Between 1999 and 2001, small oval old-fashioned landscapes painstakingly painted in oils appeared on graffiti sites all over New York City – on walls, dumpsters, phone boxes and even the occasional car. These exquisite five by seven inch paintings were the work of artist Ellen Harvey. The paintings are documented in the newly published book, New York Beautification Project, which also includes the diary Harvey kept while painting illegally throughout the city. The narrative is both provocative and hilarious as she describes the reactions of neighbors, passersby, police and other people she encountered while painting.

For more information on Ellen Harvey, please visit her website at www.ellenharvey.info.