Hani Shihada who is mostly known around New York City as just Hani has been doing sidewalk art since the year of 1985 and is credited with being New York City's original sidewalk artist.
Since his time in Europe, Hani's love affair with art
in the public sphere has continued growing. He loves to inspire and he has
been breathing life into the sidewalks of New York City with his pastel
chalk ever since.
Hani makes all of his pastels by hand giving all of
his artwork a one of a kind and unmistakable quality.
Hani began painting on the sidewalk when he studied art in Rome during the late 1970's and continue on to do the same work after moving to study in Spain. However, Hani is not limited by just one medium as
he has been commissioned to do quite a myriad of projects throughout
his prodigious career.
. Above, Hani working in the beginning stages on one of the many paintings that he was commissioned to do for CBS in conjunction with the 2008 US Open.. His talents have been commissioned for projects ranging from oil paintings and acrylic portraits to advertising murals spanning the entire side of a building.
Wherever he is, Hani always draws attention. Seen here
in Los Angeles on Hollywood Boulevard
doing one of four #3D #chalk
murals for Chevrolet.
Especially when one of the subjects of his public portraits comes by to pay Hani and the painting a visit. As seen here with United States Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor.
It is also important to distinguish the difference
between Hani and everyone else. What Hani does is not anamorphic. Hani's
artwork is not stretched or skewed. It is not a camera trick.
three dimensional artwork commission at a convention in New York City for designer Daniel Hechter.
For the past years, Hani, as well as his work has been featured in countless news articles, commercials, television programs, major motion pictures and advertising campaigns. allowing him to share his gift with the rest of the world while ever furthering his groundbreaking and unique career.
CLICK ON SPONGEBOB TO WATCH HANI TURN A REGULAR PIECE OF NYC SIDEWALK INTO A MASTERPIECE THAT EVERYONE YOUNG AND OLD CAN ENJOY