New York, NY. Porter Contemporary presents LEGAL, an exhibition of five Brazilian artists in DUMBO from November 21 through December 21 with an opening reception to the public on Friday, November 21 from 6 – 8 PM.

The exhibition will include the New York debut of works from Nick Alive, Branco, Gen Duarte, Tikka and Vermelho whose combined works bring the color and urban influences of Brazil to Brooklyn. The title of the show is a play on words. While the word “legal” actually means “cool” in Portuguese, there is a further meaning to this exhibition. In March 2009, the Brazilian government passed law 706/07 which decriminalizes street art. A progressive idea, especially to a city like New York where millions of dollars have been spent to erase such creative street developments. Brazil has continuously led the street art movement and gained international attention during this year’s World Cup festivities.

LEGAL will integrate the urban fabric of Brazil into New York City’s DUMBO neighborhood. “Brazil has nailed the concept of creating community through street art and I wanted to support that concept in NYC,” says Porter Contemporary’s Director, Jessica L. Porter. “With places like 5Pointz being painted over and new real estate replacing the old, it is important to embrace places in the city that display a daily connection between our urban environment and art.”

DUMBO has a history of supporting street art including DUMBO Walls, an expanse of painted walls near the Brooklyn Queens Expressway along York and Pearl Streets that includes work by Shepard Fairey.

LEGAL will run through December 21.

Gallery Hours: Friday – Sunday 12-6pm
Special Hours: Thursday, December 4th, 6-8pm