We came upon this mural in Hudson Yards. Created by the Bronx-based artist, Marsh Made Art, the goal of the art according to Marsh, “is to make people happy. I want to capture the feeling you get when you look at something and smile (inside and out). What better way to do that than through LOVE?”. Wishing everyone a happy Friday!
A Post-Thanksgiving Stroll
After your Thanksgiving feast or holiday celebration, what about a stroll through the Marsha P. Johnson Park in Brooklyn if you are in the area. We loved our recent visit which was supremely relaxing.
In this season of thanks, we extend our sincere appreciation to the exceptional individuals who contribute to the success of Daryanani Law Group—from our dedicated team and valued clients, to our families, friends and extensive support network. Your commitment and partnership make each day extraordinary. From all of us at DLG, we hope you are enjoying a lovely Thanksgiving holiday weekend!
"Everyday Heroes" by Katya Leonovich
Katya Leonovich's "Everyday Heroes" exhibition is a poignant tribute to the often-overlooked individuals who keep New York's vibrant rhythm alive. With her artistic roots in Moscow, Russia, Katya's journey took her to the bustling streets of Rome, where she thrived in the world of fashion design, collaborating with icons like Madonna. In 2008, she brought her immigrant perspective to New York, where her art now celebrates the essential roles played by the city's everyday heroes, such as cleaners, construction workers, barbers, taxi drivers, electricians, policemen, firemen, and waiters.
This exhibition not only pays homage to these unsung individuals but also resonates with aspects of the immigrant experience, reflecting the diverse narratives that enrich New York. In "Everyday Heroes," Katya Leonovich's portraits offer a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who often remain unseen in the urban hustle, capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her work mirrors the resilience and creativity of New York, presenting a heartfelt narrative of the city's heroes who go unnoticed. Don't miss the chance to experience this compelling gallery, as it closes its doors on November 13th!
“The Apple” by Stephan Weiss
At the heart of Hudson River Park’s Apple Garden, sits “The Apple”, a nine feet tall, three ton ode to the city where visitors can sit upon the circular bench at its base and enjoy the pleasant views of the Hudson River. “The Apple” was designed by artist Stephan Weiss, a New York native and the late husband of renowned fashion designer Donna Karan. While Mr. Weiss played a large role in launching and running his wife’s famous fashion label, he never stepped away from his art. He spent much of his time working on his sculptures and abstract paintings in his art studio on Greenwich Street in the West Village. As part of Mr. Weiss’ Larger than Life series, “The Apple” honors our beloved New York City and symbolizes both the city’s heart and the core of life. Mr. Weiss’ structure truly brings to life what it means to live in “The Big Apple.”
Soul Ancestors by Magda Love
One of the largest murals in New York is painted on the wall of a public school in the West Village. The mural at City-As-School consists of three enormous compositions by well-known muralists Kobra, Cern, and Magda Love. “Soul Ancestors” is the name of the portion painted by artist Magda Love. Born in Argentina, the artist has lived in New York City for more than 15 years, and is dedicated to adorning the city with colorful, captivating work. With the goal of giving New Yorkers a moment of thoughtful pause in their hectic day, her work draws on her own experiences to portray themes of “vulnerability, strength, nostalgia, sorrow and joy.” The artist says that “Soul Ancestors” is a celebration of femininity, “a song to all women who are putting their souls in what they do.” The colorful artwork is a bright addition to the school building and the neighborhood.
Brighter Days by Melvin Edwards
Legendary sculptor Melvin Edwards has spent his 50-year long career creating public art for display all over the world. He is currently being honored with a retrospective collection in front of City Hall in Manhattan, featuring several sculptures created between 1970 and 1996, and one new work, commissioned in 2020. Titled “Song of the Broken Chains,” this new sculpture consists of several enormous chain links, broken open and glittering in the sunlight. All of the sculptures in the retrospective include chains in some form, as chains are a signature motif for the artist. In his work, he utilizes the formal qualities of chains—their movement, shape, and weight—while exploring the various metaphorical meanings of the material. In Edwards’ work, chains “can represent bonds that [either] constrain or unite us, while broken fragments might suggest [either] liberation or loss.” Often present in his work is also the clear historical connection to chains “as tools of slavery and violence.” His most recent piece has a sense of optimism, with the broken chain links “suggesting both liberation and rupture,” shining brightly on the site of both a colonial African Burial Ground and New York’s Black Lives Matter protests.
Murals by Kobra
Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra, better known simply as Kobra, has painted countless murals over the course of his career, many of which can be found in New York City. He has a distinct style, mixing black and white photorealism with geometric patterns in a rainbow of colors. He often layers color over the grayscale elements, creating figures that can seem simultaneously ghostly and very present. Once you know what to look for, you begin to see his work all over the city, especially in downtown Manhattan. The incredibly prolific artist often deals with social issues in his work, frequently commenting on immigration, race, war, and religion. He is a master of powerful, thought-provoking images that make any street corner more beautiful.
Kehinde Wiley at Moynihan Train Hall
As commuters and sightseers stream into the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station via the W33rd street entrance, they are bathed in colored light. If they look up, they’ll see the reason: a gorgeous glass triptych by Kehinde Wiley, the artist famous for painting Barack Obama’s official presidential portrait, set into the ceiling. At first glance, the design is similar to the religious imagery that adorns the ceilings of churches and government buildings throughout the US and Europe – angels lounging in the clouds, looking down at the people moving below. But a second look reveals that the angels in Wiley’s work, titled “Go,” look very different from those that grace European frescoes. These angels are young, Black New Yorkers dressed in modern fashions. And they’re not lounging – these angels are breakdancing across the clouds. The work is joyful and dynamic, celebrating the Black people who have shaped and will continue to shape this city. This colorful piece is a perfect welcome to the city for travelers arriving in New York. At any rate, it is certainly an improvement over the current iteration of Penn Station.
Doors for Doris
Doors for Doris, a three-part sculpture in the southeast corner of Central Park, honors the late Doris Freedman, a leader in the field of public art in New York City and founder of the Public Art Fund. Brooklyn-based artist Sam Moyer built these structures with a combination of imported marble and locally-quarried stone. The various stones in the work come from New York City stone yards and construction projects, so each piece bears the marks of its originally intended use as a part of a building. In a city with an eminently recognizable skyline, the buildings are an intrinsic part of the city itself, so even the stones which did not originate here are deeply connected to New York. The composition of the stones reminds us of ancient monuments like Stonehenge, giving the work a sense of history and gravitas that seems fitting in this shady corner of the park. It also makes the sculpture feel a little bit magical, as though you could step through one of those stone doorways, “pivoted ajar to evoke the dynamism of the bustling city,” and find yourself transported somewhere unexpected.
A Very Happy Hour
We were all smiles this week when we ventured out of the office for happy hour at Hole in the Wall, a cozy restaurant in the Flatiron District serving up delicious Australian food. We’ve all been working behind masks and over email, so it was a novel experience to see each other’s faces. As vaccination rates go up, the city is re-opening and beginning to look more familiar. Restaurants and bars are open for business, in-person events are being announced and planned, and live theatre will be back soon. After a tough year, happy hour was truly happy! Cheers!!