When I cycle to work, I follow the same basic route on most days. Sometimes I'm detoured. For example, about three years ago, the RFK Memorial Bridge was closed, so I had to go through the East Side of Manhattan rather than Randall's Island. At other times, however, I take short side-trips that more or less parallel my normal commute.
This morning was one of those times. For some reason, when I got to the Bronx side of the Randall's Island Connector, I decided to turn right rather than left on 133rd Street. Then I took a left onto Walnut Avenue, which cuts through the industrial heart of Port Morris and ends at 141st Street. Normally, I would take Willow Avenue, which parallels Walnut but ends at 138th Street.
Along Willow Avenue, I pass a great piece of street art. But on 141st, where I rode this morning, I encountered an even grander (OK, the artists themselves probably wouldn't use such a term!) urban artscape:
Tats Cru is a group of graffiti artists who have become muralists. Depending on who you ask, they "evolved", "went mainstream" or "sold out". I suspect that when they reached an age at which they had to support themselves, and possibly others, they took whatever someone was willing to pay for their work. I can't say I blame them.
What it means is that some of their work, at least, will survive. And so will they. I am happy for that. So many people and things haven't--except in the memories of people who've lived, and cycled, in this city.
This morning was one of those times. For some reason, when I got to the Bronx side of the Randall's Island Connector, I decided to turn right rather than left on 133rd Street. Then I took a left onto Walnut Avenue, which cuts through the industrial heart of Port Morris and ends at 141st Street. Normally, I would take Willow Avenue, which parallels Walnut but ends at 138th Street.
Along Willow Avenue, I pass a great piece of street art. But on 141st, where I rode this morning, I encountered an even grander (OK, the artists themselves probably wouldn't use such a term!) urban artscape:
Tats Cru is a group of graffiti artists who have become muralists. Depending on who you ask, they "evolved", "went mainstream" or "sold out". I suspect that when they reached an age at which they had to support themselves, and possibly others, they took whatever someone was willing to pay for their work. I can't say I blame them.
What it means is that some of their work, at least, will survive. And so will they. I am happy for that. So many people and things haven't--except in the memories of people who've lived, and cycled, in this city.
