Graffiti. By their nature, even if they’re now recognized (almost) universally as works of art, are the expression of a counterculture that goes beyond rules, canonical places and control. And because of this writers, before being idolized as new Picasso, often risk to be arrested. But in New York there’s a place where graffiti are not only allowed but even encouraged and preserved. It’s 5Pointz, an industrial complex located in Long Island City, Queens. A true open-air museum, with its guardian: Jonathan Cohen, aka Meres, the curator of this exhibition going on since 2002, and he who decides what works can be deleted to make room for new artists, or which instead to keep. All this happens away from the police and without creating clashes between writers that contend the urban walls. But not all fairy tales have a happy ending, and the evil of our story is Jerry Wolkoff, owner of the building, that, with the support of the municipality, plans to bring it down to build other skyscrapers. For once we find solace in the economic crisis, which has already arrested several building projects and that threats even this one, but there is no guarantee it’s enough. For this Meres is founding a non profit organization and, to break down the mistrust of the neighborhood, with some volunteers tries to keep the place clean and directs the traffic. An anonymous fan has also created an online petition, “
show ur love to 5Pointz“, which to date has already collected more than 13 000 signatures. If you are interested in the fate and history of 5Pointz, in the upcoming issue of Italian magazine “
Io Donna” you’ll find an article written by Nicola Scevola, that we had the privilege to read in preview. Thank you “Io Donna” and all Ambito 5 staff for this opportunity. And fingers crossed …