So you may be wondering, what is that amazing mural on the cover of the latest issue of Shelterforce?
It's called Transformation, and it was created by Chilean graffiti artist Dasic Fernández in Newburgh, N.Y.
Check out the site of the Newburgh Mural Project for some shots of the mural in process, and Fernández's own site for some pictures of the complete finished mural, which is far larger than the section featured on our cover.
In fact, Transformation is a three-dimensional full-immersion mural spanning a whole bridge underpass and encompassing over 7,500 square feet of wall space. The complete mural features a profile of a woman merging with the Hudson River and transforming into the building blocks of a revitalized city, capturing the intimate connection between the individual and the built environment.
We wrote in our Third Spaces issue about the importance and use of public art across Philadelphia's neighborhoods. The Newburgh Mural Project (NMP), which commissioned Transformation, is operating under similar principles. NMP is a public/private art and education program launched in 2012. Its mission is to inspire the community by transforming public spaces into public works of art that reflect City of Newburgh’s spirit and vibrancy. The NMP develops large-scale murals and provides local young artists with an opportunity to learn about mural-making.
In its inaugural year, the NMP selected Fernández to create three murals in the heart of the city’s distressed historic East End District. They were made possible by the International Institute for Education, with the support of the Ford Foundation and the Greater Newburgh Partnership.
Fernández has also been doing work in Newark, N.J., and Detroit.
