Socially conscious public art is quickly being unveiled all over New York City, including Williamsburg event venue’s #74wythefamiliarfaces.
On the facade of 74Wythe in Williamsburg just steps away from one of Brooklyn’s most iconic waterfronts, a massive new mural titled #74wythefamiliarfaces has been unveiled. A tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement and the frontline workers who are still tirelessly fighting to save lives amidst the current pandemic, the mural will cover 15,000 square feet of the building’s exterior.
74Wythe, a new events space located in the old Output space, has realigned it’s mission in the midst of the current social environment, pledging one percent of all net sales generated from private events indefinitely to charity. Some of these include Black Lives Matter, the Brooklyn Community Foundation, the Stonewall Community Foundation, the New York Center for Children, the New York Community Trust, or even acharity of the client’s choice.
The mural project was conceived and directed by Angela Redai, founder of Artine Advisory. Onboard for the opening of the space initially, Redai and the founding team at 74Wythe worked to turn the installation into a tribute.
The emphasis on unity in the mural is fitting for the community space, a place intended for people to gather, celebrate and share. As New Yorkers continue to gather in any way they can – digitally and otherwise – the installation on 74Wythe brilliantly combines the current sentiments rippling through the city by incorporating the brightly contrasting screenshots of video conferences and photographs of community organizers and shakers making a difference. Portraits of medical heroes, essential workers, and courageous activists will appear alongside those of 74Wythe’s events and hospitality colleagues as well as local businesses – an act of gathering depicted on its very walls.
The installation is a scavenger hunt of recognizeable images experienced collectively over the internet from the past few months: doctors and nurses from across NYC’s hospitals, the cast of Hamilton serenading a 9-year-old girl with John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, and essential workers and teams donating time and food to make a difference. Portraits of peaceful protesters highlight the community unifying to march in one of the most diverse cities in the world. Text noting charitable initiatives is included, where applicable, to encourage donations and support. The images are custom illustrated by artist Arianna Margulis of @butlikemaybe, and produced in partnership with printing & signage company 40 Visuals.
About 74Wythe: The 74Wythe team is looking forward to introducing a stunning venue that encompasses interconnected spaces for all types of events. As a bonus, the Jbird cocktail lounge will be slinging classic and original drinks to the public behind a hidden door on N. 12th St. 74Wythe aims to preserve its roots as a timeless Brooklyn spot, where friends can gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, catch up, and forge new experiences in our ever-evolving world.
Founders Josh Kaiser and Zach Weinberg hope to open the 5,000 square foot rooftop space by September, pending regulations and health and safety precautions, and feel that its multi-level configuration and four entrances can help keep physical distancing a possibility.
