Adam Poplawski

I have been taking the 7 train for many years and have never really paid attention to 5 Pointz. All I saw was graffiti; lots and lots of graffiti that really didn’t matter to me, or interest me in the slightest. Until it was discussed in my English class this year, I didn’t even know that it had an official name.  Then, when I had a chance to visit it, and actually walk through it on my own time, I was really blown away. There were so many different colors, techniques, and interesting pieces that were placed on this still-running factory building. After seeing this amazing location, right as you enter Long Island City, I knew that I had to come back to see it again.

Now that I have knowledge of what “site-specific art” is, I know that 5 Pointz-Long Island City is a shining example of it. The graffiti, or street art, is not just placed randomly. Every piece has a purpose, and is placed in an area for a reason, whether it is because an artist is particularly good or famous, or if they are just starting out. On the top rings of the building, the names of deceased artists are written as a sign of respect and homage to their art and their contributions to graffiti in general. When I learned that fact, it really struck a chord, knowing that all the names on those two tiers are like grave markers.   In the inside walls of the courtyard there are large murals that show off the intricacy of graffiti art. These are not just “ugly” names written on billboards, these are monumental pieces that take days, weeks, even months to complete for our viewing pleasure. All around the building there are various other pieces. The ones on the immediate side street are usually painted by artists who are not as famous, simply because it is not prime retail space. People have to physically walk by it to see it, and cars do not usually go down that road, which cause it to be inhabited by pieces from less renown artists.

The main reason that 5-Pointz is “site-specific” is because of the wall of graffiti that can be seen from the 7-train. I first saw this as an intrusion on the beautiful, luxurious condos and office buildings that now reside in Long Island City. Now, I see it as site-specific art is supposed to be seen, as something that “intervenes in our perception and use of space.” As I have said previously, every piece of art is there for a reason.  It must be shocking for someone, especially a tourist coming from Manhattan to see this giant wall of graffiti, especially in the middle of such a gentrified, urban neighborhood, full of shimmering and sparkling buildings. This shows the opposite of what we perceive a “nice” neighborhood to look like, and shows us that graffiti is not just a sign of urban decay or a ghetto. It can be, and it is, art. Even the way that is so highly organized, with specific places for specific types of artists, and is actually curated like a gallery, shows just how respected of a place it is.

The factory that 5 Pointz resides on also shows how the graffiti there is considered to be “site-specific.” The factory might have just stood there, collecting dust, just housing whatever needs to be housed there. This outdoor art gallery does not have to be in some sort of exclusive locale in the village, or in a high-end art gallery. These artists have completely transformed the banal; what was once a plane factory is now a beautiful testament to the beauty that is street art. The artists who showcase their work here are not doing it for millions of dollars. They are doing it because they love street art and they want to show it off to the world and more specifically, New York City. This building is now only a statement about graffiti, but also about the love of the craft by those who do it.

It seems, unfortunately, that 5 Pointz will torn down very soon. This factory which houses some of the most amazing pieces that I have ever seen will probably be replaced by a luxury condominium. I would love for this site-specific art to stay here a while longer, but if it doesn’t, I’m glad I was able to see it, and truly feel bad for the generations of people who won’t. I hope that everyone who has a chance to see 5 Pointz will see it; before it’s too late. Hopefully in the future, another area will open its doors for a revival of this noteworthy public art.