More videos at http://www.youtube.com/Pimpin625

Rate and comment


Footage I shot while visiting the 5 pointz

The name "5 Pointz" represents the five boroughs of New York City. One of the first graffiti there was a portrait of Jam Master J, an important member of the early hip hop musical style.

5 Pointz is a free public outdoor art exhibit that spans a full city block in Long Island City, Queens. It is a commercial factory building that is almost entirely covered by Aerosol Art, more commonly known as graffiti.

5 Pointz is an organized outdoor gallery which is created by Meres One. The walls painted on the building are all done with a permit after a review of the artists work and proper placement by Meres. The placement is decided on by the quality of the work, the time the artist is willing to spend on it will also determine the amount of time it will last. All murals are eventually gone over due to an influx of artists from all over the world, including the originators of this sub-culture and some of the most famous and talented to do it throughout the decades.

Over the years a community of like minded artists has developed including dancers, film makers and fans of the culture. On any given day you can expect to see Emcees (rappers) and B-boys (break dancers) practicing in the loading dock area, photo shoots taking place, videos being shot, artists mingling and sharing thoughts, kids exchanging black books (hard cover sketchbooks) for each other to sign and for veteran artists to autograph along with beautiful aerosol art pieces being done by any number of people in various locations on the building.

5 Pointz has been the subject of articles in newspapers such as The Christian Science Monitor, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and the International Herald Tribune.
As The Christian Science Monitor puts it: "The Gatekeeper of New York's 'graffiti mecca' is Meres who decides who paints and how long it stays. "Meres," has been in charge of the 5 Pointz graffiti museum since 2002.
It is suggested to e-mail Meres to get his permission before painting at 5 Pointz. If he is not familiar with an artist, Meres will ask for a sample of their work; if it is a mural, he will ask for a layout as well. (less info)