Women's Rights Mural Celebrates Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Mural by Elle Street Art.
By Sanah Bukhari
A stunning new women’s rights mural celebrates the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in NYC’s East Village. New Yorkers are still feeling an emptiness since the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, famously known as RBG, a woman who did everything in her power towards achieving gender equality. A statue will be erected soon in her native Brooklyn to celebrate her life, and many other tributes have been made across NYC and the world. This vibrant, colorful three-story mural by ELLE Streetart is now on display on the Southwest corner of First Avenue and 11th Street in Manhattan’s East Village.
NYC artist Elle explained the meaning behind the mural’s symbols on her Instagram:
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
“The Flowers to the bottom left are Black-Eyed Susans, which represent justice. Above that, the Brooklyn Bridge- signifying her childhood borough. Above her head; hints of a crown composed of her many collars, as well as a gentle nod to Biggie, the namesake of her nickname Notorious RBG. The justice seemed to enjoy finding semblance with Biggie, as well as the nickname.
Behind the Contemplation of Justice is an interpretation of the tympanum on the Supreme Court, and to the right of that, the emblem of the United States (the eagle), holding a banner that shows part of a quote that I personally love by RBG; Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
Elle’s first name, Elle, mean’s ‘she’ in French and captures her desire to represent all women through her feminist street art. Her women’s rights mural work across New York City highlights gender equality, a cause dear to RBG. Elle’s iconic women’s rights mural pieces also adorn NYC walls at the Vessel in Hudson Yards and she has painted around the world. Elle’s artwork has earned her global recognition, with her art pieces on display in the world’s leading galleries, museums, and art festivals.
Elle’s RBG mural project was commissioned by advocacy group IntoAction and TaskForce, a Los Angeles-based creative agency, the same organization that commissioned former US President Barack Obama’s ‘Hope’ poster.
RBG is a true inspiration and role model to live up to, a woman who possessed an incredible work ethic and an unshakeable commitment to strive for what she believed in. Growing up in a working-class family in Brooklyn, she overcame sexism in the male-dominated world of law school and her legal profession, becoming only the second woman to serve on the nine-member U.S. Supreme Court.
RBG’s passing on September 18, 2020, was a mournful day for women’s rights advocates around the world.
Elle’s RBG mural tribute in the East Village truly encompasses all that RBG stood for and how she continues to inspire women posthumously, reminding us all that women belong in all places where decisions are made and possess an equal voice.
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Sanah Bukhari moved to NYC last year and got to experience the city pre-pandemic. Now she finds joy in the smaller things in life, like nature walks and a zen yoga session, as well as writing to escape this unexpected year we are all going through.
