Wall Street Journal: A Tag-Team Art Competition Launches in the Bronx

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Artist Natalie Collette Wood works on an installation in the Andrew Freedman Home in the Bronx, part of a virtually round-the-clock tag team art challenge. See more photos in our slideshow. See more photos in our slideshow. Agaton Strom for The Wall Street Journal

From the Wall Street Journal:

By Tanyanika Samuels

At 2 a.m. Thursday, a weary Aaron Lazansky-Olivas spray-painted pastel yellows and greens onto wooden panels that would become an art installation at the Andrew Freedman Home in the Bronx.

“I’m fading,” he admitted with a laugh.
The abstract graffiti artist is part of a duo working virtually round-the-clock in a tag team art challenge. Inspired by adrenaline-driven shows like “the Amazing Race,” the Artist Chain Reaction competition pits five teams against each other to create art installations. The winners, to be named March 10, will share the $1,000 prize.

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Artists Andre Trenier, left, and Justin Hicks working on an installation. Agaton Strom for The Wall Street Journal

Of all the eclectic exhibitions here in the last two years, Artist Chain Reaction is the most ambitious, Ms. Alfieri said. She encouraged viewers to visit repeatedly throughout the weekend to be “part of the art making process.”

For abstract painter and sculptor Natalie Collette Wood, that voyeuristic element adds an intriguing dimension to the challenge.
“Having people watch you create energizes the work,” said Ms. Wood, who spent Wednesday night using small strips of black tape to fashion galaxies on the gallery wall. “I think it will help the artists make something new and exciting, something they probably wouldn’t make alone.”

Nearby, artists Andre Trenier and Justin Hicks were in the throes of an animated conversation comparing personal styles. Mr. Trenier is a painter known for using sneakers as his canvas. Mr. Hicks infuses music, text and video into his creations.

“We’ve been discussing why we make art and what art means to us,” said Mr. Trenier, who noted they both share a love of hip hop culture. “Hopefully in the end, people will get a sense of our commonality.”

Read the rest at the Wall Street Journal: http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2014/03/07/a-tag-team-art-competition-launches-in-the-bronx/

And don’t forget to check out their slideshow!

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Ed García Conde

Ed García Conde is a life-long Bronxite who spends his time documenting the people, places, and things that make the borough a special place in the hopes of dispelling the negative stereotypes associated with The Bronx. His writings are often cited by mainstream media and is often consulted for his expertise on the borough's rich history.