- Words by Claudia Reyes
The Bronx Celebrates Art Culture
"A Cultural Happening in Da Bronx" event, presented by Ngozy Art Collective and Christie Z Presents, was held on August 25th 2018. Its centerpiece? A live art-painting exhibition in the South Boogie Down Bronx's "The Point" to celebrate the launch of the Ngozy Art Collective, its website, and apps (one each for Android and iPhone users). The event additionally underscored The Point's 25th anniversary of community outreach and service.
An exciting display of NYC's reputable artists and legends painted live on 7' x 7' canvases arranged into five, free-standing, 4-panel cubes in an open yard space at The Point Campus for Arts and Environment, commonly known as The Point. It's by the Bronx River waterfront next to Hunts Point's Riverside Park. The Point's mission is to enhance the community through creativity. For more information, visit their website.
This successful event attracted visitors from all corners to watch the top writers create works of art using spray paint as their medium. It was a fun afternoon with family and friends as we watched the canvases come alive throughout the course of the day. Everyone, including the children, had the opportunity to ask their favorite writers to sign black books and take photos. The artists made this a great experience for all. Featured at the Live Art Exhibition were BIO, NICER, BG183, John "CRASH" Matos, DAZE, SOZE, Mr. STASH, Nick Walker, CES, MED, ZIMAD, SEXER, SERVE, YES1, OMNi, SIEN, PASE, and TOTEM. Take note that all works of art will be available for purchase on ngozy.com, available as apps for Android and iPhone as well.
Many thanks to Ngozy Art Collective consisting of partners Gabriel "SADE TCM" Fantauzzi, John "Crash" Matos, Robert Kantor along with Christie Z of DMC USA Tools of War for producing and presenting this fantastic assembly of artists. When asked if this will be an annual event, Mr. Eric Orr, the artist resident on the campus, told me "there is some talk of a second because of the great turn out and vibe that went on. There will be other similar events down on the campus in the future." Indeed it was a memorable, high-turnout day of great vibes, art, music, food and community, You will also find -- currently on display at the campus -- an art gallery-styled exhibition by Mr. Orr, cleverly installed inside a refurbished shipping container. The Points Container Gallery opening hours are Monday to Friday 2pm - 6pm ; Saturday/Sunday 3pm - 6pm. Address: 1391 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, New York 10474.
"A Cultural Happening in Da Bronx" was covered by many photographers. Just view the hashtags #aculturalhappening #ngozy and #ngozycollective on IG. Fellow Sold Contributor Joanna Pan was there as well and has shared with us with some of her fascinating trademark captures. News outlets like Bronxnet and Joanna Hernandez of News 12 were also in attendance. Ms. Joanna, a one woman crew, decided to participate and tag a dedicated canvas panel for participants to have fun writing on with spray paint. The link to the News 12 video is here.
A huge shout out to all the Ngozy Art Collective Partners and Christie Z's sponsors and vendors who participated: Ngozy.com, Christie Z Presents, The Point CDC, Maintain A Chain Corp., SCOE Unlimited, American Awning and Sign Depot, boogiedownbronx.com, Tuff City styles and Montana Colors. For more information about future Ngozy Art Collective events and sponsorship opportunities, please email ngozydotcom@gmail.com
