by Kiara Ventura

Here are some photos I took around the city over time. The locations of these works of art range from 28th street, to Spanish Harlem, and even near 58th street.

It can be noticed that some of these photos are of art that was not made by an actual artist such as the photo of a ladder or the shadow of a tree on a building. However, I do consider these works of art created by the city itself.

The theme of this exhibit is about art being all around us. I would like to introduce the idea that art can step out of a usual canvas or frame on the wall, and into things we see in our daily lives or on the streets of New York. That is why I named this exhibit “Stepping Out of the Frame.”

Hope you enjoy the photos!

Mercer Street, Ladder and the Sky, August 2014

I chose this image to be my cover image because it can symbolize how street art can go beyond graffiti and that art is all around us. I am trying to communicate the theme of “art being all around us.” I would like to introduce the idea that art does not necessarily have to have a distinct artist or go through a process of being created for an audience. This picture shows an extreme form of this idea. This picture accurately represents the theme because it shows how an ordinary ladder resting on a construction site in NYC can represent a variety of meanings. Even though the elements of the picture were not directly created by an artist, it shows how an ordinary scene in NYC can symbolize something bigger like artworks do. So what do you think about this idea? Do you consider this image as art?

28th Street, Pint on a Brick Wall, August 2014

Would this be considered graffiti even though it seems painted?

University Place, Spray Paint on a Mail Box, September 2014

10th Street and 5th Ave, Spray Paint on Construction Site, September 2014

5th Ave, Road Paint on Concrete, September 2014

This little robot was placed right in the middle of a street crossing area on 5th Ave. Why do you think the artist chose this place? and what do you think this little robot symbolizes?

Washington Square Park, Colored Sand on Concrete, September 2014

I like how the artist used an unusual material and canvas for his art. He used colored sand to create this piece and used the floor of Washington Square Park as his canvas. Also, just imagine how much time it would take to create this piece. What do you think is the purpose behind this piece, considering that the artist created it in a public space?

14st, Marker on Metal, September 2013

Astor Place, Photograph on Building, September 2014

Art being placed around the city is known for giving the space “character.” What characteristic do you think this photo is showing?

East Harlem, Yarn on Fence, September 2014

This work of art is placed on a wired fence in Spanish Harlem. I find this work mysterious because it is knitted (which is unusual for street art) and placed in an empty space between two buildings. What do you think it is trying to symbolize? Why would the artist chose this place and also not put his/ her name of their work?

58th Street, Marker on Metal Door, August 2014

10th St., Spray Paint on Wood, September 2014

I hope that as you were scrolling through the images, you have noticed the design of what looks like something you would see on a heart beat monitor. I saw this design in various places around the city. I would like to know who is creating this and what does this design symbolize. Now as I am walking around the city, I keep an eye out for these designs. It is actually quite exciting when I do find them. What do you think the artist is trying to say by creating putting this design around the city? Do you think he/or she is trying to get known?

West 4th Street, Stencil Spray paint on Concrete, September 2014

It seemed like the artist here used a stencil to create the icon “Waldo.” Would he still be considered a true artist even though he simply used a stencil to make this?

The Highline, Shadow on Brick Building, August 2014

Like the cover photo, this is another extreme example of “art being all around us.” This is a photo of the shadow of trees on a brick building. The light is coming from the lamps on the high line. Who would be considered the artist in this situation?

Madison Square Park, Metal Sculpture, October 2014

This is a photo of two people meditating in Madison Square Park while a sculpture stands behind them. Do you think they chose this place to meditate because of the presence of the sculpture? Do you think they would have a connection to it?

Most of the works of art shown here do not indicate who they were created by. They do not have their artist`s “tag” or “signature” on them. Why do you think the artist did this? Do you think that the artist simply wanted the viewers to appreciate the art and not who created it? How would this compare to the well-known creations that are signed?

I hope these images triggered new thoughts and ideas on your perception of art. Thanks for viewing!