PUBLIC EYE

Mark Nilsen, 40,
on West 28th Street

Where do you live? Hell's Kitchen

What do you do? I make paintings of sewer covers - they're like rubbings, with paint. I've gotten sewer covers from all over - Mexico, Europe and throughout the U.S., though I focus on New York.

What are you reading right now? A new translation of Notes from the Underground, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

What's the last song you downloaded? "Kuzanga," a mbira song - that's the traditional music of Zimbabwe.

What's the next movie you want to see? Fahrenheit 9/11

How much would you pay for a haircut? I cut my own hair.

What's your favorite bar? Siberia

Where was the last good meal you ate? I made angel-hair pasta with organic avocado and olive oil.

What do you remember about Ronald Reagan? I remember the day he was shot - I was riding home from high school with all my buddies. When we heard that the assailant used a .22, we thought that if he had used a heavier weapon, Reagan would have died right then.

How would you describe your personal style? Hot and sweaty

for Time Out New York
Issue 455: June 17-24, 2004
Published: June 17, 2004

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Photograph by Astrid Stawiarz