What is Here
This mural was created in partnership with the AKG (formerly Albright-Knox) Museum’s public art initiative over years of consultation with the residents at LBJ, the building that now supports this 10-story mural. All figures within the mural are inspired by photographs taken by photographer and Buffalo native Pat Cray ( @yungpainkiller ) of residents of the buildings and nearby locals.
This mural is about strength amid division. Located next to the complex is the Scajaquada Freeway that cuts through the city of Buffalo. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted before 1960, this road was a tree-lined boulevard which was later paved over by Robert Moses to prioritize the movement of vehicles. These changes ushered in a massive division between the populations of Buffalo. The background of the mural is symbolic of this concrete divide and the communities it affects.
The choice to have Bow and Arrow, an indigenous resident of the building at the head of the composition is not only an acknowledgment of the original inhabitants of the land on which this building stands, but in the face of continued oppression within the US and globally, his image becomes an enduring symbol of strength and survival. What I try to capture here and something I experienced while with the community is joy, support, and solidarity.
A massive thank you to everyone at the LBJ building. The amazing @buffaloakgartmuseum ,
specifically Eric Jones, Aaron Ott and Zack Boehler. The BMHA housing authority for this incredible canvas and of course the super assist and support from @yames_cat and @monet_alyssa
