It's just about 5pm, and the last sliver of actual sunlight is disappearing from the sky as we get off the L train in Brooklyn. As we emerge to the streets, the neighborhood seems to all be housed except a select few young men with thick beards and glasses. It is getting pretty cold out already, freezing really; Our breath stands still for a moment in the air as we begin to venture towards an area of Brooklyn where community meets industry and art. This is Bushwick, and we are entering an open air gallery run by a group of artists known as The Bushwick Collective. This select group of artists paint the walls of the buildings in this area with incredible pieces of art, and in the midst of it all, a "new" artist is rising to the challenge of being recognized on these streets filled with artwork from well known visionaries like Buff Monster and Sexer. And with just a little push and a lot of talent, he would enter that mold.
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| Beau Stanton |
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| Sexer |
The first time we saw Psybe's work was up in Maine at The Great North Music and Arts Festival. Although there wasn't a lot of time spent talking to the man himself, his works really spoke out to everyone that came under the art tent. There were times I'd walk by just to admire his canvases again only to find people sitting in front of the paintings in a trance like state, getting lost within these gateways from his mind. It was very appropriate to have him working alongside other amazing artists, including Alex and Allyson Grey.
Now back in NY, Psybe was looking to get involved with more artists as well as to expand his horizons with his art. That is where the Bushwick Collective came into play. Originally, Psybe approached them to get a spot to paint a mural and become part of the collective. At that time, the Bushwick Collective was apprehensive to giving Psybe the wall space due to him only working on two murals in the past, and most of his work being on canvas. As I'm sure this was a let down for Psybe, he did not let it get in the way of building his street cred.
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| Entrance to Cypress Studios // The Art Space |
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| Down the Hallway Lined with Art |
While fixing up the room, Adam spoke to the building's owner about possibly being able to use the black gate in front to paint a portal. The permission was given and Psybe went to work. He was adding a mural to the area that he was just denied from. "I was told it was a bad move to do a mural right in their area, but I decided to go ahead with it anyway given I did not think I'll be working with them." Some my consider this a ballsy move, I see it as freedom of speech. After all, this building may be in the same area, but the Bushwick Collective do not own the streets.
His mural began to take shape, and a small portal to a whole new galaxy came to life. He worked on it for full days, from the brisk mornings till the extreme temperature drop at night fall. Little by little his piece came together to create an original painting for the neighborhood. It is truly incredible to look at, and even more so original compared to all the other works in the vicinity. Psybe has added a new flare on Cypress Ave. After his work was finished, he contacted the Bushwick Collective again to show them his piece. They told him that they were watching him the whole week as he worked, and they were happy to have him be a part of them.
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| Almost completed... |
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| Finished Product "Public Portal One" - Photo by Bushwick Collective |
Check out Psybe Visual Arts to see more of Psybe's work and buy some art!! See his work with your own eyes on Troutman and Cypress, a half block west on Cypress, only a short walk from the Jefferson Street Station on the L line.
