JazWorks

Jill Zaheer's JAZWORKS: A Tapestry of Mixed Media, Painting, Collaborations, Photography, and Poetry

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Magical Mystery Tour of El Barrio!

Many of my city New York City photos are taken in the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park or in midtown Manhattan.  This time,  I decided to take a magical mystery tour off my usual beaten path to El Barrio. The technical area spans from East 96th Street to 142nd Street between the East and Harlem Rivers and Fifth Avenue. Within these streets you can see murals on buildings, hear the sounds of Spanish music playing in the background and inhale aromas of Mexican and Spanish cooking everywhere you go.
The huge mural that runs the length of the building below was created to reflect the neighborhood in the 1970s-with portraits of its residents painted by artist Hank Prussing in 1978.  It was later restored by artist Manuel Vega portraying the newer Latin influence within the community.



Below- La Calle de Pedro Pietri painted by street artist James De La Vega  in 2004.


La Reina  de la Salsa Celia Cruz on 103rd street by James De La Vega.







Gotta love New York! 

10 comments:

Seth said...

This is magical. The energy, colors, and sense of life just burst off the murals on these buildings. Thanks for bringing this part of NYC to the rest of the world.

deb said...

ditto to what Seth said. I have never visited this part of the city, it looks amazing

Steen said...

Wow – great post. You found something special for us. I know one can walk the streets of New York forever and always find new things - it’s a treasure-house of art and music. From wherever you go and show us your impressions you can always make me want to visit and explore. Thanks!!

Patti Edmon Artist said...

love, love, love these shots!! how cool to see such fabulous art while walking. and to think it all started with graffiti:)
take good care!
xo

layers said...

I will have to go here on my next visit to NYC- my son lives there and is attending Columbia U. for his MFA... we always go to art-y places.

rivergardenstudio said...

Dear Jill, I am so amazed to see all this beautiful art on the sides and walls of buildings. These paintings seem so rich with culture. Thank you for sharing this journey with us! roxanne

Unknown said...

Indeed!!! love the diversity of these graffiti walls!

Anonymous said...

oh how i've been missing you, my sweet friend!! we've been gone most of the past three weeks but i'm now home. phew!

what a gorgeous post! when i come to NY, boys in tow, will you take me to see some of these gorgeous sights (or tell me where to find them)? i LOVE all of these gorgeous paintings -- they are so vibrant and full of energy and emotion. love them! and love you! let's chat soon -- i need a jilly fix. :)

xx

~*~Patty S said...

Thank you for magical mystery tour of El Barrio...so very wonderful Jilly! WOW!
oxo

Parabolic Muse said...

These are so gorgeous! I love it that people have documented their lives here. awesome.

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