Empire State Today

A talented artist takes his creativity to the streets and uses graffiti as a form of expression, particularly during such historic times.  

The 40-year-old artist who goes by the name Saynosleep often uses a different pseudonym for his artwork.

COVID-19 restrictions have forced countless stores to close and left busy streets quiet, providing opportunities for graffiti artists to paint bridges, sidewalks, walls and subway cars.

Not everybody appreciates this form of art. New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo has spoken out against increased graffiti around the city, saying it is “another sign of decay” while pointing a finger indirectly at New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio for not taking more rigorous action against graffiti.

While some feel graffiti is vandalism and therefore a crime, others get a reminiscence of the 1970s and ‘80s crime-rich and broke New York. 

Early December, de Blasio warned of a full pandemic shutdown.

“At the current rate that we are going, we have to be ready now for a full shutdown, a pause like we had back at the end of the spring,” he said at a press conference. “That is increasingly necessary to break the back of this second wave.”

There has never been a better time to paint without disturbances than during this period, says Saynosleep. “It's a big surge, a renaissance of graffiti. Everyone wants to express themselves, people are bored. They need something to do.”

Thousands of restaurants have permanently closed due to lack of business. Innovation and creativity are essential to keep afloat at a time like this.