Q & A with Jonathan Levine

BYN: how are you jonathan ?

I am well. I just got back from three weeks in Europe. I spent one week in Barcelona and two weeks in Berlin. Both are amazing art cities.

BYN: how was your summer ?

It was a little lame as I usually travel a few weeks in the summer, but I had to stay this year as we were doing renovations in my gallery. All the dust all over everything got annoying about the second week in of a six week renovation.

BYN: can you tell us about your self ?

I am short, bald and extremely handsome.









BYN: so how did you get ur self into all this ?

I started curating art shows at of bars in Northern NJ and NYC to show the art of my friends and other artists I liked. I discovered I really liked it and was good at it so I kept doing it.

BYN: did you go to school for what you do ?

I went to Montclair State college in Northern NJ and got a BA in Arts with a concentration in Sculpture. I also spent one year in a trade school learning graphic design.

BYN: can you tell us somthing not alot of people know about you ?

I have the "Trenton Makes World Takes Bridge" tattooed across my back. It is a famous Bridge in Trenton, NJ where I grew up.










BYN: can you tell us more ...

Hmm. Let's see. I had to take speech therapy classes for 5 years when I was a child because they said I had a lisp. I don't think I actually had one though. I used to Break Dance when I was in my teens. I play the drums and was in a number of punk rock bands. I sew very well. At worked at a hair salon from the time I was 13 to 16 years old. I can do a Leprachaun hop like the guy in the Lucky Charms cereal commercial.

BYN: do u have other interests ?

Many, many interests. I like film, music (particularly old school hip hop, punk rock and indie rock.) I like to explore old, abandoned and dangerous cities in NJ. I collect Fez's.

BYN: can you tell us a crazy story ...

Ahhh. I have so many.


BYN: can you tell us a secreat ?

It wouldn't be a secret if I told you.









BYN : how about anther secreat ?

You spelled Secret wrong.

BYN: do you do art ?

Not anymore. I think I will start again when I retire and am in my 70's or 80's. That is when my art career will begin.

BYN: are you republican or democrate

I lean mostly towards the Democrates of course but I wouldn't classify myself either way.

BYN: who are you going to vote for ??

Hillary provided she is nominated.






BYN: whose exibit was the most successful ?

Shepard Fairey's most recently.

BYN: whose exibit was the most interesting ?

The group show I did with 8 Brazilian artists called Ruas de Sao Paulo.

BYn: how do you choose the artist ? do they have to ask you for project or you offer them the space ?

I always offer them the space. It is a very long answer to this but basically I have to like the work and think I can sell it.

BYN: who is your favorite artist ?

I don't have one in particular, but the ones that influenced me early on are Calder, Dali, Warhol, Oldenburg, Red Grooms, and Keith Harring.

BYN: whats next for jonathan levin gallery ?

More shows. Maybe a gallery in London. Some curated shows in Brazil and London.

BYN:what you think of the up comeing artists generation ?

They seem to be having more fun their predecessors.

BYN: can you tell us the secreat behind why the ladies just love you?

I have a dazzling smile, nice skin, a bubbling personality and I smell good.






BYN: graffiti or street art ?

That's a loaded question I don't think I should answer.

BYN: what you think of street art ?

I like some of it. I think a lot of it is unoriginal, but it's got a lot of energy and momentum at the moment which I am enjoying.

BYN: do you write graffiti ?

Only in public bathrooms.

BYN: what you think of laws on graaffiti ?

Hmmm. I'm not sure. I don't want those damn kids painting on my property though.


BYN: are you sure you dont graffiti ?

I told you I do sometimes.







BYN: ever though about selling drugs ?

Of course. I think I would be great at it, but it's illegal. Oh well.

BYN: david choe is ..... CRAZY and unpredictable but I love him.

BYN: shepard fairy is ..... A workaholic but super intelligent.

BYN: jeff soto is .... Soft and cuddly and I love him like a brother.

BYN: dalek is ... Very tall, organized and will smile if you can get him to.

BYN: shag is ... Surprisingly humble, super cool and has great taste.


BYN: Vitche Equilibrium is ..... A bit of a mystery to me but has a great personality and energy about him.


BYN: aj fosik is .... A wild and crazy guy who likes to party and one of my favorite artists that I work with.

BYN : broke ya neck is ... Who the hell is this?

BYN: nyc is ... Over crowded.








BYN: whats your fav thing to eat ?

Meatballs and spagetti.

BYN : where is your fav place to be ?

In bed with a hot naked woman.

BYN: how come you sell art not drugs ?

I told you because it's illegal and I am a pussy.







BYN:whats your fav movie ?
Brazil.

BYN: whats your fav tool ?

The wrench.

BYN: patterns or colors ??

Blue and green.

BYN:throw ups or wheat pasts or rollers?

Don't have one.





BYN:whats your fav drink ?

bourban. In particular I like Woodford Reserve.

BYN:whats your fav drug ?

I don't do drugs, although I like a whip it every so often.

BYN: whats your fav type of girl?

A cute, artsy and friendly one.

BYN:woood paintings or canves

I don't care just as long at the painting is good.





BYN whats your advice for other small gallerys ?

Work hard, play harder.

BYN: any final words ......

Send me all of your money.

I am looking to get married soon even though I don't have a girlfriend so I am currently taking applications.




http://www.myspace.com/jonathanlevinegallery