New Documentary on Graff and Street Art Grrlz: “Street Heroines”

Because I'm a mother of a beautiful amazing brilliant small child, sometimes I miss the other stuff going on in life. But don't get it twisted, I'm still down! 😉 Last night was one of those times, but luckily because Pau is painting at SUNY New Paltz this week (and on a panel today with me!), I … Continue reading New Documentary on Graff and Street Art Grrlz: “Street Heroines”

Know Your Herstory: CatFight Digital Zine

So I'm in the middle of writing a new chapter for Graffiti Grrlz: Performing Feminism in the Hip Hop Diaspora based on two old ones (from my dissertation) and I realized two things: 1) I'm writing about how performances of feminism circulate online and my blog has been woefully neglected (my bad! writing a book, teaching, and … Continue reading Know Your Herstory: CatFight Digital Zine

From the Archives: An interview with hemispheric graffitera MISS163

[written Summer 2013] No Somos “Mariposas,” Somos “MariPUSSY”: An Interview with Graffiti Art Activist MISS163 aka Sharon Lee De La Cruz. Walking through the streets of New York City you are bound to note the graffiti-covered buildings, bridges, and tunnels. You may ask yourself “how,” but have you ever wondered: “why” or “who?” Approximately 28 … Continue reading From the Archives: An interview with hemispheric graffitera MISS163

Hanging out in a dirty tunnel…getting in touch with the “Erotic” (a la Lorde)

Some people go to the gym, some people do needlepoint, this is what I do…I hang out in dirty tunnels and I like it. ~Itsa, 2015 When I speak of the erotic, then, I speak of it as an assertion of the life force of women; of that creative energy empowered, the knowledge and use of … Continue reading Hanging out in a dirty tunnel…getting in touch with the “Erotic” (a la Lorde)

The Real Revolutionary Potential Of Banksy Identifying As A Woman…Is Not That They’d “Be” A Woman.

On October 31st, HBO premiered the documentary Banksy Does New York. Similar to the kerfuffle over Banksy’s identity after the premiere of Exit Through the Gift Shop, this past week has seen “a revived interest” in knowing—once and for all?—just who they* really are (because “obviously” the identity of a public figure should be knowable, … Continue reading The Real Revolutionary Potential Of Banksy Identifying As A Woman…Is Not That They’d “Be” A Woman.

Femme Fierce: Leake Street All Female Take Over

My timing in terms of availability for travel this Spring is--to say the least--utterly tragic. First, I missed hanging out with the street artists in Cairo during Phase 2 of the WOW campaign. And now, to add insult to injury I will be missing a mega-event for female graffiti artists in London on March 8th...International Women's … Continue reading Femme Fierce: Leake Street All Female Take Over

Ruby Bridges Walks, a Public Art Series by Miss163 in the Bronx.

Just thought you outta know about Miss163's latest project, funded by the DOT's Urban Arts Program. You can peep it on Hunts Point ave, passing the Bruckner Expressway.  I've been working with the image of Ruby Bridges because I feel that communities of color  need to analyze and take note of how she was used … Continue reading Ruby Bridges Walks, a Public Art Series by Miss163 in the Bronx.

BUY this issue!!! Read my piece: Graffiteras Performing Feminist Community!!

I'm THRILLED to announce that the Fall 2013 issue of TDR: The Journal of Performance Studies has DROPPED!! My piece on Crazis Crew, Turronas Crew, and Rede Nami “Be About it: Graffiteras Performing Feminist Community” joins works on Censorship in Egypt, Hip Hop in Israel, TDR's first born–digital article and more! Here is the (truncated) … Continue reading BUY this issue!!! Read my piece: Graffiteras Performing Feminist Community!!

“Wild Thing” Artwork by Sharon Lee de la Cruz aka MISS163 Opens Tonight!

If you're in NYC tonight, swing through the opening at bOb!! bOb Bar is pleased to present Wild Thing, an exhibition of work by graffiti artist MS163. Please join us for an opening reception on Wednesday, July 3rd to meet the artist and celebrate her work. In MS163’s series Wild Thing, the fictional yet familiar character … Continue reading “Wild Thing” Artwork by Sharon Lee de la Cruz aka MISS163 Opens Tonight!

Report from Graf Grrlz on the Rise, Week 1

In my last entry, I mentioned I’d be working with a program for girls here in Miami called Women on the Rise! The program itself works with various organizations over the summer, but as of last Tuesday I’ve been spending my days at the Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart with a program called Honey … Continue reading Report from Graf Grrlz on the Rise, Week 1