A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Woman: Peach Tao at Ray's Candy Store
Ray’s Candy Store storefront painted by artist Peach Tao. New York, 2019
In August 2019, I photographed New York artist Peach Tao for a profile in collaboration with Runstreet. In the ensuing years, Peach has become one of NYC’s most prolific street artists, with artwork adorning the walls of Chinatown buildings and popular eateries across the five boroughs, as well as in NYC Public Schools and at the Bushwick Collective. At the time of this writing, Peach was gaining notoriety for the whimsical work she’d done at the legendary Ray’s Candy Store in Manhattan.
Runstreet profiled Brooklyn-based artist Peach Tao for her revamp of the signage at Ray’s Candy Store. An East Village icon attracting celebrities and a cult-like clientele, Ray’s is a quirky eatery that has been featured in several films and TV series.
Marnie Kunz interviews Peach Tao New York, 2019
We met Peach roughly a month after she’d finished the artwork at Ray’s. A native of Beijing, she’s a talented and well-traveled artist with a warm and engaging personality. Her bold eye makeup, whimsical accessories, and mixed-patterned clothing were as distinctive as her work.
Peach reimagined the restaurant’s somewhat dull exterior by using bold colors and her signature iconography, making the storefront standout along the busy avenue.
Peach Tao enters Ray’s Candy Store. New York, 2019
Going inside Ray’s Candy Store is like stepping back in time. Faded posters, featuring stars of Hollywood’s past, delicious treats, and handwritten signs, covered every inch of the walls. The shop’s pastel exterior and tube-lit interior joined the gritty New York of yesteryear with the more Instagram-friendly version we’ve come to know over the last decade.
Interior of Rays Candy Store, 2019
Traces of modernity amidst a sea of classic posters.
The classic Columbo Frozen Yogurt sign stirred some of my favorite childhood memories. New York, 2019
Catching up. New York, 2019
We spent about 20 minutes in Ray’s chatting, appreciating the atmosphere, and enjoying complimentary egg creams, which were delicious. These one-of-a-kind gems are fading away in the East Village as gentrification strips the remaining character from the neighborhood and replaces these types of eateries with fast-casual chain restaurants. Hopefully Ray’s will continue to power through.
Fixing up three egg creams. New York, 2019
All smiles at Ray’s. New York, 2019
Runstreet’s Marnie Kunz and Peach Tao. New York 2019
Artist Peach Tao holds and egg cream outside Ray’s Candy Store in the East Village. New York, 2019
My favorite photo is the shot of Peach looking refreshed, relaxed, and prideful as she stands outside the storefront.
