Bascove looks at the work of Valeri Larko whose paintings are on view in the exhibition Keeping it Real at J. Cacciola Gallery, New York through July 28, 2012.

Bascove writes: "This exhibit particularly reflects the rich material Larko has explored in the Bronx. 'Bronx Drawbridge' is a powerful example of an image that evokes in the viewer the history of hard labor. Again, Larko uses a series of diagonals, from the worn machinery, to the broken lines of a parking lot, a fence topped with razor wire, and broken steps, to reinvigorate the original dynamic energy of the site. She shows how it's now been transformed into a rusted canvas for the younger [graffiti] artists of the area."