Urban Prankster » payphone

Super Hero Changing Station

Charlie Todd — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:51:33 +0000

New York City has had a ton of phone booth art this fall. Lately it seems like you can’t go for a walk without seeing a great piece by an artist like Jordan Seiler. The above was done by Toronto’s Posterchild, who’s been hanging out in NYC quite a bit lately.

I love these unauthorized projects because they’re turning useless eyesores into art. There are certain city blocks in NY that have upwards of 10 public telephones. When is the last time anyone used a payphone? I understand their utility for those who can’t afford or happen to be without a cell phone, but really, do we need multiple phones on every corner? These structures are simply huts to cash in on advertising dollars, and they needlessly pollute the scenery of our streets.

Here’s a great NY Times article from 2007 that explains that pay phone advertising rakes in $62 million a year: As Billboards, Public Phones Always Work.

Also of note, you can see both Seiler and Posterchild, along with Jason Eppink and Specter, speak about their work on Friday, November 20 out in Astoria — details here.

Calling Bullshit on Illegal Ads
Subway Sign Marriage Proposal
Turning Flyer Boxes into Planters

Revitalization Through Street Art

Charlie Todd — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:13:19 +0000

Bay Area artist Jeremy Novy has a cool project where he places stencils of payphones in now vacant phone booths. Might as well put something there!

In a similar series, he renovates boarded up buildings by adding pretty windows. Check out his renovation of the State Street Theatre in Milwaukee.

Subversive Street Signs
Sleepers
Old Lady Neighborhood Watch

Payphone to the Future

Charlie Todd — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:00:59 +0000

d.billy added tags reading “past,” “present,” and “future” to three payphones in the Times Square subway station. So if you’ve ever wanted to give the past of the future a ring, now’s your chance.

Subway Shark
Smell Graffiti
Couples Retreat

Phone Booth Hacking Tutorial

Charlie Todd — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:45:38 +0000

The Public Ad Campaign posted a very helpful instructional video for street artists looking to replace phone booth advertisements with art. Keep in mind their disclaimer:

Remember it is illegal to tamper with private property even when it’s in your public environment, assaulting your senses with messages you couldn’t care less about for things you don’t need.

Calling Bullshit on Illegal Ads

Payphone Cup

Charlie Todd — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:30:59 +0000

Photo taken in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

via Wooster Collective

Crosswalk Dominoes