Queens is only a short hop skip and a jump from midtown Manhattan. Although this burough is large and mostly suburban the little areas of Long Island City and Astoria are just as fun and full of life has anything in Manhattan. On my ever continuing quest to find amazing street art Queens was a natural stop. New York City and its surrounding areas are world class street art destinations and Queens certainly doesn’t slack when it comes to urban art. Long Island City in particular was a gem. Just on the other side of the East River from the city I found amazing works of art right on the sidewalks.

MoMA’s PS1 in located right in the heart of Long Island City Queens and is a summertime art destination for all New Yorkers. After enjoying the museum, strolling around the neighborhood is mandatory if you want an even better outdoor museum experience. This a very underrated neighborhood for anyone coming to New York. I was surprised at how artistic it was and found mural after mural walking along Jackson Avenue and 21st Street. And in true New York spirit the art was difficult to categorize as it all was as diverse as you can imagine.

Queens was also once home to something called “5 Pointz”. This was a New York street art haven that was demolished not too long ago. It was a series of fantastic murals from street artists from all over the world painted on the exterior of a giant old factory building from the 1800’s. It was a go-to for urban art. It, however, was torn down to build high-rise condominiums. It was a sad occurrence to any and everyone who loves street art. A requiem in the Queens art scene. With its disappearance in 2014 the need for public art grew and Queens has somewhat rebounded in the Long Island City area. All these wonderful images of femme teddy bears, giant mutant sewer rats, futuristic cubist portraits and half-eagle half-man hybrids nurturing infants are perfectly in place in Queens. And Queens is a better place for having such inventive art. I can only hope the buildings on which they’re painted continue to support the art scene and not feel the need to “progress” with other high-rises. If moving forward means being artless then is that really “progress” at all? Art is what ends up defining culture. In its absence we will have nothing to remember certain places and certain times. Which is why I chronicle every piece of street art I see. One day it may be torn down or painted over. So I hope in some way I can preserve its memory. For those of you who may never even go to Queens once in your life: Here is its art, It may not be here forever but my photos will be!

My eye is always peeled for hidden art all over world. More to come!

For more amazing street art throughout New York and abroad click HERE

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My name is Shannon. I am a travel photographer and I have made it my mission to spread my joy of wanderlust to the masses. Through my lens I see the world and all its beauty and want to inspire others to get on that plane and fly. It's just me and my camera. My name is Shannon. I am a travel photographer and I have made it my mission to spread my joy of wanderlust to the masses. Through my lens I see the world and all its beauty and want to inspire others to get on that plane and fly. It's just me and my camera.