5 POINTZ

5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, Inc. (also known as the Institute of Higher Burnin') is a converted warehouse space in Long Island City in Queens, which is completely covered with graffiti.  It originated as a safe place for graffiti artists to write, in order to discourage vandalism.  Writers from all over the world have tagged the city-block-sized abandoned warehouse, and it's been the site of some of the most compelling street art in the five boroughs--hence the name 5 Pointz.  This year, a $400 million residential project was approved, which will require demolition of the site.  In my protest, I hit 5 Pointz in a blank canvas dress, in search of writers who wanted to make their mark.

Tags by Kid Lew, Kazu, Shiro Japan!, and others.

Dress: H&M

Tagged with aerosol spray paint & Sharpies

Boots: Franco Sarto

Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Photos by Kathy Paciello and myself.