The Bushwick Collective

Off the beaten path, through what appears to be a mixed use area of residential and industrial buildings, you will find the mural walls that comprise "The Bushwick Collective." This outdoor gallery starts on Jefferson Street and continues on Troutman Street towards Saint Nicholas Avenue, in the neighborhood of Bushwick in Brooklyn. Take the J train to the Jefferson street station or simply type "The Bushwick Collective" into Google maps for the best directions depending on your location. 

The Bushwick Collective, Brooklyn 2016 || Picture by Katherine Gomez

The Bushwick Collective may remind some of the old, now defunct 5 Pointz in Long Island City. However, I would dare say that The Bushwick Collective is not necessarily better, but it has a more stylized, gallery-like feeling. Each mural has a dedicated space that allows the eyes to wander freely to really appreciate the colors and the technique of the piece as a whole. Continuing with the gallery-like experience, the colors and themes of the pieces appear to have been taken into consideration. Each mural stands on its own and does not compete for attention; on the contrary, they have been grouped in a manner that compliments the artistry of the neighboring piece. 

The Bushwick Collective, Brooklyn 2016  || Picture by Katherine Gomez

The Bushwick Collective, Brooklyn 2016
Picture by Katherine Gomez

This 4 to 5 block radius is a rotating exhibit with enough content to keep you entertained for an entire day. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring these streets. The murals are changed periodically so it's best to visit frequently and preferably during daylight hours; who knows, you may be lucky enough to see a work in progress. The walls are not only grazed by the art work of local talented artists, but also by artists from around the world. Artists like Sipros from Brazil and Alice Pasquini from Italy have traveled to NYC to display their work here. Be on the look out for other types of street art as murals will not be the only type of art you will encounter. During my visit to The Bushwick Collective, I was lucky to spot a great crochet piece.  

After a long day of exploring every nook and cranny at The Bushwick Collective, you are sure to be ready to feed your stomach. Your day in Bushwick doesn't have to end just yet as this neighborhood has plenty of options for food and drinks. Most of the restaurants are very reasonably priced. One of my favorite go-to spots while visiting The Bushwick Collective is Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos; Tacos are just $2.50 and absolutely delicious and authentic. The atmosphere is without a doubt young, cool, and hip without being pretentious, and very inviting. So that you don't come across as a newbie, here is a tip: Take a menu, an index card and a pen to write down your order, which you will then hand to one of the young ladies behind the counter. You can thank me later! 

I hope you find this area as inspiring and fascinating as I do, and these recommendations useful as you explore the walls of The Bushwick Collective.