By Helen Li
Staff Writer

As a New York native hailing from Queens, one of the most defining attributes about the borough was the experience of taking the 7 train to Times Square and passing by a five story warehouse in Long Island City completely covered by graffiti.

Commuters would be greeted by a skillfully spray painted face of Biggie every morning to work or school. Graffiti, commonly portrayed as vandalism at its worst, is an art form that is grossly underappreciated.

On the edge of Queens, 5Pointz has been graced with artists from all around the world—a mecca for aerosol artists to showcase their work and talent. The colorful building was a refreshing burst of vibrancy from the typically bleak and wearisome commute from Flushing. As a result of the culminated efforts by these artists, this site has become a defining part of Queens and New York City as a whole.

However, on Nov. 19, the building covered in art was painted over in a ghastly white.

The fight to avoid demolition has been ongoing since 2012. Plans to demolish the building came after developers decided to make room for a luxury condo. The buildings owners, David and Jerry Wolkoff, decided that in order to avoid the torture of watching the building’s artwork be torn down piece-by-piece in the future, removing the art now—by painting the entire building over—would ease the pain.

They emphasized their respect of the artists, but stated that the building had run its course.

The act occurred overnight with police guards surrounding the building to prevent any behavior that would result in arrest. One person wrote over the white wall saying, “Who’s the vandal? It’s ironic how you did just what a 16 year old would do. Deface a building at night.”

Many people within the community have called it out as an act of aggression and liable for lawsuit under the U.S. Visual Artists Rights Act.

Despite graffiti’s ephemeral nature, 5pointz acted as a graffiti museum that not only was a constantly evolving work of art, but also brought unity to thousands of people across the world who share a common passion.

The Wolkoffs have promised a 60-foot high wall after the construction of the apartment buildings for artists to work on again.  Meanwhile, New Yorkers, artists, and admirers from around the world mourn the loss of one of New York’s greatest works of art.