[2001-1996 Projects]
* Sunset Park Unity Mural
* Groundswell Summer...
* Scene Through a Fence
* Peace is Not A Dream...
* We are Here to...
* Paradise Lost and...
* Everyone Holds a World...
* How Our People Left...
Everyone Holds a World
EVERYONE HOLDS A WORLD: YOUNG WOMEN’S SOURCES OF STRENGTH AND PROTECTION
Groundswell Community Mural Project ©
www.groundswellmural.org
Acrylic on Brick
15 x 42 Ft
1997
Artists: Amy Sananman, Director Jenny Laden, Volunteers
Location: Red Hook West Tenant Association Office, West 9th & Columbia Streets, Red Hook, Brooklyn.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Geographically, Red Hook is one of the most isolated neighborhoods in New York. Unfortunately, it is also characterized as one of the most dangerous-having one of the highest crime rates in the City. As the neighborhood was shaped by traditionally male dominated industries in the last century (shipping and freight-yards), the role of women in the community is not immediately and visually apparent. Against this backdrop the mural team decided to bring a "female" element to the streets, with the project focused on young women and girls living in the Red Hook East & West Public Housing.
The mural depicts young women's sources of strength, including real images of friends, family, teachers, clergy and leaders. The figures are engaged in things that the girls said give them strength: spending time together, practicing for track and enjoying music. In the background, we see some of the project participants holding banners "marching" in support of one another. The "mesa" on which the people stand is protected from threatening elements (storms and cliffs) symbolized by the umbrellas "of strength." The mural's written messages emphasizes that the ultimate source of strength is one's self ("Everyone Holds a World"). The pervasive violence that often impacts these girls' lives makes the affirmation of one's own strength despite one's environment all the more urgent and necessary ("Time in Life Doesn't Stop Unless You Make it Stop.")
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