UN Mural Project Illuminates Midtown Manhattan

Oct 30

UN Mural Project brightens up Midtown Manhattan. Midtown is more than corporate suits and concrete, thanks to a plethora of street art that has popped up in the neighborhood. A stunning NYC street art project in Midtown has colored whole sides of buildings in the name of human rights, thanks to the International Labour Organization and Street Art for Mankind, who partnered to produce 5 beautiful and inspiring murals (#ILO100Murals) about social justice around the United Nations Headquarters in NYC. For the project, internationally renowned artists from around the globe came to paint and add their voice to a variety of concerns ranging from women’s rights to the environment. The participating artists represent 10 nationalities and styles: Clandestinos (Shalak Attack and Bruno Smoky), Faith 47, Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, Mr Cenz and Victor Ash.

Here is a rundown of the murals:

UK artist Mr. Cenz painted his largest mural yet for the project, located on Uganda House. The street art work shines in color and scope, and is located directly opposite the UN. The mural is meant to inspire and depicts a woman reaching for the stars and the woman is based on a photo of a New York model for reference, and incorporated the Ugandan flag colors. He free-styled the remainder of the artwork around her without pre-planning it.

Toronto-based artists Clandestinos, made up of partners Shalak Attack and Bruno Smoky, addresses the future of work in a vibrant mural on E. 48th Street.
Artist Faith47 painted a beautiful mural addressing women’s equality on E. 44 Street.
Spain-based artist Jorge Gerada's mural, one of the largest in New York, spans 13 stories in height. The street art piece depicts a child and two flowers, with the purpose of highlighting child slave labor practices.
Copenhagen-based artist artist Victor Ash incorporated the International Labour Organization logo into his work to represent the future of workers and the green represents his hope for people to work together for a greener future.

The #ILO100Murals were created to commemorate a historic moment: the 100 years of the International Labour Organization. The ILO was established in 1919, with the understanding that universal and lasting peace would not be achieved without social justice. 100 years later, it is time to reflect on the progress made and think about the future. Public art has been chosen as a powerful way in 2019 to engage society on this key challenge.

Street Art for Mankind is a non-profit organization pulling together street artists, local government, international organizations and corporate sponsors to raise awareness about child labor, slavery and trafficking.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, a dog lover, an Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet. She specializes in helping runners get faster and stronger and helping beginners elevate their fitness levels. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.

Updated Sept. 2, 2024

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