Allan Molho on Keeping the Memory of Robert Janz Alive

In late fall, the fiercely impartial and ingenious multimedia artist Robert Janz died at the age of 88. Because transferring to Tribeca several a long time back, he experienced reworked his neighboring streets into an unconventional open up air gallery. Intent on enriching our consciousness and appreciation of the ephemeral with his artworks and poems, he quietly raged versus consumerism, greed, egotism and human defilement of the atmosphere.

Before this calendar year, photographer and artist Allan Molho graced Duane Street — just numerous ways from the place Robert Janz had lived — with the installation pictured over in his honor. What follows is an job interview with Allan, together with images of Robert Janz‘s work that Allan Molho had captured.

When did you to start with come upon Robert Janz‘s distinct aesthetic in a general public space?

Back in 2011, I identified images of mountains and birds more than ads on a building internet site.

What originally attracted you to Janz‘s work?

I was attracted to its subversive mother nature. I favored that Janz was not promoting a merchandise. There was almost nothing commercial about his function. It was pure conversation. In addition to ripping up ads to repurpose them as flowers or birds, he also still left poems on  walls.

You have been of course encouraged by him.

Sure, he undoubtedly motivated me He had a serene belief in his get the job done and in his creativeness. And as an artist, I know how essential this is. I’m also impressed by his resolve to proceed getting his message out in community spaces till his late 80’s.

What spurred you to photograph Janz‘s work through the past decade?

I wished to share it with other individuals. Janz was a wonderful artist, and his tips are important. He was distinctive in many means.

And what influenced you to put in this memorial to him on Duane Street?

Due to the fact of the ephemeral character of Janz‘s public art in this community, I want to retain his memory alive. It is essential that he be remembered.

Have you crafted any other public installations that pay tribute to other folks?

Sure. Among people whom I’ve honored in general public areas are: Michael Stewart, Timothy Caughman and Covid 19 health professionals.

Be aware: Be absolutely sure to test out Allan Molho‘s web site — www.memorialsnewyork.com, — for an ongoing documentation of  NYC memorials, tributes and commemorations.

Images: 1 Lois Stavsky 2-6 Allan Molho

Tagged as:
Allan Molho,
ephemeral art,
NYC Street Art,
images,
general public art,
Robert Janz,
road artwork,
Street Art NYC,
Tribeca,
upcycled,
city art,
city intervention