In the Bronx neighborhood of Mott Haven, a burgeoning art scene is becoming a lot more visible thanks to a bevy of recently completed murals. According to DNAinfo, the works range from a fleet of paper airplanes to a multicolored mandala to an homage to the original home of graffiti art, the subway car. Local artists’ space the Shoppe Bx helped launch the project, while several of the artists involved belong to art collective ProFreshionalism.
Jamie Jones, founder of the Shoppe Bx, told DNAinfo that Mott Haven is the perfect place for this kind of public arts undertaking because it’s not yet thought of as a typical arts neighborhood. This allows for an array of lesser-known artists to display their work.
Muralist Kimberly Santiago, a Bronx resident, said of the project: “I see a lot of people [walking by], and when they look at it, they get happy. I think they really enjoy seeing something being done around here like beautifying the area, making it look better, because this is where we live.”
Local businesses are also enamored with the sense of vibrancy the murals have brought. “[We] and area residents are grateful to the present and participating artists for donating their time and talent, as we continue to build a better Bronx,” said Mott Haven Merchants organizer Michael Brady.