It is often said that Graffiti, or Street Art, began in the 1960s, which would put the original Street Artists in the category of Senior Citizens. And so we were interested to hear that the exhibition, Graffiti Art: The Image, The Words, The Meaning is a group show featuring Harlem Senior Citizens from the Senior Center at Pelham Fritz Recreation Center (Marcus Garvey Park).
During a workshop, the Senior’s immersed themselves in the art form, learning techniques, style, and history of the art of graffiti. The artwork they created and their stories about the creative process are compelling.
Related programming will include presentations and discussions by the student artists, describing their work. In addition, the Center’s Director, James Top, will discuss the importance of graffiti art as the precursor to other urban art forms.
Graffiti Art: The Image, The Words, The Meaning will be on view from May 24 to May 28, 2019, with an Opening Reception on May 24th from 3-6pm. NYC Graffiti Events Center, Galeria del Barrio, is located at 162 1/2 East 104th Street, East Harlem. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 2-7pm.
We can’t close without mentioning one of our favorite Events by James Top, as Executive Director of East Harlem’s Graffiti Wall of Fame.