August 12, 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the passing of one of the great figures in the annals of American art history. Jean-Michel Basquiat died of a heroin overdose on a "day just like today," depriving us all of what would could have been. What might have Basquiat produced had he remained with us for "Desert Storm" in '91; "NAFTA" in '93-94; or "9/11" and the emerging post 9/11 global order? Unfortunately we shall never know. We did have Basquiat with us for a little while at least. Here is an all too brief look at the work of...

The Birdman | a Jesse Auritt film https://vimeo.com/71501308 Profiling Rainbow Music and her shopowner: the "Birdman." There's not a lot of places like around anymore - and there's not a lot of businessmen like the Birdman left. Old school, baby. "With CDs, VHSs and old cassette tapes stacked head high, Rainbow Music is a hoarder's paradise. However, its quirky owner, known as 'The Birdman', knows exactly where everything is. Amidst the Starbucks and Subways popping up on every corner of the East Village, Rainbow Music maintains its mom and pop feel, and is a hidden gem to its patrons. Due...

It is very hard not to fall in love with these collages, creations of Brooklyn artist Mark Wagner. Has there ever been a collection of work that reflects truth more than these? It is very humbling to see one artist find a means to hit paydirt in terms of actualizing truth in his or her artwork such as this. At the same time it is extremely bad ass. For more on the artist check out his webpage at Mark Wagner Inc. via JUX

https://vimeo.com/4353556 Probably the most beautiful skate video you'll ever see.

Check out Conan O'Brien in the latest episode, a vintage edition, of "Clueless Gamer." Conan goes old school with the Atari 2600. via DVR

Tristan Eaton's new work for the Lisa Project in Little Italy on Mulberry & Broome. via SAN

"Detective Comics" #258 (Mar 1958) | cover art by Sheldon Moldoff No truth to the rumor that Fox, Shark and the Vulture-man will be appearing in the next Batman movie. via CBC

Intriguing new work from Hyuro appearing in Valencia. via SAN