Austin Day’s Manhattan gallery

City as Canvas: SHARP

“Dead on Arrival”

     “City as Canvas” art collection by Michael Wong is full of eye-catching and face twisting pieces that can leave you confused and mesmerized at the same time. One of these pieces, “Dead on Arrival” by SHARP, had that effect on me. The painting, with pieces of the real world intertwined give it a 3D appeal and leave the mind thinking. Stylistically, this art is titled as “Abstract Techno-Symbolism” and bring elements of the real world into a painting. The piece is dedicated to the topic of substance abuse, which can be seen through SHARP putting props together creating an image of a gun shooting “crack bullets”. Also, it hits on the topic of sin, or religious corruption as multiple bullets at the bottom of the page are circulating and pointing at a religious figure, there also may be a race factor, as that figure is black. Coupled with a splash of colors filling the background and abstract pieces jutting out at the sides, “Dead on Arrival” captures your eyes and mind with its 3D appeal and underlying message. The bright colors of blue, yellow, and reddish purple contrast each other bringing an emphasis to certain points on the painting. SHARP, a good friend of the collector, Michael Wong, when speaking on the piece is quoted as saying “We were trying to do something different. Something positive. Overall, it was a way we found a spiritual solace.” The artwork may have a darker or more depressing topic but the way he expresses the problem hint at his inner creativity and is part of why the graffiti movement is so integral to the history of New York.

Located on Broadway and 10th this aquatic picture leaves the sightseer quite puzzled

Located by some basketball courts on 6th and Houston this “popeye” looking face looks to be a quick chalk scribble

Located by 1st ave, this mural pays respect to one of the best comedians and actors of all time

This jam packed wall by Varick and Houston leaves your eyes searching for more as there is too much to look at

The goal of this gallery is to focus on the many faces portrayed around the city, with the faces being the subject of each piece, you should try and decipher what the artist mean’t or what his reason was for each piece.

Darren and I talked about the absence of prominent street art around our central area, and how you have to go exploring to possibly more “sketchy” areas to find the really cool and captivating art.