5POINTZ Revisited

video from ROCKETBOOM

5Pointz,  considered to be "the world's graffiti mecca," is an outdoor graffiti art exhibit space in Long Island City where local and international aerosol artists create colorful pieces on the walls of a 200,000-suare-foot factory building after securing permit from the curator. The name 5Pointz signifies the five boroughs of New York City coming together as one. With the recent reports that this unique haven for graffiti artists may actually be demolished soon, I revisited this cultural icon yesterday. Here are some of the photos of the artwork showing a diversity of styles, themes and color schemes. More information from the 5Pointz website.

Graffiti Art Mecca In Long Island City: 5 POINTZ

Not far from the MOMA/P.S.1 is a large scale collage of graffiti art covering a converted warehoouse full of artist studios. It is called 5 POINTZ, named after the 5 boroughs of NYC: Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. The art of famous and novice graffiti artists covers the building's facade, all done with the permission and encouragement of the building's owner. The building has gained prestige and fame. Magazines such as “Glamour” have featured articles about it, and big fashion corporations such as H&M use the walls for backdrop in their photo-shoots. I made some of the images from the elevated 7 subway train.

From queens.about.com

Visiting Times: Informally open mornings and afternoons during the week and on weekends. Occasional events on the weekend.

Address: 5 Pointz, Jackson Avenue at Crane Street and Davis Street, the whole block, Long Island City, NY 11101

Directions by Car:

• Queensboro Bridge to Queens Blvd, right on Jackson Ave, left on Purves.
• Midtown Tunnel/LIE-East exit at Van Alst and follow 21st St, turn right on Jackson, and right on Crane.
• LIE-West exit Van Dam, right on Van Dam, left on Thompson, left on Jackson, and left on Crane.

Subways: E, V subways to 23 St/Ely Ave., 7 to 45 Rd/Court House Sq., G to Court House Square.

Buses: Q67 to Jackson and 46th Ave. B61 to 46th Ave.