R.I.P. 5 Pointz

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(Photo by Angela Luis/The Observer)

By KARA JAGDEO

(Photo by Angela Luis/The Observer)
(Photo by Angela Luis/The Observer)

Say goodbye to the world’s ‘graffiti Mecca’: 5 Pointz. Also known as the Institute of Higher Burning, 5 Pointz displays colorful artwork on the exterior of an unused 200,000 square-foot factory building. The outdoor art exhibit in Long Island City, Queens has recently been approved for demolition by the New York City Council. Owners Jerry and David Wilkoff sold the property in favor of a $400 million affordable housing development plan. Although the 5 Pointz artists’ opposition to the demolition has sparked endless protests, the deal currently remains non-negotiable. If the demolition goes through as planned, 5 Pointz artists will be allowed to create aerosol art on the walls of the new buildings in honor of graffiti and the world of art. “It makes me sad that a piece of New York City culture is going to be destroyed for an apartment complex” Angela Luis, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’15 and resident of Long Island City, said.