This past Saturday brought whispers of the word “rockstar” to the streets of Brooklyn. By Sunday afternoon it was a well known fact that the French stencil artist Jef Aerosol had arrived a week early to prepare for his upcoming show at Eastern District/Ad Hoc. Now, it’s not exactly unusual for those of us who follow street art to get excited when a talented & high profile artist has a show in New York. But what is a lot more unusual was the level of respect and adoration that Jef has inspired in just about every person that he has had contact with since landing here. Though his lanky, rocker look and confident stride screams of a 60’s era Rolling Stones, his conversation is more likely to center around stories of family and friends rather than trips to rehab. After 30 years in the game, and as one of the elite few who can rightfully be called a legend of street art, few would blame Jef for a little bit of ego or attitude. Yet with each day that passes, the man somehow becomes more gracious and kind, even with the videographer/photographer Carlito Brigante and I in hot pursuit of him!

If you are in New York this Friday, January 29th, the opening of Jef Aerosol’s “All Shook Up” is one that you will not want to miss. If you are unable to be here for the fun, enjoy Carlito’s video and my documentation of a day in Bushwick, Brooklyn with Jef…and we promise that there is more to come!

All Shook Up: Jef Aerosol
January 29 – February 21, 2010
Opening Reception – Friday, January 29, 2010, 6-10pm
Gallery Hours: Thurs & Fri: 4pm-8pm; Sat & Sun: noon-8pm
Ad Hoc Art @ 43 Bogart Street/Eastern District, Brooklyn, New York 11206
(via subway take the “L” Train to the Morgan Avenue Station)

Text and Pictures by Becki Fuller: flickr - blog
Video by Carlito Brigante: flickr - vimeo - blog