ANTHROPOMORPHIC SIGNS

Anthropomorphic figures in advertising go way back. We are biologically programmed to respond to human representation in all things and advertisers know that people are more likely to purchase something that they can emotionally connect to. 

                               Auto repair shop R.I.

                                Drive-in, Conn.

                                Laundromat, Brooklyn

                                                   Rastaman Taco, Chelsea

                                Barber Shop, Bushwick

                                Papi is in Queens

                                 Kleen Machine Laundromat, Brooklyn

                                  all photos ©Ken Brown

"GHOST SIGNS" NYC.

"Ghost signs" are found in cities and towns around the country and are the last vestiges of the hand painted billboards that were a major form of advertising in an era that predated TV and vinyl.  Time and weather, but mostly real estate shifts have made them increasingly rare. Here are a few found around the city.

                                Send a bouquet from Greenpoint

                              OK, this one was found in Beloit Wi. at my nieces graduation.

                                Syrup and figs in Greenpoint

                                Brooklyn

                      Norge sign in Williamsburg where the clock stopped at 5:50 in (1950)?

                                Rooms to let with hot and cold water, near Times Square

                               This last wonderfully intact sign is in my neighborhood in

                                downtown Manhattan.  My guess, 1930's

                                 all photos ©Ken Brown

HAIR SIGNS OF NYC

            It's a new year and time for a new "do"....  Hair signs from around New York City.

                                   all photos ©Ken Brown

"ODD-ABILIA"

a few odd items to start off the New Year

all photos ©Ken Brown

SNAPPY SEASON!

"CITY WALLS, NEW VOICES"

As a student of city walls, I will sometimes notice a singular attempt to rise up and be heard (seen) in the general visual cacophony. I started seeing these almost folk arty figures several months ago and it was like witnessing a reclamation of urban space by beasts and mountains.  ... well, all right!

all photos ©Ken Brown

"PAINTED WINDOWS"

each year, around this time, I am reminded of a first art job where I actually got paid.  The job was painting gas station window greetings in various Boston suburbs, and my particular task was holly leaves and "happy holidays" in reverse. I'm glad to see the task continues, and with much more originality than we managed to summon back then.

all photos ©Ken Brown

"WORDS ON WALLS"

a few from the "words on walls" archive...

                                the other third say he reminds them of Nosferatu

found on the Williamsburg Bridge and it was answered in the affirmative on 9/15/12

the last word is "dancing"

all photos ©Ken Brown

"THANKSGIVING NYC"

As we head into our favorite national food-centric holiday, here are a few images gathered from

windows and walls around town.

...and a happy Thanksgiving to all.

all photos ©Ken Brown