The mural of the World Trade Center went up in the days after 9/11 here on Ninth Street at Avenue A.
I never knew who the artist was ... As I learned today, it is the work of Jesse Fischler, who co-owned the former Shrine Records on Ninth Street. (Thank you @thismikewolf)
It has, for the most part, remained untouched through the years — even with a new landlord and the departure of the existing businesses here. (The building was painted in late 2014.)
Other 9/11 murals in the neighborhood haven't fared so well. Chico's Twin Towers tribute on Avenue A at 14th Street was covered by ads then painted over. Back in 2003, Cooper Union had the "Forever Tall" mural painted over at 35 Cooper Square to make way for ads. (The whole building was eventually demolished anyway.)
And back in May, someone tagged/vandalized this mural on Second Street just east of Avenue B...
[Photo by Naomi Paulin]
Students had created this as a tribute to 9/11 victims.
It's on an Icon building. I'm surprised they haven't white-washed it yet. :(
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the Big Bird 9/11 mural on Suffolk (I think?) just below Houston: http://www.jchymangallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/chico-big-bird-mural-corrected-website-72.jpg
ReplyDeleteHi East Village friends.
ReplyDeleteOver the past few months there have been several posts regarding the mural outside our GelARTo store. Sadly, two events have damaged the mural further; 1. it has once again been vandalised and 2. The building landlord bolted the trash cans to the wall which blocks a third of any mural and the artist we had asked to 'renew' the painting was unable to incorporate in his picture. We know how important the original was to many East Village residents and are keen to preserve something before the vandals inevitably finish it off. Our suggestion is to make a more permanent wall fixing about 4' x 2' incorporating photos with a description and quotes from those who were there when it was painted. We would then attach it to the wall for passers by to read.
We would then open up the wall to local and internationally renowned artists who could paint a new mural and incorporate the trashcans every three months or so, which would surely be great for the village moving forwards?
I am keen not to upset anyone over what is not only an important reminder of the terrible events of 9/11, but also a reminder of how EV residents came together at that time to grieve. Your opinions would be gratefully received?
Thanks, Nigel, GelARTo.