An Edgy And Trendy New York Neighborhood Brimming With Art Shows A Unique Side Of The City

At this point, New York City might as well replace its nickname from "Concrete Jungle" to "The Artist's Playground". Brooklyn, in particular, has amassed popularity amongst neighborhood creatives since the early 1990s, and we've even seen areas, like Williamsburg, blossom into exciting hipster towns. However, a new region is emerging in the spotlight: Bushwick, New York, and its colorful murals are attracting attention. In the Midwest, Cincinnati takes the crown for the most spectacular street art in America, but it might want to step aside for Bushwick's talented community, and that's based on history alone. 

To further understand the open-air gallery, it's important to look at how it all began. A New Yorker, Joe Ficalora, used creativity as a way of catharsis. His father was murdered in 1991 and his mother passed away in 2011, so Ficalora made it his mission to revitalize the neighborhood where he grew up. Graffiti had already started to color the town as soon as the early '90s, but decades later, Ficalora started an initiative to create the Bushwick Collective – a district where artists from around the world turn their pain into power and decorate the walls of their locale. Whether you're viewing pieces inside a gallery or strolling along the street, the entire village is a walking museum.

Some people fly all the way to London to find eclectic towns with outlandish street art for a social media backdrop, but the Bushwick neighborhood is one of the most Instagrammable spots you can find without a passport. As you walk along the Bushwick Collective district, you'll find anything from phrases in graffiti to portraits of icons, however, they all seem to have a cohesive look splashed across the walls, proving Ficalora's initial vision was achieved. 

Annually, the Collective hosts a block party to celebrate the artists who pour their heart and souls into these public pieces, and it has been going strong for more than 10 years. The event includes musical guests, food trucks, and local vendors to keep the vibes entertaining, and according to their Instagram page, the turnout is more than successful.

Sort of like Van Gogh's world tour exhibition, the Bushwick Collective gives you an artistic experience from a different lens. Here, it surrounds your everyday life and is created through a variety of mediums. Since the location is public, when a new artist comes to the scene, you can immerse yourself in their work, as they create their murals from scratch. You can also become a part of the art by learning how to hone your skills as a graffiti artist. For example, Graff Tours will give you a lesson on how to spray a blank canvas like an expert. If you'd rather just be a spectator, there are several ways to experience the culture in town, including art galleries.

As a booming art hub in New York City, Bushwick has over 50 art galleries and spaces for people to display their beautiful pieces. Not only do galleries accept the already professional painter and sculptor, but some aim to encourage new artists to come forth and share their work. For instance, the Bushwick Gallery provides an "open call" for creators to submit their series in an exhibition. Bushwick Open Studios is another location that allows space for artists to network, create, and witness other's finished pieces and even works in progress.

The art culture in the vibrant city reaches a diverse range of styles. From abstract to impressionist, as well as sculptures and multimedia, each exhibit showcases a different genre, highlighting the complex talent that reverberates throughout the community. In fact, some artists, like Annika Rhea, are their own canvas, wearing white and painting on themselves, creating a visual 3D experience for viewers.

May it be underground and funky pieces to display, or modern and contemporary color patterns, Bushwick boasts inspiration at every corner and inside every gallery. It's a city where your imagination can run wild, and if you have an open canvas or a blank wall nearby, express yourself. Who knows, maybe you'll ignite an artistic flame you never knew you had.