Let's Get In-formation

 Whether or not we agree that Wikipedia is a reliable source for information is irrelevant because it appears that all searches start there. In doing a recent search for 5 Pointz, Google sent me to the Wikipedia page for 5 Pointz. While reading, I noticed that the entry failed to give credit where credit was due. That credit was due to Pat DiLillo. 

As the original curator of 5 Pointz, DiLillo set, not only the standards for the quality of the work displayed, but also the image associated with the iconic landmark. Perhaps, directly or indirectly, DiLillo is responsible for the mainstream acceptance of street art by changing its image from vandalism to a legitimate art form. Below is the original Wikipedia entry. 
 

The building was originally constructed in 1892 for Neptune Meter as a factory for the construction of water meters.^[2][9][10]The property was bought in the 1970s by Jerry Wolkoff, who did not have immediate plans for redevelopment.^[2][10] Wolkoff was approached in the 1990s for permission for the factory to be used for legal graffiti work, which he granted.^[2] The site was first established as the Phun Phactory in 1993 by Pat DiLillo under a program called Graffiti Terminators to discourage graffiti vandalism by encouraging artists to display their work in a formal showcase.^[11]

In 2002, Jonathan Cohen, a graffiti artist going under the moniker of Meres, began curating work.^[6] If unfamiliar with an artist, Cohen will ask for a sample of their work, and if it is a mural, he will ask for a layout as well.^[6] Around this time, Cohen gave the building the name "5 Pointz", which became popular.^[10] He had plans to convert the 5 Pointz building into a graffiti museum.^[3]

In April 2009, the New York City Department of Buildings ordered the largest building closed after citing it for numerous building deficiencies including the studio partitions which were built without permits. The inspections followed an incident on April 10, 2009, in which an artist was injured when part of a concrete fire escape collapsed.^[4

Below is my contribution to the 5 Pointz Wikipedia entry. I felt the need to shed light on the contributions of Mr. DiLillo to street art and to those young "aerosol artists" who he helped to mentor, encourage, and keep out of trouble. This is the legacy Jonathan Cohen wanted to continue until the lights were abruptly turned off at 5 Pointz.

The building was originally constructed in 1892 for Neptune Meter as a factory for the construction of water meters.^[2][9][10]The property was bought in the 1970s by Jerry Wolkoff, who did not have immediate plans for redevelopment.^[2][10] Wolkoff was approached in the 1990s for permission for the factory to be used for legal graffiti work, which he granted.^[2] The site was first established as the Phun Phactory in 1993 by Pat DiLillo under a program called Graffiti Terminators.^[11] As the new curator for the Phun Factory, Pat DiLillo was adamant to not use the word “graffiti” to refer to the work displayed at the Phun Factory, as “graffiti” had long been associated with crime and gang activity. In an effort to legitimize the art movement and set a distance from the negative connotation, he imposed strict rules for future projects. His rules included that none of the artwork submitted or showcased, would depict gang related symbols. Additionally, if any of the artists' tags were found in the neighborhood or neighboring communities, their work would be immediately removed. DiLillo has been credited by some young artists as the motivation for getting their G.E.D.'s and discouraging them from breaking the law.

In 2002, Jonathan Cohen, a graffiti artist going under the moniker of Meres, began curating work.^[6] If unfamiliar with an artist, Cohen will ask for a sample of their work, and if it is a mural, he will ask for a layout as well.^[6] Cohen renamed the building to "5 Pointz," making the building a focal point to the art scene of the five boroughs. The name may also be a reference to the Martin Scorsese film "Gangs of New York," which debuted in theaters that same year. ^[10] He had plans to convert the 5 Pointz building into a graffiti museum.^[3]

In April 2009, the New York City Department of Buildings ordered the largest building closed after citing it for numerous building deficiencies including the studio partitions which were built without permits. The inspections followed an incident on April 10, 2009, in which an artist was injured when part of a concrete fire escape collapsed.^[4]