Image via Complex Original
For a countless number of people, 5 Pointz was an integral part of their everyday lives. Whether they were active graffiti artists themselves or simply enjoyed passing by it on their daily commute, to many New Yorkers, 5 Pointz was an inextricable part of the city. It served a mecca for street art and hip-hop, but more than that, it was the rare kind of space where people could gather freely and enjoy art, music, and a sense of community together.
Needless to say, its overnight whitewashing in 2013 came as devastating news for many. A year later to this day, fans and artists alike continue to grapple with the loss of their beloved space. Although bittersweet, reminiscing on the iconic spot reminds us also of the incredible history behind the place and the innumerable ways in which it touched members of its vast community. From serving as the site for music videos and secret concerts, to paying tribute to the heroes of 9/11, here are 10 Legendary Moments in 5 Pointz's History.
It served as the backdrop for Joss Stone's hit song “Tell Me 'Bout It.”
Year: 2007
The music video for the English soul singer's hit song was filmed on location at 5 Pointz. The curator of 5 Pointz, street artist Meres One, makes a cameo appearance in the video, as does musician/producer Raphael Saadiq. When Stone heard about 5 Pointz's imminent demolition, she signed the petition to save it and urged others to do the same, tweeting, “It would be so sad to see this place die.”
It was immortalized in the series finale of Rescue Me.
Year: 2011
5 Pointz served as the dramatic backdrop for the series finale of Rescue Me, where it was shown engulfed in CGI-generated flames. Coincidentally (or maybe not), 5 Pointz also happened to be known as the “Institute of Higher Burning.”
Its 10-year anniversary benefit featured local hip-hop artists.
Year: 2012
In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, 5 Pointz held a benefit concert featuring performances from local hip-hop artists like Homeboy Sandman and DJ Milk Money. For the celebration, pieces by legendary graffiti artists, including Meres One and Christian Cortes, were raffled off. All proceeds went to buying supplies and enabling artists to further contribute to 5 Pointz. Above all, the concert was a way to "give back to the people" and a form of "welcoming new artists from all over the globe."
It was featured in a climactic scene in Now You See Me.
Year: 2013
The magical thriller, starring a slew of big names, including Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, featured 5 Pointz in one of its climactic scenes. The scene captured not only the building but surrounding elements like the subway train and food carts that, for so many people, are familiar and integral sights in their daily lives.
It paid tribute to the father of hip-hop himself, DJ Kool Herc.
Year: 2013
Legend has it that hip-hop was born on August 11, 1973, when Kool Herc DJed for a “Back to School Jam” party in the Bronx, launching a new genre of music with his revolutionary style. In tribute to the iconic figure in hip-hop history, artist Danielle Mastrion was selected to paint a mural of Herc's face at 5 Pointz. The finished product was unveiled at 5 Pointz's 40th anniversary of hip-hop, where Herc himself made an appearance.
International street artists Icy and Sot painted a mural there.
Year: 2013
The brother-duo have been making waves with their stunning works, most of which deal with themes like youth, oppression, war, and peace. Considering the fact that Icy and Sot hail from Iran, where graffiti artists are often accused of Satanism, their commitment to street art is all the more profound. Last year, the pair graced 5 Pointz with a vibrant mural of a young boy spraying a rainbow from an aerosol can. Icy and Sot's contribution to 5 Pointz, like those of the many other international artists who have painted there, is a testament to 5 Pointz's universal impact.
It served as the stage for an emotional last b-boy battle.
Year: 2013
As much a haven for street art as it was a hot spot for hip-hop, 5 Pointz served as the site for many breakdancing battles throughout its lifetime. Not long after the emotional news of its impending destruction broke out, 5 Pointz held what was to be its very last b-boy battle. Photographer Eric Lau documented the exuberant event with black and white film, capturing 5 Pointz's ability to bring people together.
Hordes of people rallied together to save it from destruction.
Year: 2013
The devastating confirmation that 5 Pointz would be demolished sparked a "Save 5 Pointz" rally that drew out hundreds of people to Long Island City. But the rally felt more like a "final, fond farewell" than an angry demonstration. Old school hip-hop blared in the background, and members of the community gave speeches reminiscing about what the site meant to them. The effort to save 5 Pointz also included a petition that generated thousands of signatures, as well as the public support from arguably the most famous graffiti artist in the world, Banksy.
Its whitewashing inspired a new art exhibit.
Year: 2014
After 5 Pointz's devastating overnight whitewashing, artists struggled to grapple with the sudden loss of their beloved space. In response, the Jeffrey Leder Gallery created "Whitewash," an exhibit allowing 5 Pointz artists to express the sense of anger and sadness they experienced after witnessing the whitewashing of their haven. Although many of the works in "Whitewash" deal with melancholy themes, the exhibit ultimately provided a much-needed sense of closure for these artists, as well let them explore potential future directions.
A group of 5 Pointz artists commemorated the victims of 9/11.
Year: 2014
For the 13th anniversary of 9/11, members of 5 Pointz's artistic community painted a mural commemorating the tragedy as well as honoring living heroes. Special tribute was paid to Joe Conzo, a hip-hop photographer as well as an EMT who was one of the first responders at the World Trade Center. Painted in Brooklyn, shortly after the beginning of 5 Pointz's destruction, the mural stands as a testament to its community's devotion to continue creating art under any circumstances.
