“McKibbiners” getting inspired.
Courtesy Christian Hansen.
Demographically sealed-off from their neighbors, “McKibbiners” - residents of the cramped loft spaces at 248 and 255 McKibbin Street in East Williamsburg (or Bushwick, depending on who you ask), Brooklyn - brave bedbugs and irony overload to enjoy the artistically synergistic effect of housing over 500 hipsters in very, very close proximity.
The New York Times detailed life on McKibbin Street for these modern day Dylan Thomases, Julian Schnabels and CBGB-esque headliners. Just imagine what’s gestating, artistically, on McKibbin Street:
“It’s rare to have so many scenes stacked like they are here,” said an 18-year-old poet living in 255 who gave his name as Eirehan Failte. “Even when it’s really loud, it’s still better than some terrible stock-trading roommate listening to Fox in the next room.”
Rare indeed Mr. Failte. Unfortunately, now that you and your fellow McKibbiners have been profiled in the Times there surely will be a stampede for the exit given the deep seated anxiety located within every hipster that they aren’t all that different. We call it the Vampire Weekend effect.
“The community is a microcosm of artists, musicians and D.J.’s,” said Kevin Farrell, who is 29 and works in video production. “You don’t have to leave this building, with the exception of food. I don’t really speak to the locals.”
How fortunate for the locals. Cutting oneself off from outside influences is vital for the development of any artist. However, don’t ask Mr. Farrell if the future Jean-Michel Basquiat roams the streets of Bushwick.
Another resident, Brian Belukha, a 23-year-old musician who describes his look as “intergalactic space castaway,” decided to leave after someone threw a 40-ounce beer bottle at his head.
“It’s a dorm, and it’s insane. It’s just insane,” said Mr. Belukha, who plans to head to Berlin within the month. “I’m a very private person, and I’ve been forced to try to develop some degree of privacy, but my room doesn’t have a door.”
How ironic that someone with a look as novel as “intergalactic space castaway” would move to a city whose hipster bona fides were being questioned 4 years ago.
Bottom Line: There might still be time to move to Kansas City.
