Art imitating life: a clever street artist has captured what is likely a common scene around the neighborhood, and leaves onlookers to wonder whether this is in fact a self-portrait. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

Bushwick is a Gallery

Heavily populated with current and former warehouses, Bushwick is not set up to be among the more aesthetically-pleasing of neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Its artistic residents, however, appear dead set on ensuring that its streets and buildings are anything but boring to look at. From the massive murals that fill the sides of most buildings, to the hidden surprises in the windows of private residences, Bushwick’s artistic community fills every available space with color, art, and quirk.

Yellow eyes convey a questioning gaze from the top of this Isuzu moving truck, located along Flushing Ave. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

This figure’s intense expression stands in stark contrast to its relatively mundane surroundings on Grattan St. and Morgan Ave. “Beast” is the only legible credit appearing on the figure’s neck. December 4, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

Though difficult to see here, a wire outline of an angel teddy bear holding balloons hangs from the street light on the corner of Morgan Ave. and Harrison Pl. It would be an easy piece to miss, but in Bushwick one should always be looking up for a chance to catch sight of such charming and subtle artwork. December 4, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

It’s difficult to determine whether graffiti has enhanced the pop-art feel of this billboard, or if its romantic statements were part of the original piece. Either way, this colorful placard livens up what is an otherwise empty parking lot on Bogart and Moore St. December 5, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

A cheerful mechanical sculpture is an unexpectedly playful detail on top of this garage at H&H Auto Repair, located on Flushing Ave. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

The “Tyrome Tripoli Tree” sits outside a private residence on Wilson Ave. December 5, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

The Bushwick Collective is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 that is responsible for much of Bushwick’s street art, including the mural above. Calling itself an “outdoor street gallery”, The Bushwick Collective features the work of artists from all over the world. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

This face crafted out of a canvas-like ribbon material has a very sage expression as it stares out at the traffic on Flushing Ave. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

One of my favorite Bushwick art pieces, this graffiti sends a message that is both literal and figurative. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

The work of one of The Bushwick Collective’s artists, this recognizable van is spotted in all parts of the neighborhood. Here, it is seen resting on Troutman St. December 5, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

While it would be easy to assume he has been set out in the spirit of the season, Santa has actually been sitting in this makeshift display cage on Hart St. since I moved to the neighborhood in August. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

Though perhaps not what some might consider “art” by definition, sightings like these statues outside of a private residence on Central Ave. contribute to the neighborhood’s overall decorative feeling. December 5, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

A small crocheted sketch reads “The Little Prince of Bel-Air”, and an apparently Will Smith version of the famous literary character stands atop a moon that reads “Hollywood,” located off Wyckoff Ave. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

A series of seemingly unrelated images fill up a long stretch of wall along Jefferson St. and Myrtle Ave. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)

Though not as grandiose as some of the mural art, even little sketches like this scatological figure contribute to the feeling that in Bushwick impish art is absolutely everywhere. This particular scribble is located on the gate of a private residence on Hart St. December 6, 2016 (©Micaela Heck, NYU)