Interview by: Jason “BROKE YA NECK”
Superchief Contributer
Jonathan LeVine is the man behind the Jonathan LeVine art gallery in Chelsea, NYC. Growing in in Trenton, New Jersey during the 1990s, LeVine recognized the commercial appeal of rising countercultural styles like punk flyers, tattoos, graffiti and street art. Originally exhibiting his friends’ art in punk rock venues like CBGBs and Webster Hall- LeVine was able establish himself in the art world and solidify himself with early exhibitions by world-reknown figures like Ron English, Daniel Johnston, and Shepard Fairey.
Superchief Contributor Jason “BROKE YA NECK” sat down with Jonathan awhile ago and asked him questions about art, graffiti, women and other things.
BROKE YA NECK TALKS TO: JONATHAN LEVINE
Jason: Can you tell us about yourself?
I am short, bald and extremely handsome.
So how did you get yourself 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.
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.
Can you tell us somthing not a lot 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.
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.
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.
Can you tell us a crazy story?
Ahhh. I have so many.
Can you tell us a secret?
It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you.
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.
Whose exibit was the most successful?
Shepard Fairey’s most recently.
Whose exibit was the most interesting?
The group show I did with 8 Brazilian artists called Ruas de Sao Paulo.
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.
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.
What’s next for the Jonathan Levine gallery?
More shows. Maybe a gallery in London. Some curated shows in Brazil and London.
What you think of the upcoming artists generation?
They seem to be having more fun than their predecessors.
Can you tell us the secret behind why the ladies just love you?
I have a dazzling smile, nice skin, a bubbling personality and I smell good.
Graffiti or street art?
That’s a loaded question I don’t think I should answer.
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.
Do you write graffiti?
Only in public bathrooms.
What you think of laws on graffiti?
Hmmm. I’m not sure. I don’t want those damn kids painting on my property though.
Are you sure you don’t do graffiti?
I told you I do sometimes.
Ever though about selling drugs?
Of course. I think I would be great at it, but it’s illegal. Oh well.
FILL IN THE BLANKS:
David Choe is …..
CRAZY and unpredictable but I love him.
Shepard Fairy is …..
A workaholic but super intelligent.
Jeff Soto is ….
Soft and cuddly and I love him like a brother.
Dalek is …
Very tall, organized and will smile if you can get him to.
Shag is …
Surprisingly humble, super cool and has great taste.
Vitche Equilibrium is …..
A bit of a mystery to me but has a great personality and energy about him.
AJ Fosik is ….
A wild and crazy guy who likes to party and one of my favorite artists that I work with.
Broke Ya Neck is …
Who the hell is this?
NYC is …
Over crowded.
What’s your favorite thing to eat?
Meatballs and spagetti.
Where is your favorite place to be?
In bed with a hot naked woman.
How come you sell art and not drugs?
I told you because it’s illegal and I am a pussy.
What’s your favorite movie?
Brazil.
What’s your favorite tool?
The wrench.
Patterns or colors?
Blue and green.
Throw ups or wheat pasts or rollers?
Don’t have one.
What’s your favorite drink?
Bourban. In particular I like Woodford Reserve.
What’s your favorite drug?
I don’t do drugs, although I like a whip it every so often.
What’s your favorite type of girl?
A cute, artsy and friendly one.
Wood paintings or canvas?
I don’t care just as long at the painting is good.
What’s your advice for other small galleries?
Work hard, play harder.
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.
