3rd Ward Brooklyn/Antistrot Mural

by Peter Aleksa

This weekend I got a chance to check out the Antistrot mural at 3rd Ward in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, I was a bit late in getting over to see the mural and missed all of the performances that the group staged to accompany it.

The six member, Netherlands based Antistrot collective create neurotic works that, while they come from six different places at once, avoid seeming disjointed. The multiple images and themes all manage to flow.

If I were to give you a completely inadequate one-line description of their work it would go something like this: A lot of sexual imagery juxtaposed with dinosaurs and simians. Filled with naked women and guns it speaks to new the american dream. Yet, there's something very off putting about the way in which the sex is offered up. It's very cheap and objectified and you get the feeling these women have been used many times before, while the men come off as predatory.

The 3rd Ward building itself is a pretty cool space located in a largely industrial area of East Williamsburg at 195 Morgan Ave at the corner of Stagg. For a quick description of 3rd Ward, here is this from the 3rd Ward mission statement:

3rd Ward is a 20,000 sq. ft. workspace and studio facility for artists & creative professionals, located in East Williamsburg. Our facility was formed based on the needs of contemporary artists and creatives whose work is often multidisciplinary... By helping artists pursue professional careers and creative projects, 3rd Ward is spearheading a movement that aims to create a permanent artist community in Brooklyn. ...space includes a photo studio, wood shop, metal shop, dance studio, audio/music recording & rehearsal studio, digital media lab, post production suite, conference room, large shared office space, and computer lab...

The staff there seemed pretty friendly and helpful and it appeared like there was a good amount of activity going on. Definately seemed like a good creative environment and basic membership runs $30/month for a one year membership. So, fucking check it out already...