New Public Art Installation by Gallery Artist Miguel Colón
May 13, 2019, BROOKLYN, NY—14x48 is pleased to announce the posting of “Stand Up,” a billboard by artist Miguel Colón, on Flatbush Avenue and King’s Plaza Shopping Center. The image is a mural that Colon painted to address the multiple forms of oppression he has faced and observed in his New York community.
Colón felt compelled to create an image that reflected the anger and discrimination not often the subject of murals. Unsatisfied to simply portray “heartwarming community activities,” as Colón puts it, the billboard is a confrontation with the destructive forces of racism, sexism, and stigma against the mentally ill. In bearing witness in public form, Colón is providing solidarity with those that are oppressed. To read more about the billboard in the artist’s own words, please visit 14x48.org.
In conjunction with the billboard, please join us for an event at the Fountain House Gallery and Studio, located at 702 9th Ave, on May 15th from 6-7:30 pm to hear Miguel Colón speak about the billboard and his creative process. The Fountain House Gallery and Studio provides an environment where artists living with mental illness can express their creative visions and exhibit their work. Founded by Fountain House in 2000, the storefront Gallery in Manhattan sells original artworks and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators, and cultural institutions.
At a later date, Colón will teach a private mural workshop to fellow members at the Fountain House.
The billboard will be on view through June 9th and possibly longer.
About the Artist
Miguel Colón was born in the South Bronx in 1969. He is a 1992 graduate of the School of Visual Arts, holding a BFA in painting, with honorable mention. He studied at the Art Students League of New York, and has worked at the National Academy of Design, and New York Academy of Art. He is a 2001 recipient of the Edwin Austin Abbey Mural Workshop Grant at the National Academy of Design. His artistic influences include Diego Rivera, Vincent van Gogh, and Amedeo Modigliani. This billboard is his first public work.
About 14x48
14x48 repurposes vacant billboards as public art space in order to create more opportunities in public art for emerging artists, to challenge emerging artists to engage more with public art, and to enliven the vibrancy of our urban environment. www.14x48.org
Support
Support for 14x48’s public art projects has been made possible by individuals and the NY Community Trust, Lamar Outdoor, and Red Rock Outdoor. 14x48 is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. 14x48 is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts service organization.
Fountain House Gallery
Fountain House Gallery and Studio provides an environment where artists living with mental illness can express their creative visions and exhibit their work. Founded by Fountain House in 2000, the storefront Gallery in Manhattan sells original artworks and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators, and cultural institutions. The Studio, located in Long Island City, is a collaborative workspace that furthers the professional practice of our artists. Embracing artists who are emerging or established, trained or self-taught, Fountain House Gallery cultivates artistic growth, makes a vital contribution to the New York arts community, and challenges the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The Fountain House is dedicated to the recovery of men and women with mental illness by providing opportunities for members to live, work, and learn, while contributing their talents through a community of mutual support.
Visiting the Installation
The billboard is located on the corner of Flatbush Avenue and King's Plaza Shopping Center.
Media Contact
Alexandra Israel, 14x48 Press and Media: aeipublicrelationsnyc@gmail.com
Camille Tibaldeo, Communications Director of Fountain House Gallery: Camille@fountaingallerynyc.com