Local Street Art
Have you seen this guy’s stuff around the neighborhood? I’ve seen these up and down Smith Street like crazy. He waits for the sun to be low in the sky and then traces the outlines of shadows on the sidewalk.
This one was on my corner–at Sackett and Hicks. It looked like I got there about 2 minutes after he did it, judging from the position of the shadow (waited for the sun to go behind a cloud for this picture).
November 10th, 2005 at 3:25 pm
I always think it is cool when you walk by, and the shadow still matches up to the artwork - I’ve never actually seen him doing one - but so often I’ve been able to tell that I’ve just missed him. (Ellis G that is)
November 10th, 2005 at 3:31 pm
yeah he must be quick!
…they’re not just about shadows. they’re about time!
November 10th, 2005 at 3:49 pm
Sidewalk Graffiti
Late night in Carroll Gardens … Update: More of Ellis G’s work over at 423smith
November 12th, 2005 at 5:35 am
For Immediate Release:
KILI is pleased to announce an exhibition of paintings by
ELLIS G.
Opening Reception 10/15/05 at 8 pm
Continues through 12/1/05 @ KILI
81 Hoyt St. bet. State St. and Atlantic Ave. Bklyn NY
A,C,G Trains to Hoyt/Schermerhorn or 2,3,4,5,B,D,N,R,Q to Atlantic/Pacific
718-855-5574
Dj’s Chappy, Kech Rec & IXL
Spinning funk, soul, hip-hop & 80’s classics.
Artist’s Statement:
I have never experienced an art form more all consuming than graffiti. At one point, graffiti had a very firm grip on my life and lifestyle- it was the last thing on my mind before going to bed and the first thing that came into my head every morning. From acquiring supplies and photographing a finished work, to wandering the city trying to find the perfect spot to paint and marking the terrain along the way, graffiti motivated almost every move I made. Even perils with the law, fights with rival writers and injuries sustained while out on missions couldn’t have ended my relationship with graffiti. I still love it to this day.
The death of a friend and fellow graffiti artist while we were bombing the F train tunnel between Bergen and Carroll Street in 2001 caused me to take a less active role in graffiti. Deeply affected by the tragic loss I chose to channel my energy into other artistic endeavors. Since then, I have participated in a number of group shows displaying the talents of graffiti artists as well as traditional artists. While I use canvas, wood, metal as well as found objects, I remain true to my roots and try to incorporate the essence of graffiti into everything I produce. I continue to use the tools of the trade (paint markers, spray paint, homemade writing implements) in my work; while I have transitioned to the less controversial use of chalk for my street art.
This show is dedicated to the graffiti life and the ongoing struggle graffiti artists continue to face today. I have massive respect for the forefathers of graffiti who paved the way and pioneered this art form (do the research). The graffiti writer’s struggle is not limited to running from the police and fighting court cases, but it also lies in the ongoing battle we face to transition from being understood by mainstream society as a “vandal” to a legitimate and commercial artist. Even though graffiti has inestimably influenced our entire environment- from music and fashion to advertising, architecture and graphic arts, many graffiti artists remain anonymous and unrecognized by mainstream society.
Writing graffiti is putting out public art for people who normally wouldn’t go to a museum or gallery. All of my chalk drawings are like graffiti in that respect, although they are temporary. They capture a moment in time. Ironically they have spawned from an un-pleasurable moment in time, one that Time Out NY has called an “only-in-New York back story.” However, I’d like to thank my machete wielding assailant and his shadow for inspiring me to create my drawings on the streets and these pieces on display. I hope that they make a difference in people’s lives- they sure have made and continue to make a difference in mine.
Ellis Gallagher 2005
Biography:
Ellis Gallagher is a native New Yorker. As the graffiti writer formally known as “NET,” his work can be found in the five boroughs and environs, The Brooklyn Front Gallery, in Autograf: New York City’s Graffiti Writers by Peter Sutherland (Powerhouse Books 2004), as well as in numerous newspapers, magazines, on television and in films. Currently a street artist known as Ellis G., Gallagher’s work has appeared in Time Out NY, the NY Daily News, Trampoline House Gallery, as well as on NY 1 and The WB 11. Gallagher will publish his first book “Adhesives,” the ultimate compendium of graffiti, graphic design and street art stickers in fall 2006 with Miss Rosen Editions for Powerhouse Books.
Contact Info:
BKLYNRESIDENTS@YAHOO.COM
November 14th, 2005 at 8:51 pm
go back to that same corner today 11-13-05 at like 5-5:30 p.m. and wait for the street light to turn on. peace, Ellis g. 2007
November 14th, 2005 at 8:58 pm
awesome! thanks! I will absolutely do that.
yeah I walked by there today and saw the new chalk drawing….
November 15th, 2005 at 4:52 am
wanna photograph it and post it here before it rains tommorow? ok sure, go for it… peacEllis G.2003……..
November 15th, 2005 at 4:55 am
i am cyrrently working on the my website…..as for noe, just google this: Ellis G. chalk shadows. or you can use my full name, Ellis Gallagher. you can use lycos.com,ask.com,msn.com or yahoo.com to search for some photos of my work as well…happy surfing! peacEllis G. 2009…
November 15th, 2005 at 5:33 am
Here’s my question: why do you sign things “2003′ OR “2009″ or “2007″… and so on? what does that mean?
but anyway…checked out the art on the corner when the streetlight went on… nice! but difficult to photograph in the dark, unfortunately… Shame I missed photographing the good ones in front of Naidre’s and at the corner of Union and Henry the other day!
November 15th, 2005 at 6:46 am
2000,2009,2020,2045,2073,2003, it’s a joke. as if chalk on the side walk has been there since 2000 or 1973 or as if it would be there in 2092…….never. it is only to be immortalized by photographing it or shooting video of it. peacellisgee2013……
December 11th, 2005 at 2:59 am
ellis is a fake . i’ve seen his paintings at the bar they are cheap quality and bad craftsman,also not a consistent body of work.very amateure.
for the rest well the shadows are fantastic the only problem is that not his idea you can see it in here http://www.woostercollective.com/2005/06/shit-were-diggin-facundo-newberys.html and in my website http://facundonewbery.home.mindspring.com/pages/HOME.html
December 13th, 2005 at 3:38 am
The concept and practice of tracing shadows as an art form has existed for a very long time. (Do your research, it originated in 17th century France). Any attempts to take credit for the idea of tracing shadows would be as futile as trying to take credit for the idea of painting a portrait or photographing a landscape. Many people have these ideas, but it is the artist that makes it different, interesting and unique. I have read that you believe that I have copied your work, although I have never heard of you, nor seen your work before checking out your link after seeing your post. It is not my practice to badmouth any artist. it is important that we offer one another critiques or opinions, but to bash something and someone you seem to know very little about leaves the impression of insecurity. My current work was born out of something very real to me and I enjoy what I do and sharing it with others. In short, tracing shadows is not your original idea, nor is it mine- actually, I have learned that ZEVS (a parisian graffiti artist who works with space invader) has been doing it long before me and I assume, before you. He has his way of doing it, which I respect and admire. I have my way. And I guess, you have yours. In the future, I suggest that you take the time to brush up on the real origins of this art form, before you make claims of ownership. Thank you very much. Have a nice day.
April 29th, 2006 at 8:20 am
Uh, Ellis, you ought to cover your tracks a bit more man. You sound rather childish posing as an expert after being dressed down on another site and then cribbing your critic’s post three days later to sound intelligent. Backfire… “Posted by: facundo newbery | Dec 10, 2005 10:04:51 PM” http://www.abrooklynlife.com/2005/09/sidewalk_graffi.html