Beautiful Migration

Through Groundswells Voices Herd Visionaries program, a team of young women created a large-scale mosaic in response to urban environmental issues. The mosaic also pays tribute to women associated with the earth. The participants began the project by contemplating the notion that all actions are linked, and that this directly connects us, as individuals and communities, to nature. Within the silhouettes are images of female figures from mythology and history that are associated with the earth. The animals and plants were carefully chosen for their symbolic weight. The artists were drawn to elephants because they are revered as symbols of serenity, strength, wisdom, and a deep connection to the earth. The baby elephant represents the future, and the butterflies symbolize the cycle of cause and effect. In addition to addressing international concerns, Beautiful Migration uses symbols relevant to the local community. Sunset Park, where the piece is located, is home to a strong immigrant community. The white brick walls represent national borders, and the holes in them represent migration across borders, as does the boat in the river.