I chose my design because it represents a social issue that is immeasurably important to me: the representation and visibility of LGBTQ+ persons. During my time at University, I was the Vice President of the Gender Sexuality Alliance and some of the elements we worked hardest to improve were the representation and visibility of our community. With the opportunity to put my design on this utility box through the Hoboken Utility Box Mural Project, I felt I was able to continue making strides in that battle. My design fits into the theme of Equality and Inclusion for similar reasons, especially with the main message across it reading “love is love.” Equality and inclusion are the focus of and are at the heart of my design’s message and were the objects of my inspiration. I was so grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in this project, as I believe it is so meaningful to have these beautiful messages decorating the streets of Hoboken in which I grew up.
Expanded statement:
“Love is love” is a simple statement, but one that holds immense meaning. Hoboken has shown support for the LGBTQ+ during pride month with the painting of a rainbow crosswalk downtown on Washington Street, and I personally found it to be something that reminded me of acceptance whenever I passed by it. My design’s intent is to represent that same visual reminder as well a supporter for the LGBTQ+ community in general. Concepts such as social justice and the use of language in congruence with visual art are things that weave their way into my artwork often.
I’ve done a series of ink paintings of people I found to be inspiring activists for various social justice issues that are important to me. I coupled these pieces with a poem I wrote about each topic an individual addressed. The poem itself was also painted with ink and displayed with the portraits as an installation meant to read like a book. The interweaving of these two art forms is something I greatly enjoy, and something I find to be impactful as well.
