In a busy, complex world, finding joy in simple pleasures brings us back to the present moment. For us, it might be a cup of aromatic coffee in the morning, a fresh table at a busy restaurant, or an encounter with exciting street art. And there’s no better place than the Bushwick Collective to dive into the world of street art. If you are looking for a room for rent in Bushwick, then here are some places you should definitely visit and see the legendary street art.
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When is the best time to visit Bushwick Collective?
The Bushwick Collective Bloc celebrates the informal start of the summer season each year. It invites great street artists from around the world to create new murals, and this festive outdoor moment also hosts musical performances and food trucks, attracting thousands of people to the area. If you are interested in observing street artists at work, this is a great opportunity. However, it is worth visiting the Bushwick Collective any time of year, as many of the significant murals created as part of the event remain in place, and new ones are constantly appearing on the streets.
How do I get to the Bushwick Collective?
If you’re heading to Bushwick Collective by subway, take the L train and get off at Jefferson St. When traveling by car, the center of the action is the intersection of St. Nicholas Avenue and Troutman Street, but it’s also worth considering nearby attractions like the Yes House or the Brooklyn Beer Garden (both also known for their fantastic street art). Remember that when heading to the Bushwick Collective Bloc party, you should first ensure the roads are clear.
Bushwick Street Art Collective You Must See
“Biggie Smalls” Daniel Mastrion
The unique “Biggie Smalls” mural by Danielle Mastrion, created in 2012 and placed on Troutman Avenue at Bushwick Collective, retains its original location and has remained intact since then. This is a particularly remarkable exclusivity in the world of street art, where works are often temporary. Artist Mastrion, originally from Brooklyn and classically trained in oil painting, recreated the piece for the 10th anniversary. The mural continues to attract the attention of fans around the world, remaining one of the most recognizable and widely photographed pieces of street art not only in North America but perhaps in the world.
Big Ears by Sipros Embankment
Artist Sipros Embankment and his signature “Big Ears” murals have been a fixture at the Bushwick Collective since we started visiting. His latest piece, created in 2022, features the caricatures of famous street artists such as Christian Saravia, DJ Hadix, and his wife, muse Flavia Ramos. The artist’s works always bring a playful touch to the place, from the enigmatic Salvador Dali to a child in a claw machine surrounded by a sea of glazed donuts.
Portrait of a Girl Christina Angelina
Christina Angelina’s portrait is one of our first favorites. Originally created in 2016, this mural has survived and continues to bring us pleasure. The Los Angeles-based artist Starfightera has created numerous stunning portraits throughout her career, winning early fans such as Evanescent’s Ben Moody and attracting corporate partners, including Uber and Porsche. Christina Angelina notes that her characters are often different manifestations of herself. Even though the girl on the Artichoke Basile wall is not as gigantic as other Bushwick Collective murals or her work around the world, it is captivating in its simplicity.
Gods Who Walk Among Us by Robert Vargas
Robert Vargas is famous for his giant portraits that decorate his hometown of Los Angeles and forever preserve the images of such famous local figures as Kobe Bryant and Eddie Van Halen. For the Bushwick Collective Bloc Party’s 10th anniversary in 2021, the Pratt Institute alum returned to his old stomping grounds to create a meaningful piece of street art inspired by the Latino community, which he says “was the first to work and the last to leave.” The large project at Wyckoff Avenue and Troutman Street corner took more than 30 hours to complete and was completed in three days despite downpours and blistering 90-degree heat.
“A Boy and His Dog” by Joe Iurato and Logan Hicks
Joe Iurato’s work is widely known among most local residents. Not only do his creations regularly appear in New York City’s most famous street art venues, such as the Welling Court Mural Project, but they have also become a common feature of the landscape in popular locations such as Asbury Park. Logan Hicks is also well known in the area, having been invited to be one of the artists filling the iconic Bowery mural space.