Eirini Alligiannis was just in New York City to launch a photography book Art on the Wall – a visual narrative of graffiti art in NYC. In fact if you did not know that Alligiannis is a Sydneysider, the filmmaker and photographer looks like she belongs to Bushwick, or Astoria.
Her Hellenic Diaspora links make NYC a natural other home for Alligiannis. The artist has carved out a space as a documentarist of urban scenes and movements.
Alligiannis melds storytelling with deep visual insight, and her work has been presented in exhibitions across Sydney, New York City, and Paris. Her work has even illuminated the towering billboards of Times Square.
Her foray into filmmaking has been remarkable, her debut short documentary – she wrote, directed, and produced – amassed over 70 awards on the international documentary film festival circuit.
Alligiannis’s book, Art on the Wall,’ centres around New York City’s graffiti art scene.
Talking to Neos Kosmos, Alligiannis said that the first chapter delves into her internationally award-winning documentary.
“It vividly portrays the essence of 5Pointz – once a legal haven for artists that, sadly, no longer exists.”
She digs deep and provides authentic, neo-ethnographic photographic narratives.
“The photos feature breakdances Ze Motion showcasing his talent alongside these captivating pieces.
The book also looks at Alligiannis’s documentary on Brooklyn’s ‘Bushwick Collective, founded and curated by Joe Ficalora, the Collective has developed into a remarkable open-air gallery since its debut mural appeared in 2011.
Drawing an imposing mix of artists from around the world, it features street art—ranging from iconic Blek Le Rat stencils to expansive collaborative pieces by internationally acclaimed artists like Case Ma’Claim and Pixel Pancho.
The constantly expanding Bushwick Collective has revitalised its surroundings, turning what was once a predominantly bleak industrial area into creative and tourist hotspot.
“I had the honour of interviewing Joe Ficalora, the visionary behind this project, who welcomed me with open arms and now considers me family. Together, we explored Brooklyn’s dynamic street art culture.
“New Yorkers embraced me, and often assume I live here,” says Alligiannis.
“They’re drawn to me, fascinated by my vibe, and they always seem to love my hair”, she laughs.
Alligiannis has a presence, it’s hard to not want to know her.
“People seem to want to get to know me, someone once said, ‘It’s not just what you do, it’s the way you do it, there’s a certain magic to it.’”
The pope of New Journalism, Thomas Wolfe once said; ‘One belongs to New York instantly. One belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.’
Anyone who has been let alone lived in the world’s greatest metropolis understands.
“New York is this incredible tapestry where culture and people are seamlessly woven together,” Alligiannis says.
The most multicultural city in the world, and possibly the most unique is seductive as it is challenging.
“There’s this palpable energy here.
“You can feel that everyone is eager to connect, curious about who you are and what you do. It’s like they’re yearning for a connection but aren’t always sure how to initiate it,” Alligiannis says from the Big Apple.
Alligiannis adds that the “beauty of NYC is in the unpredictability.”
“You never know who you’ll meet or how a chance encounter might change everything. That first genuine connection can be transformative.
“In New York, anything is possible.
Alligiannis maybe from Sydney, however the Diaspora Hellene can easily be a New Yorker and a Greek one at that – what is creal is that Art on the Wall is only the begining for this artist.
To purchase copies of Art on the Wall email artonthewallbyeirini@gmail.com
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