery.com/whitewash.php
Christian Cortes: http://cortescreates.com/
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May 3, 2014 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: "Graffiti Ascension" by Christian Cortes, "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, Brooklyn, celebrities, Christian Cortes, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Topaz, Zimad | Leave a comment
by Meres One Cohen
Photo of the day: I FOUND I COULD SAY THINGS WITH COLOR… – “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way, things I had no words for” is a quote by famed American iconic painter Georgia O’Keefe (1887 – 1986) and used here in a painting by 5 Pointz curator and “Whitewash” artist Meres One Cohen. It is haunting to think that her words from a long ago generation would apply so well to today’s generation of street, graffiti and mural artists today.
If you would like to see more expressions by great artists on canvas and in photographs (mine included) come to the Jeffrey Leder Gallery this weekend and view the brilliant art brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flaguel!
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C.
#7/G Court Street subway stop. One block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 Moma. Admission is free, open 12-6.
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April 26, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz destroyed, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, Brooklyn, celebrities, Cortes, Court Street subway stop #7 G, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, Experiencing the destruction of 5 Pointz, Georgia O'Keefe, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, Meres One Cohen, New York City, New York photo, Orestes Gonzalez, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Topaz, Whitewash grand opening, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: WELCOME TO THE JET AGE – 1964 and the New York World’s Fair offers a look into the future! The marvels of microwave, the pleasures of plastics, amazing atomics, electrifying electronics, riveting rockets to the moon, mega cool monorails, the kaleidoscope of color television, video phones and computer pen pals! Golly gee wiz – it’s the greatest! Come to the New York World’s Fair fair and you’ll experience the marvels of the new jet age!
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April 25, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: 1960's retro, 1964 New York World's Fair, 50th anniversary of the World's Fair, 7 train, Flushing Queens, Hans Von Rittern, Manhattan, New York City, New York photo, New York World's Fair fifty 50 years later, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, retro World's Fair New York, the new jet age 1964, transportation, Unisphere, unisphere jet retro models, World's Fair Unisphere | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: WELCOME TO THE 1964 WORLD’S FAIR 50 YEARS LATER! – I had the great pleasure of being one of the thousands that attended the 50th anniversary of the opening of the spectacular and futuristic New York World’s Fair today. The crowds on a Passover Tuesday were twice what they expected – and I was one of the lucky ones that got in to see the New York State Pavilion, those very George Jetson looking buildings still standing. Some of you may remember it as the 1997 “Men In Black” towers.
Mom and my parents took me to the fair several times and to be there today with good friends was surreal. I was even a part of a CBS news feature (video to follow). I took over 500+ photos so it will take me a while to sift, sort and edit since I am touring till Monday. I even have photos of a world champion rock climber climbing the Unishpere! Stay Tuned!
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April 22, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: 1964 New York World's Fair, 50th anniversary of the World's Fair, 7 train, George Jetson, Hans Von Rittern, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Men In Black, New York City, New York photo, New York State Pavillion, New York World's Fair fifty 50 years later, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, WORLD'S FAIR | 4 Comments
PhotoS of the day: 5 OF MY PHOTOS HAVE SOLD! – I had the best Easter surprise yesterday I could ever dream of. I stopped by the “Whitewash” exhibit at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery to say hello and was shown that I have 5 red dots – meaning 5 of my photos have sold. OMG! I was speechless (a rare occasion!). 5 photos/5 Pointz! Thanks to my dear friends Marie Flageul and Meres Cohen you are making a dream come true. I am so proud of the fantastic, stirring, emotional and historically significant show – come see the amazing art work of artists Auks, Cortes, Jerms, Just One, Meres One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Hunt Rodriguez, Topaz and Zimad documenting a piece of art history destroyed forever. The burning passion of 5 Pointz lives on!
The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, Long Island City. #7/G train Court Street stop. One block from PS1 MOMA and 5 Pointz. Wednesday – Sundays 12noon to 6pm. Admission free. Art priceless.
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April 21, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, Brooklyn, celebrities, Cortes, Court Street subway stop 7 G train, graffiti, Hans photos sold, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Marie Flageul, Meres, Meres One, New York City, New York photo, Orestes Gonzalez, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Topaz, Whitewash grand opening, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: GASPING FOR ART – This is one of the brilliant works of art on display at the “Whitewash” exhibit currently featuring artists and photographers honoring the memory and tragedy of 5 Pointz Graffiti and Street Art Museum, brilliantly curated by Marie Cecile Flaguel.
“Gasping for Art” is by SEE TF aka Carlos who is an incredibly gifted artist with many sensibilities. This timeless piece evokes images of the Fritz Lang film classic ‘Metropolis’ to images of World Wars I & II in its haunting yet futuristic imagery. Check him out! Prepare to be knocked out by an entire gallery filled with such great art and even some of my photography. The Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, L.I.C. Open 12noon – 6pm.
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April 12, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "Gasping for Art", 'Metropolis', 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 5 Pointz white washed, 7 train, art destroyed 5 Pointz, black white painting, Carlo "See TF" Game, Fritz Lang, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Marie Cecile Flageul, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, See TF, street art museum, world war imagery | Leave a comment
Tom Orzo, Mindy Cassle-Rosato, Hans, Ursula Von Rittern, Deborah Blau, Frederica Meister
Photo of the day: “COME TO THE JEFFREY LEDER GALLERY MY FRIEND!” – So, life is disappointing? Forget it! We have no troubles here at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery! Here life is beautiful…
The paintings are beautiful…even the photographs are beautiful (and selling) !
My dear friends Tom Orzo, Mindy Cassle-Rosato, of course Mom, Deborah Blau and Frederica Meister all came for the grand opening party of the 5 Pointz “Whitewash” exhibit that I am a part of! Why don’t you join the ranks of graffiti lovers, street art lovers, preservationists and the passionate and check out my 16 photos along with the
fantastic works of artists Auks, Cortes, Jerms, Just One, Meres, Orestes, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, Hunt Rodriguez proving art is forever! A mourning and celebration of the destruction of the world’s most spectacular street art museum. $20 catalog available for sale in the gift shop.
Come see the exhibit till June 8 at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery: 2137 45th Road, 1/2 block away from the #7 & G Court Street subway station. Two blocks away from 5 Pointz and MOMA’s PS1. Open 12 noon – 6pm.
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!
Fremde, etranger, stranger.
Gluklich zu sehen, je suis enchante,
Happy to see you, bleibe, reste, spray paint!
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April 11, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 5 Pointz white washed, 7 train, architecture, arts, Auks, Cortes, Deborah Blau, entertainment, Frederica Meister, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jerry Wolkoff, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Meres, Mindy Cassle-Rosato, Mindy Csssle, New York City, New York photo, Orestes Gonzalez, Photo of the day, photography, Ray Rosato, See TF, SHIRO, Tom Orzo, Topaz, Ursula Von Rittern, whitewash of 5 Pointz, whitewashing of 5 Pointz, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo of the day: THE CAVEMAN’S PREGNANCY COMPANION – Uh! Even cavemen need advice when it comes to the big day! I witnessed this priceless scene on the #7 train heading home yesterday.
“A three-trimester evolutionary crash course to guide the prehistoric papa-to-be through the prenatal, pre-parental wilderness. Every man should read it!
What’s a clueless caveman about to become DAD to do? After all, it’s tough carrying a child for nine months—for him as well as for her. He’s just not sure how to behave. But help is on hand, in the form of a reassuring (and hysterically funny) course for the totally perplexed. Along with a large dose of humor, it provides the father-to-be with all the know-how he needs to become a well-prepared, well-heeled partner who’s really ready to stand upright and embrace his new responsibilities…rather than cowering from them. Every cave-student will find out how to support his mate through this emotional time, cope with his own feelings, deal with baby-related projects, and perform admirably during labor and delivery. So whether it’s catering to his exhausted companion’s needs by preparing a nutritional and tasty meal or engaging in a snuggle session when she craves a little cuddling, with the help of this book a guy will become the proud Cro-Magnon caregiver he longs to be!” Book written by David Port and John Ralston.
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April 10, 2014 | Categories: DAILY PHOTOS WITH STORIES OF NEW YORK CITY | Tags: 7 train, A three-trimester evolutionary crash course to guide the prehistoric papa-to-be through the prenatal, David Port and John Ralston, fist time dad coping, funny read home on subway, Hans Von Rittern, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, man reading pregnamcy book on subway, Manhattan, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, pre-parental wilderness., Queens, subway, Sunnyside, The Caveman's Preganacy Companion | Leave a comment
“WHITEWASH” featured artists group photo: “FIVE POINTZ!”
Photo of the day: 12 ARTISTS PROVE – YOU CAN’T WHITEWASH US! – I sold 3 pieces right away! ! People from all walks of life, from all over town and from around the world came to see the great works of artists who had painted at the (now destroyed) graffiti mecca 5 Pointz and the photographers who captured it. Every major web site and paper in town is covering the exhibit and getting radio and TV coverage as well. It was jam packed last night with mixed feeling of sadness, closure and perseverance. Artists Auks, Cortes, Jerms, Just One, Meres, Orestes Gonzalez, Shiro, See TF, Topaz, Zimad, Hunt Rodriguez and myself proved ART IS FOREVER !
Many more photos to come. $20 catalog signed by me available.
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April 6, 2014 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, arts, Auks, Brooklyn, celebrities, Cortes, Councilwoman Christine Quinn, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Hunt Rodriguez, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Just One, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Meres, Meres One, New York City, New York photo, Orestes Gonzalez, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Topaz, Whitewash grand opening, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photo event of the day!: “WHITEWASH” OPENING TONIGHT! – Saturday April 5, 6-9pm. Jeffrey Leder Gallery. Sixteen of Hans’ photos are on display along with the great artists Auks, Cortes, Jerms, Meres One, Orestes Gonzalez, Poem, Shiro, See TF, Topaz and Zimad.
It is a mourning yet celebration of the perseverance of art! Curated with passion by Marie Cecile Flageul. COME JOIN US! I hope to see all my friends there 🙂 It’s “the” art event of the season!
(I might be hanging out mostly upstairs where mom can sit by my photos.)
Leder Gallery: 2135 45th Road, on the street of the Court Street #7 and G subway station.
I block away from 5 Pointz and PS1 MOMA.
Click here for more photos and directional map. CU 2NiTE ! ! ! !
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April 5, 2014 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 7 train, art event, arts, Auks, Cortes, entertainment, gentrification in Long Island City, graffiti, Grand opening of Whitewash exhibit, Hans Von Rittern, Jeffrey Leder Gallery, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerms, Jerry Wolkoff, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Leder Gallery, Long Island City, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, Meres One, New York City, New York photo, Orestes Gonzalez, Photo of the day, photography, photos, Poem, politics, Queens, See TF, SHIRO, Sunnyside, Topaz, whitewashing of 5 Pointz, Zimad | Leave a comment
Photos of the weekend: WHITEWASH – Jeffrey Leder Gallery, 2137 45th Road a few steps away from the #7 train Court Street Station, April 5, 6-9pm. All my friends are invited to celebrate! http://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/5-pointz-is-backon-gallery-walls-at-least?fb_action_ids=4088797314782&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.Uz620EaI39U.like&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582 — at Jeffrey Leder Gallery.
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April 4, 2014 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: "WHITEWASH", 5 Pointz, 5 Pointz Graffiti Museum, 5 Pointz white washed, 7 train, a fractured 'twas the night before Christmas', arts, David Wolkoff, graffiti, Hans Von Rittern, Jeffrey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd. Long Island City, Jerry Wolkoff, Jonathan Meres Cohen, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Manhattan, Marie Cecile Flageul, New York City, New York photo, Photo of the day, photography, Queens, Sunnyside Gardens | Leave a comment
NEW YORK CITY - IN THE WIT OF AN EYE 