The 5pointz outdoor graffiti gallery. April 2008
Lady Pink aka Pinksmith on 5pointz, Court Sq, Long Island City
I was walking around 5pointz this weekend, and saw some incredible work. The piece in the photo by Lady Pink is a smaller part of the whole.
It’s nice and chill over there on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Since it’s getting warm out, we can only assume they’ll be more to come.
If you don’t know what 5pointz is, let’s remedy that right away. It’s the gigantic yellow building covered in graffiti at the corner of 23rd St & Jackson Ave, that you’ve probably seen on the elevated 7 train. It’s very hard to miss. It’s one of the few places (the only?) in NYC where graffiti is a legal expression of creativity, instead of a punishable crime against material property. So it produces an infinitely rotating supply of art pieces created by some of the most celebrated graffiti and street artists in the world.
If you’re into it, here’s more:
Right #1, down with art, up with condos. You just bummed out my day.
I share your affection LIQcity. These pictures are great.
Not everybody that lives in the new buildings is as conservative as you may imagine, #1.
If you #1 think you are the new breed of LIC, that is a very sad thing. For all of us.
I gotta say, some of these pieces are amazing, particularly when you consider the scale. And I was the guy saying I wanted all the chain stores on the amenities list. #1, you are wrong.
#1 SUCKS. The Liberty piece is ill. Love the eyeball on fire.
Whoa — hang on. This is No. 1. I wasn’t giving my own opinion and I’m not a newcomer (I’m graffiti-agnostic, I guess.) I was trying to say that I don’t believe the yuppies in the new towers love graffiti art. Try this experiment: let the artists spray the gantries or the handball courts and see the reaction you’d get. For crying out loud, these are the same people who’ve cheered on the destruction of the Powerhouse, the Hackett Building, and other neighborhood icons.
#1 – don’t be so negative. I don’t think there is anything to be gained in assuming that everybody living in a new building in LIC is anti-art, anti-culture, and just wants to flood the area with chain stores and skyscrapers. You should remember that lots of these people are renters, like me. And, also like me, lots of them are not from the U.S. They were attracted to LIC because it was interesting, because of the art, because of the culture, because of the fact they wanted something different from Manhattan, and wanted to support a lively community. These people might not have had the luxury of time to be able to find their dream home with normal sized rooms and a garden on a little side-street in LIC — but yet they were still attracted to the area. Give people a break, and you might be pleasantly suprised.
I don’t see 5pointz spreading to anything larger then what it is. It will prolly become just another fixture next to PS1 and just that… another neat thing to see.
I was at Shannon Pot for drinks two Fridays ago I believe, and it was surprisingly packed! It was one of the 5Pointz artist’s bday and it was like a graffiti convention. Very mixed crowd of international and local NYCers who has a love for graffiti. Many of them were more then happy to show their portfolio. Pretty impressive work from what I saw. Many of them offered to tattoo it. I kindly turned down the offer.
So, #1, that wasn’t your opinion, just the opinion you THOUGHT the newcomers had. From the looks of these comments you were very wrong–and I am very relieved. The new people here are not necessarily all assholes. Some may have actually moved just exactly for things like 5POINTZ. I know I did.
hey #7, thanks for coming back and clarifying. I think what’s becoming clear is that there is no One Breed of Newcomers to LIC. They are in all kinds of mindsets, which is evident in the general diversity of commentary. I also feel it important to mention that the liQcity blog is not just aimed at the newcomers to LIC, or real estate junkies. It’s aimed at everyone about all things LIC – a strong topic is the new development because that’s where the neighborhood is at right now.
And thanks btw for all the support of LIC art. That’s great to see! There is so much good stuff here.
See? We yuppies buying condos are being discriminated against! That’s a major stereotype that is thoroughly incorrect. Money does not necessarily make you an asshole.
You guys have it so rough!
GRAFFITI IS A NEW YORK ART FORM AND IT WILL BE HERE FOREVER THE MORE PEOPLE LIKE IT OR HATE IT IT WILL STILL BE HERE AND ACTUALLY THE MORE PEOPLE HATE IT THE MORE IT WILL SHOW UP. AND LIQCITY, YOU STATED THAT 5 POINTZ IS THE ONLY PLACE IN NEW YORK WHERE IT IS LEGAL AND THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE BECAUSE THE WALL OF FAME IN HARLEM IS MUCH MORE KNOWN AND A HELL OF ALOT MORE CREDIBLE THEN 5 POINTZ WILL EVER BE YOU REALLY HAVE TO EARN A SPOT ON THE WALL OF FAME AT 5 POINTZ ANY TOY CAN GET A SPACE. AND I WISH IT WAS STILL THE PHUN FACTORY THAT WAS WHEN IT WAS THE BEST AND REALLY RAW ORIGINAL NY HIP HOP ELEMENT GRAFF SPOT BUTT LIKE LIC DID IT CHANGED BUT CONDOS, YUPPIES WHATEVER GRAFF IS GRAFF AND WE AINT GOING NO WHERE NY IS WHERE WE LIVE AND DIE.
#1 – stop being so dense and prejudiced. I think most “newcomers” think the 5 Pointz building is cool, and also don’t want graffiti spread around the neighborhood either. The 5 Pointz building is artistic and is in a perfect place for it. That doesn’t mean I would want the buildings all over the neighborhood to have crap graffiti all over them. Are you actually favoring graffiti all over the neighborhood?
#1/#7, I guess I don’t get the hostility. I am a yuppie, I just bought a condo in the Powerhouse. From what I have been told by my developer, everything in the Powerhouse that could be kept original was kept. Unfortunately, much of the building was not safe for the public to live around. Also, if I am moving into a neighborhood, why wouldn’t I want an apartment with as much to offer for my money as possible? At the end of the day, however, the reason we bought in LIC was that it is LIC. If we wanted Manhattan, we would have bought there. The local flavor of a neighborhood is what makes people want to live there.
Also, #14, you need to settle down.
yes #15, I totally agree. There is a huge distinction between this work on 5pointz and most of the stupid unartistic graffiti that dominates all over the place. some of that is good too, but most of it is just garbage. I like that 5pointz is organized, and I also like that anyone can get a spot. though #14 was a bit out there, i’m interested in the wall of harlem. that sounds cool too. it sounds CONTAINED. and ORGANIZED. and produces sanctioned works of art. THAT I’m into. This work on 5pointz is fantastic… I will get on my bike this weekend and be sure to go take a look. Thanks for posting this.
What is happeing at 1033 Jackson – (not to be confused with 10-55 Jackson) Also there seems to be something going on the corner of Jackson and 47th I think. There are steel beams coming up from behind a construction fence.
hmmm 1033? I assume LiQcity will be investigating this.
5 Pointz is not organized a lot of the tags up there were done illegally they are bombed that sloppy stuff is from kids that just go in at night and do what graffiti writers do they bomb like the trains in the 80th and rooftops in the 90th. And i love the condos the renovation of all this neighborhoods because i love New York regardless so if you moved in for what ever reason good for you i am glad and welcome to New York or to LIC but i am sorry you moved into a city where one night you go to sleep and when you wake up the next morning you will find a fresh (fill in) Graffiti piece on your building wall or on your park wall anywhere really and thats a fact so welcome to New York, but you have to live with it.
A “graff” artist loves high-priced condos? Only in New York.
I’m a long time resident of LIC, (a very long time) and I am often amazed at the talent in much of the graffiti art that I’ve seen, however, I don’t like seeing drawings all over buildings.
Unfortunately, the talented as well as the not so talented have taken to painting buildings in LIC where it was not approved by the owners.
5 points the mecca of graffiti in NYC. Im a graffitti artist myself and this is a place where i go for inspiration, i live walking distances from 5 pointz and i must thank everyone who had contributed to this work of art. NYC was built on our graffiti its here where this beautiful art known world wide was born and we must admire it. down with condos for the yuppies and the hypsters we were here before any of these damn condos were built. this is our home, our territory and your just screwing it up for the families that lived here for generations taking their house away to build your pathetic condos that ur father pays. your welcome to live here but dont come judging our way of life while we run this city.
Send tips, feedback, and death threats to info [at] liqcity [dot] com
Search
Advertisement
Popular Posts
Long Island City fire and ice Monday morning linkageMTA to LIC: 7-train service suspended for the next, um, eleven weekendsLong Island City bleary but warm Monday afternoon linkageRecap of the latest public hearing about LIC's Hunters Point SouthLong Island City Back in the Saddle Friday morning linkageLaughing Devil Comedy Club brews up some funny for Long Island CityliQcity to Long Island City: Beware of SOPA & PIPA!Advertisement
Archives
Arts
They’re baaaaack. Summer Warm Ups at LIC’s PS1 MoMA kick off this Saturday. Long Island City Culture Chronicle: The Queens Art Express Hit List Long Island City’s Ten10 Studios is ‘Growing Up’ this weekendBuzz
Mystery at the Long Island City waterfront Another grocery store for LIC: MetFoods to manifest on 51st Ave Life, death, and transformation in Long Island City. Of storefronts, that is.Community
CRIME: Long Island City woman sexually assaulted on Vernon Blvd Agenda for Long Island City’s next Community Board 2 Meeting, Dec 1st liQcity is going non-profit! Support liQpop and help us help you LIC.Commuting
MTA to LIC: 7-train service suspended for the next, um, eleven weekends Long Island City express to New Jersey? Not any weekend soon. LIC update on the weekend 7 train shutdowns for October 2011Dining
Long Island City’s beloved M.Wells Diner closing down this month Good Eats in LIC: Hunters Point dishes up some serious seasonal seafood Long Island City hosts not-so-new Romanian ‘Ion’s Corner Cafe’Economy
LICBDC news: Borden Ave Bridge back in Sept; LIC boasts low crime rates LICBDC supports local biz with massive Annual Luncheon & Trade Show Long Island City barely hit in the latest Queens foreclosuresEvents
Long Island City events round-up: Fundraiser Fever!! Edible Queens’ ‘Queens Uncorked’ event in LIC to benefit local farmers Long Island City Events: Arts Arts Arts and more ArtsGovernment
liQcity to Long Island City: Beware of SOPA & PIPA! LIC’s dangerous 44th Drive tightening up & getting a bike lane. Thanks DOT! Quickie recount of CB2′s public hearing yesterday on 49th Ave & HP SouthHappenings
Courtyard Winter Carnival at PS1 MoMA with M. Wells & Manducatis Rustica Long Island City Partnership Annual Trade Show & Luncheon 2011 Recap The 2011 ING NYC Marathon blazed through LIC this weekendHealth
Swine Flu visits Long Island City If you smell something, say something. Yoga and Pilates in Long Island City – Radiant Movement StudioLife
Long Island City photos du jour: Hurricane Irene weekend sunset shots Long Island City and Hurricane Irene: A match made in… well, we’ll see. Life in Long Island City as photographed by local residentsLinkage
Long Island City Holiday limbo Tuesday morning linkage Long Island City moon over Monday morning linkage Long Island City drizzly and sunny Tuesday morning linkageliQcity
Long Island City clouds-are-gathering Tuesday morning linkage Quick note from the Editor Add your Long Island City shots to liQcity’s Flickr photo poolLocal Biz
Laughing Devil Comedy Club brews up some funny for Long Island City Support local business! Thank you to our amazing LIC sponsors. Long Island City new local biz update: bistros, burgers and moreNeighborhood
Long Island City’s CB2 tackles Murray Park renovation & film crews in LIC Examining the impact of losing the 2012 Olympic bid on LIC & NYC Public Hearing about new liquor license apps & 48th Ave makeover in LICNew Development
Recap of the latest public hearing about LIC’s Hunters Point South Update and Public Hearing on LIC’s Hunters Point South project An update on Long Island City’s favorite City housing developmentNews
Long Island City bleary but warm Monday afternoon linkage Long Island City Back in the Saddle Friday morning linkage Long Island City fire and ice Monday morning linkageOddities
Accidents will happen in Long Island City. And happen. Long Island City’s long lost East River footbridge concept discovered Breaking LIC news: car drives into Vernon Blvd restaurantOpenings
Long Island City new biz update; many new restaurants popping & bubbling New local business still blooming in Long Island City Retail blooms in Hunters Point; Lots of new Long Island City bizAdvertisement
Links
EAT
BANY Asian Fusion Bella Via Blend Breadbox Café Bricktown Bagels Brooks 1890 Restaurant The Burger Garage Café Henri Court Square Diner The Creek Da Gianni’s Ristorante Dorian Café El Ay Si Five Star Banquet & Restaurant Five Stars Punjabi Diner Gaw Gai Thai Express Ihawan Jackson Avenue Steakhouse Junior’s Café La Vuelta LIC Market Manducatis Manducatis Rustica Manetta’s Masso Riverview Restaurant & Lounge Sage General Store SHI Sushi Siam Testaccio Tournesol Tuk Tuk Waterfront Crabhouse Water’s EdgeDRINK
Butcher Hookah & Juice Bar Communitea Domaine Bar a Vins Dominie’s Hoek Dutch Kills Bar LIC Bar Lounge 47 Penthouse 808 @ Ravel Hotel PJ Leahy’s Shannon Pot Studio Square biergarten SweetleafREAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS
5SL - 5th Street Lofts 10 Court Square 10-17 Jackson Ave 10-50 Jackson Ave Condos 41st Ave Condos 44-27 Purves Condo Arris Lofts Avalon Riverview Rentals Avalon Riverview North Rentals Casa Vizcaya Condos Citylights Crescent Club Condos East Coast Rentals East of East East River Tower Echelon Condos Hallets Cove Condos Galaxy Condos Gantry Condos Gotham Center Hunters Point Condos The Foundry LIC Condos Fusion LIC Condos L Haus Condos Murano Condos Orient Condos Packard Square Rentals Piano Factory Condos The Prestige Condos Powerhouse Condos Queens Plaza Condos Solarium Condos Star Tower Condos Ten63 Jackson Condos Vere Condos View59 Condos View at East Coast CondosARTS
5 Pointz AES Gallery Art-O-Mat (RIP) BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center Bridgeview School of Fine Art Center for Holographic Arts Chocolate Factory Theater Climate/Gallery Dean Project Deitch Studios Dorsky Gallery Dutch Kills Gallery Fisher Landau Center for Art Flux Factory Green Space Dance Studio Juvenal Reis Studios LaGuardia Performing Arts Center LIC Artists LIC Art Center LIC Cultural Alliance Live at the Gantries Local Project M55 Gallery Museum of the Moving Image NY Irish Center Noguchi Museum P.S. 1 Queens Art Express Queens Council on the Arts Repetti Gallery SculptureCenter Secret Theatre Silvercup Studios Socrates Sculpture Park Space Womb Thalia Spanish Theatre The Space Texas FirehouseLOCAL BIZ
Big City Graphics & Printing Blue Streak Wines Build it Green! Camp Bow Wow LIC The Cat’s Pajamas Hotel Charge & Ride City Vet C-Town Cranky*s Café Court Square Wines & Spirits Czech-Slovak Varieties Dog Island City Duane Reade E & I Deli Emily Spa Ethereal Boutique Express 1 Laundromat Film Biz Recycling Foodcellar Hunters Point Wines & Spirits Into White Dental Just Things Kika Hair Design Kitty & Dog Lounge Krypton Neon LIC Kids LIC School of Ballet Little Closets Lolly’s Early Learning Center MaidPro Matted LIC Nook n’ Crannie New York Looks Salon Pooches Sport & Spa Primp & Tease Salon Sharifwear Spokesman Cycles State Farm Subdivision Vernon Pharmacy Vernon Wine & Liquor Vine WineHEALTH & FITNESS
Balance Medical Spa City Ice Pavilion CityView Raquet Club CrossFit LIC Element Fitness Into White Dental LIC Physical Therapy LIC YMCA NYC Paintball QueensWest Health Radiant Movement NY Circus Arts Tennisport Triumph Physical Therapy The Yoga Room Yoga Studio 6LOCAL LINKS
108th Police Precinct info Community Board 2 District 37 NYS Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan Dutch Kills Civic Association Edible Queens Magazine Gantry Plaza State Park Greater Astoria Historical Society Green Shores NYC Hunters Point LIC Greenmarket Jimmy Van Bramer, District 26 City Councilman LIC Alliance LIC Boathouse LICBDC LIC Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) LIC Millstones Blog LICweb Materials for the Arts Murray Playground Newtown Creek Alliance Queensbridge Park Queens Public Library: Court Square Branch Queens Public Library: LIC Branch Queens West Development Corporation Partnership for Parks Recycle a Bicycle Skyline City ChurchHOTELS
Best Western Plaza Hotel Comfort Inn Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Days Inn (Sunnyside) Fairfield Inn by Marriott (Sunnyside) Holiday Inn Express Midtown Tunnel (Sunnyside) Holiday Inn Manhattan View Howard Johnson Inn LaQuinta Inn (Sunnyside) Quality Inn Ramada Hotel Ravel Hotel & Rooftop Verve Hotel Z-Hotel (under construction)Advertisement
© 2007 liQcity. All Rights Reserved.
I sincerely doubt that the new breed of LIC resident shares your affection for graffiti, whether its sanctioned or not.