The final iteration of our project resulted in the creation of three trees, each representing the different forces that lead to social change within the lower east side. The trees are connected by the lyrics of Lou Reed’s song, Hold On, which was written in response to the Tompkins Square Park riot of 1988. Just as the park acted as a container for the groups that existed in the area, the lyrics act as a way of unifying the music, the people, and the police to the events of 1988. Each tree depicts themes of the group or force it represents, but is not restricted to it, thus showing how not only are they connected, but they had a distinct influence on the others and it can be read as a non-linear narrative. Visually we stuck to a black and white palette, to create a sense of nostalgia and history. The stencil style of illustrations is reminiscent of the types of murals that already exist within the lower east side. We used a simple typeface for not only legibility, but also because we didn’t want it to be another stylized element that would compete with the images in the trees. In addition to maintaining a certain aesthetic, the content and message of the song is so powerful, that we didn’t want a typeface to detract from that either. All the way to the right is a stump, that represents several elements of the riot, depending on how the viewer wants to read it. In one interpretation, the stump is the gentrification of the lower east side, showing how this social force has removed the character and history of the area. The cutting of the tree also represents how a voice is being taken away from the people and stops the possible future generations to have a common space to manifest their ideas. The stump can also represent the mark that was left behind; the social changes that came about as a result to the riot.
We chose the location for the mural because we wanted to showcase an area that hasn’t been touched by gentrification yet.
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