Sidewalk Graffiti

Ellis was really on a roll last night. This piece was definitely one of the best I've seen so far.. Down the street at Brooklyn Social he traced the shadow of someone's mountain bike. From the perspective it looks like the a person was holding the bike.

For Immediate Release:

KILI is pleased to announce an exhibition of paintings by

                            ELLIS G.

Opening Reception 10/15/05 at 8 pm

Continues through 12/1/05 @ KILI

81 Hoyt St. bet. State St. and Atlantic Ave. Bklyn NY

A,C,G Trains to Hoyt/Schermerhorn or 2,3,4,5,B,D,N,R,Q to Atlantic/Pacific

718-855-5574

Dj's Chappy, Kech Rec & IXL

Spinning funk, soul, hip-hop & 80's classics.

Artist's Statement:

 I have never experienced an art form more all consuming than graffiti.  At one point, graffiti had a very firm grip on my life and lifestyle- it was the last thing on my mind before going to bed and the first thing that came into my head every morning.  From acquiring supplies and photographing a finished work, to wandering the city trying to find the perfect spot to paint and marking the terrain along the way, graffiti motivated almost every move I made. Even perils with the law, fights with rival writers and injuries sustained while out on missions couldn't have ended my relationship with graffiti.  I still love it to this day.

 The death of a friend and fellow graffiti artist while we were bombing the F train tunnel between Bergen and Carroll Street in 2001 caused me to take a less active role in graffiti.  Deeply affected by the tragic loss I chose to channel my energy into other artistic endeavors.  Since then, I have participated in a number of group shows displaying the talents of graffiti artists as well as traditional artists.  While I use canvas, wood, metal as well as found objects, I remain true to my roots and try to incorporate the essence of graffiti into everything I produce.  I continue to use the tools of the trade (paint markers, spray paint, homemade writing implements) in my work; while I have transitioned to the less controversial use of chalk for my street art.

 This show is dedicated to the graffiti life and the ongoing struggle graffiti artists continue to face today.  I have massive respect for the forefathers of graffiti who paved the way and pioneered this art form (do the research).  The graffiti writer's struggle is not limited to running from the police and fighting court cases, but it also lies in the ongoing battle we face to transition from being understood by mainstream society as a "vandal" to a legitimate and commercial artist.  Even though graffiti has inestimably influenced our entire environment- from music and fashion to advertising, architecture and graphic arts, many graffiti artists remain anonymous and unrecognized by mainstream society.

 Writing graffiti is putting out public art for people who normally wouldn't go to a museum or gallery.  All of my chalk drawings are like graffiti in that respect, although they are temporary.  They capture a moment in time.  Ironically they have spawned from an un-pleasurable moment in time, one that Time Out NY has called an "only-in-New York back story." However, I'd like to thank my machete wielding assailant and his shadow for inspiring me to create my drawings on the streets and these pieces on display.  I hope that they make a difference in people's lives- they sure have made and continue to make a difference in mine.    

Ellis Gallagher 2005

Biography:

Ellis Gallagher is a native New Yorker.  As the graffiti writer formally known as "NET," his work can be found in the five boroughs and environs, The Brooklyn Front Gallery, in Autograf: New York City's Graffiti Writers by Peter Sutherland (Powerhouse Books 2004), as well as in numerous newspapers, magazines, on television and in films.  Currently a street artist known as Ellis G., Gallagher's work has appeared in Time Out NY, the NY Daily News, Trampoline House Gallery, as well as on NY 1 and The WB 11.  Gallagher will publish his first book "Adhesives,"  the ultimate compendium of graffiti, graphic design and street art stickers in fall 2006 with Miss Rosen Editions for Powerhouse Books.

Mr. Ellis G was in the NY Times today. Congrats!

The concept and practice of tracing shadows as an art form has existed for a very long time. (Do your research, it originated in France). Any attempts to take credit for the idea of tracing shadows would be as futile as trying to take credit for the idea of painting a portrait or photographing a landscape. Many people have these ideas, but it is the artist that makes them different, interesting and unique. I have read that you believe that I have copied your work, although I have never heard of you, nor seen your work before checking out your link after seeing your post. It is not my practice to badmouth any artist. it is important that we offer one another critiques or opinions, but to bash something and someone you seem to know very little about leaves the impression of insecurity. My current work was born out of something very real to me and I enjoy what I do and sharing it with others. In short, tracing shadows is not your original idea, nor is it mine- actually, I have learned that ZEVS (a parisian graffiti artist who works with space invader) has been doing it long before me and I assume, before you. He has his way of doing it, which I respect and admire. I have my way. And I guess, you have yours. In the future, I suggest that you take the time to brush up on the real origins of this art form, before you make claims of ownership. Thank you very much. Have a nice day.

Ellis and "facundo" should get together and invite a block party flash crowd to draw shadow art at the same time. Draw an entire block's worth of objects, or perhaps draw the shadow of one enormous object. Make it a phenomenon beyond yourselves. Forget all the copyright nonsense. Cheers.

my name is christine my cousin was killed in brooklyn on june 8 1997 he was a famous graffiti writter i would like to know if you have any of his work if you do could you possibly email it to me he use to write up ve or ve1 i would really appreciate it

zeus

Christine - you should leave an email address so someone could contact you with some of his work

you can email me at

risk.1.graf@gmail.com
also there is a memorial video here for him and two other writers you may know
http://nl.netlog.com/go/explore/videos/videoid=1872563