Artist Alley @ Extra Place: Music Machine Opens 5/19

On Saturday, May 19, 2012, Fourth Arts Block (FABnyc) will present Music Machine by Sonni, the second exhibit in a rotating public art program for Artist Alley @ Extra Place. Artist Alley @ Extra Place is tucked behind the former CBGB's and surrounded by several galleries. Artist Alley celebrates Extra Place as a cultural marker in New York City's Punk and No Wave scene and its potential as fertile ground for a new generation of creative exchange.

Sonni was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He began his career by painting murals in different neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, creating a following with his cheerful "characters de faciones" painted in primary colors. He is considered to be part of the first generation of street artists in Argentina. He was commissioned to do a public mural in Buenos Aires subway stations and the Glace Palace Museum. He was also invited to participate in solo and group shows in Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, The United States, Canada and Taiwan. In 2008, he was invited to work with art company FriendsWithYou as Senior Art Director.

In December of 2010, Sonni was commissioned to paint two murals for Art Basel Miami. His 30 ft high "BoomBox" was named Best Public Art of 2011 by the Miami New Times. Shortly after, Sonni put on 3 solo shows, 2 in Miami and 1 in New York for the world's largest character design fair, Pictoplasma. Sonni currently lives in New York where he is doing what he loves best. 

This exhibit is the latest in a series of temporary art installations in atypical locations in the Lower East Side through FABnyc's ArtUp program, which is produced in collaboration with MaNY Project. Through ArtUp, FABnyc seeks to reinvigorate underutilized spaces through public art and community partnerships. The exhibit is supported by AvalonBay Communities and is funded, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.