The LISA Project Picks Their Favorite Artworks From Artnet’s ‘Urban Art’ Sale
Wayne Rada and Rey “The DR¡F” Rosa share which collectible works they're most excited about right now.
If there’s anyone who knows street art, it’s the founders of the LISA Project: as a volunteer-based non-profit organization, LISA Project has been dedicated to bringing a diverse group of local, national, and international artists to Lower Manhattan. Over the last eight years, it has grown into an incredible cultural force that’s collaborated with artists ranging from Shepard Fairey to Stik, bringing their art to life in the form of vibrant murals you can find scattered throughout downtown Manhattan.
The project’s success is all thanks to the leadership of two people, Wayne Rada and Rey “The DR¡F” Rosa: Wayne, a lifelong art enthusiast with a background in comedy, who acts as the organization’s curator and director, and Rey, muralist and photographer, who together co-founded the LISA Project NYC to help create opportunities for artists and bring greater appreciation and awareness for art to the public.
We recently connected with the dynamic duo at the perfect time — Artnet Auctions just launched the latest edition of its Urban Art sale. Full of popular prints and bold original works by KAWS, Dondi White, Banksy, Richard Hambleton, Rammellzee, and many more, this online auction is live for bidding now through March 12.
On a sunny Monday afternoon, we caught up with Wayne and Rey who shared their favorite works in the sale:
Richard Hambleton
Exploding Shadow Head
“Living in the East Village for the last 21 years, we were lucky enough to have seen ‘The Shadowman’ in studio action. It was easy to get sucked into his madness, and instantly understand why he was one of our Street Art pioneers. This moody piece feels like a self-portrait of an artist’s uncertain future transferred to canvas.” Learn more.
Henry Chalfant
Passion of Zephyr
“You can count on a four fingered hand how many relevant photographers genuinely covered the birth of graffiti. Henry’s train photographs show us the complete graffiti piece, the collaboration between photographer and graffiti artist. Passion of Zephyr is an exceptional example of this era. A look back in time, at where it all started. Know your roots!” Learn more.
Kenny Scharf
Untitled #2
“If you asked us who would we include on the Mount Rushmore of New York’s Downtown art scene, Kenny Scharf would be there. His work taps into that inner child in all of us, full of energy and joy. Who wouldn’t love to wake up to this happy little guy everyday?” Learn more.
KAWS
Kate Moss, White Gloves
“Pause for KAWS everybody! This print has a great ‘Old Master’ vibe look to it. Over laying his now classic ‘Companion’ motif, over Kate Moss’ face and hands creating a dramatic haunting image. This one is truly gorgeous!” Learn more.
Fred Braithwaite (Fab 5 Freddy)
Valium & Cocktails
“One of us being a child of the 80’s, I have fond memories of racing home after school to watch Yo! MTV Raps, and its’ cool as fuck host Fab 5 Freddy. I remember always wondering what those fun nightclubs were like, introducing street art and hip hop to the masses. What this tongue-in-cheek piece on paper tells us, is how they start the party. A humorous look back to those decadent 80’s. You can’t help but smile… ahhh, those were the days.” Learn more.
Explore these and other works in Urban Art, live for bidding now through March 12, 2020 on Artnet Auctions.
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