Some of New York City’s best art is not found inside the Met, but on the city streets outside it. A new clothing line from jazz artist Sarah James celebrates urban graffiti art with authentic images from the East Village and Lower East Side.
New York City is one of the nation's most diverse cities. So it's a shame that the vast majority of visitors come home with stale keepsake featuring the same handful of landmarks. Doesn't your unique experience demand a unique souvenir? Commemorate your adventures in the city with a top from Sarah James' NYC Graffiti T-shirt line, featuring fresh urban art images found on city streets.
One of Sarah James' latest releases, the Sarasvati shirt comes in a variety of sizes and colors. To see the available options, visit https://www.gearbubble.com/sarasvatilongsleevetee
This fifth shirt in the NYC Graffiti line depicts Sarasvati, the Hindu Goddess of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom. She's seated, playing a stringed instrument, imitating the rhythm and harmony of the universe. She wears a garland representing the power of meditation.
The graphic tee, made from a photograph of authentic street art, makes a thoughtful wardrobe addition for those bored by cookie-cutter tees from souvenir shops and big box stores. The shirt is only available from online specialty shops and not sold in stores. It was designed with street fashion enthusiasts in mind who embrace the city’s rich, international culture.
New York City is incredibly diverse, with almost 15 percent of the population tracing Asian origins, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Roughly 3 percent of city residents embrace the Hindu faith, making it the fourth largest religion practiced within the city limits.
But intricate Hindu art gives its traditional images broader appeal among the population at large. In Hinduism, art is seen as a way devotees connect with the divine. Art is deeply connected with Hindu practice and philosophy, which is one reason for its rich attention to detail - and popularity beyond those who practice the faith.
Street art combining images and text has been part of the city's culture for more than a century. The genre graduated from thought-provoking protest statements to true artistic illustrations during the 1980s. It’s this creative spirit that Sarah James, a Brooklyn native, aims to capture in her work.
Over the years, Sarah has dabbled in creating merchandise combining her poetry with classic street art. These pursuits took the back burner due to frequent jazz gigs. When performances paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was able to invest her time and effort in works that brought street art far beyond the city limits.
Street art is constantly evolving in New York City, Sarah says. Some of the best images are quickly lost to the public sanitation department, or passers-by who alter the work. These shirts help preserve some of the most provocative works found on the Lower East Side.
"Each image tells a story, is edgy, and most if not all of them are no longer where they were photographed," Sarah James adds.
If you'd like to learn more about the NYC Graffiti Tee line or the jazz artist herself, please visit https://sarahjames.com
