Massive Artwork Paying Tribute to Black Lives Matter and COVID-19 Workers Appears in Brooklyn

Before it has even opened its doors to the public, Brooklyn’s soon-to-be multi-level event space 74Wythe has unveiled a large-scale art installation in tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement and frontline healthcare workers fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. The photography-based artwork, called #74wythefamilarfaces, was conceived and directed by founder of Artine Advisory Angela Redai, custom illustrated by artist Arianna Margulis and produced in partnership with printing and signage company 40 Visuals.

Wrapping around the building’s 15,000-square-foot exterior are brightly colored screenshots of video conferences and photographs of people making a difference. Portraits include doctors and nurses from across New York City hospitals, caterers donating meals and protestors participating in marches. Whether it’s the cast of Hamilton serenading a 9-year-old girl or a businesses trying to raise funds, the works celebrate those who have been providing relief, support and levity during this time. Additional text encourages donations and support for select charities and organizations.

74Wythe launched the initiative with its own donation to the NYC Covid-19 Response & Impact Fund of the New York Community Trust. After 74Wythe officially opens up later this summer, the founding team will donate one percent of net profits for all private event sales — indefinitely — to various charities such as Black Lives Matter, the Brooklyn Community Foundation, the Stonewall Community Foundation and more.

Owners Zach Weinberg and Josh Kaiser hope to open up 74Wythe by September. In the meantime, take a closer look at the #74wythefamilarfaces installation in the slideshow above.

In other news, Mayor de Blasio announced that a Black Lives Matter mural will be painted on the street right outside of the Trump Tower in Manhattan.