"In my new work, Bluebeard (LES Time Traveler), I have created a multiple image timeline of the landscape historic to the Lower East Side, from Houston St. to the Bowery to the East River. Like pages torn from the history books, this story is told through images of the building facades, landmarks, signage of famous establishments and people from this rich area of immigration. The cropped signage challenges the most savvy local to guess the establishment it pertains to, while it's new cryptic wording creates a love poem to the neighborhood.  The sun and moon arc across the sky and pigeons fly a figure eight to all corners of the canvas. As it depicts the ever evolving area from an apple tree to a futuristic hover taxi and much in between, we are reminded of our past, present and a forward look to the future.”  -Steve Ellis

Steve Ellis (b. 1970)  has worked closely in his Lower East Side art community for over two decades. Ellis is an adjunct professor at School of Visual Arts and teaches drawing to inmates at Rikers Island. He has exhibited extensively in the US, internationally and beyond the gallery walls with commissions for film titles, album covers, skateboards and most recently the Coney Island Cyclone front car panel. 

www.stevellis.com / @stevellisart