Project Information
Google Map of Albany, NY

Location

11-11 Hazen Street East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Theme

Medium

Dimensions

9 x 26 ft

Year

2013

Funders

    None

New Decisions and Second Chances was created by a group of young men at East River Academy on Rikers Island. Through this project, the incarcerated youth were able to take ownership of their space and transform a blank hallway into a celebration of their creative vision and generative power. The artists began their process by reflecting on the question, how did you get here and where can you go? They sought to create a mural that would pose the same question to their peers and encourage them to imagine new possibilities for their future.

 

The mural design emphasizes the potential to turn a new corner by making positive decisions towards personal growth. The artists depict past decisions and the present isolation of incarceration as they interface with the hopes of new possibilities and a positive future. While their experiences in the streets and at Rikers are shown in dark colors and shadow, the future is painted in vibrant and dynamic colors. On this inspiring side of the mural, the artists show us the joy and richness of their vision of a bright future. They use symbolism such as keys, growing plants, a mother and child, a transformed butterfly, opening doors, a listening ear, family, a lion, and turning gears. The young people used art as a medium to engage with their powers of choice and self reflection.

 

The very process of transforming an idea into design and then into a fabricated mural demonstrated to the artists their own capacity for envisioning a goal, and working towards its manifestation.