Jackson Heights, Queens, is recognized as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the most diverse borough, in one of the most diverse cities on earth. I went for a little walk on Roosevelt Avenue a couple of days ago to see what kinds of visuals businesses displayed to display national pride.
This piece of sticker art unlike many is one of a kind, not mass produced. It represents a link between the older form of graffiti with the new technology of the sticker.
Sticker art is the most dynamic, democratic, accessible, analog art form out there, with the possible exception of graffiti. New York City, where I live is a hotbed of this vital mode of expression. The art form is so ubiquitous that my young artists may tune it out. Part of my goal is for them to start becoming aware of the art that is all around them, and “slaps” as stickers are known are everywhere! We are going to do a unit on this widespread art form where students develop their own visual identity and put it on a slap, affixed to a pre-approved set of storage cabinets in the art studio. Sticker art, like graffiti, brings up issues of public and private, property rights, access to display opportunities, technology and art, and many other fascinating topics. Looking forward to seeing what the young artists I work with come up with! Whatever they do, I’m sure some of their works will, er, “stick” with me.
I like how this artist is showcasing a handmade drippy ink style, which while mass printed maintains a foot in the messy traditions of brush and ink.
“Rake” remixes the Mets logo to make it their own. The Mets struggle to get any respect in the Yankees dominated baseball market of New York City, so it’s nice to see a little local pride here in Queens.