Author Archives: melissa.nicolardi

In the High- Low Debate, Graffiti Art Once Again in the Spotlight

Posted on May 25, 2011 by melissa.nicolardi

When the exhibit “Art in the Streets” opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles last month, it rekindled the age old debate of graffiti-as-art versus graffiti-as-vandalism.  Billed as the “first major U.S. museum survey of graffiti and … Continue reading →

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Nine 11 Thesaurus Brings Political Edge and Youthful Exuberance to Don Hill’s

Posted on April 15, 2011 by melissa.nicolardi

Last Saturday the Bushwick based rappers Nine 11 Thesaurus celebrated the release of their first album, “Ground Zero Generals,” with a powerful and energized performance at Don Hill’s. It was slightly after midnight when Shasty, P.DOT, Hollywood, Riddic, God’s Sun, … Continue reading →

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Is a Bomb Shelter in Washington Square Park Public Art or a Public Protest?

Posted on April 1, 2011 by melissa.nicolardi

For a few hours on Monday afternoon, a corner of Washington Square Park became home to a controversial piece of art that either sparked a protest, or was the protest, depending on whom you ask. The Bomb Shelter Museum, a … Continue reading →

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Smack Mellon Provides Artists With a Room of Their Own

Posted on March 17, 2011 by melissa.nicolardi

For one weekend in early March, the artists-in-residence at DUMBO’s Smack Mellon Gallery opened their studio doors, showcasing work they’ve produced during the gallery’s eleven-month Artist Studio Program. The program was established in 2000 in response to the severe lack … Continue reading →

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Super Mario Meets Chairman Mao at PS1

Posted on March 3, 2011 by melissa.nicolardi

One hears the 8-bit sound effects of Feng Mengbo’s Long March: Restart well before entering the cavernous hall of MoMA-PS1 where the piece is currently on exhibit. Completed in 2008 by the Beijing based artist and purchased by the MoMA … Continue reading →

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