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Do you hate graffiti? Do you also hate Brooklyn gentrification? Then you're really going to hate this email we received from Gothamist reader Paul Vogeler:
Hey this developer has chosen 7 local Brooklyn based artists to “wheatpaste” their art on the construction fence on North 10th and North 11th between Bedford and Berry in Williamsburg. It should set a new precedent for developers beginning to incorporate more artists in the beginning, middle, and final stages of new developments. As well as incorporating art into the project, the development will be using green elements in the building’s design..7 artists were chosen, their art was selected, and the artists were paid a licensing fee for the use of their art. This is reminiscent of a construction fence in Dumbo.
It is up right now and will remain throughout the duration of the construction phase. There will be a reception for the artists when the building is complete, and much of the art might be incorporated into the actual condominium units
On the one hand, this could be genuinely altruistic move on the part of the developer-- fancying up an otherwise drab construction site. On the other, it could be a transparent attempt to use streetart to make gentrification seem cool. Or, if you're really paranoid, maybe its the inevitable joining together of two forces aimed at destroying quaint little neighborhoods-- the first sign of gentrification apocalypse. The mind reels.
Related: Condos and Streetartists at the 11 Spring Street Project
Two more pix after the jump.
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This is not graffiti. This is commissioned art by people who have done graffiti. I believe the difference in the realm of public opinion is large.
this is commercialism.
The title should read: "New Ideas in Architecture: Scaffolding with Art Preinstalled". I'd rather walk by this than some scaffolding with shitty tags or ads for Helio.
Makes it interesting for all walking by.
Shut up #2...
i like this. beats a million repeated ads of some outdated show.
Stop acting like you don't think gentrification is acceptable. Daily your blog dedicates itself to heralding restaurants, stores, events and art spaces that are only able to exist because of the effects of gentrification yet you insist on making statements like "...it could be a transparent attempt to use streetart to make gentrification seem cool."
You fucking love and live by gentrification and what it brings, accept it already.
as long as they paid the artists for their work
As long as they paid the artists, its not grafitti. Grafitti connotates some kind of risk. This is commercial art. I imagine the art had to be approved before going up.And I would gather that these artists are "Brooklyn based" artists, not "Brooklyn artists" as they are labeled on the wall. I doubt any if all are from Brooklyn.
This is no different than Starbucks putting out roots reggae compilations. If you see "urban art" hanging in the atrium of a condo unit chances are it's just another excuse to jack the rent. If they really want to support artists they would provide incentive programs, additional low income housing or subsidized work spaces, this a called throwing them a bone.
Don't really care much for the gentrification debate, or graffiti for that matter, but does anyone know anything about the rumor that Dean & Deluca is setting up shop on the ground floor of this building?
oooohhhh, yeah, gentrification is such an evil thing. just kidding. the real issue is not gentrification per se, since some level of gentrification is very healthy on a number of fronts (mixed income neighborhoods are safer and better for all, revitalization of apartment and housing stock raises the value of those properties owned by people who cannot afford to move, more tax dollars in the community is a good thing that goes to benefit that community and local businesses in it, etc.). there is the ugly side too, but, it seems to me, that can be managed. to suggest, however, that neighborhoods should be allowed to whither and die is fatuous. furthermore, to suggest that government should make billions of dollars of improvement to make these neighborhoods more livable is naive at best. managed gentrification is the only answer to revitalizing poorer neighborhoods. that's just the way it is.