Photos by Gabby Jones
Patti Samper
37th Street Mural
2023-2024
Artist Statement
Ten thousand leaves give one human being fresh air each day and one large tree gives approximately four humans fresh air daily.
The 37th Street murals are born from Colombian born artist, Patti Samper’s return to Palomino, La Guajira, where she continued to deepen her ongoing relationship with members of the Arhuaco Indigenous community, whom she had grown up amongst. She spoke with the Mamos (spiritual leaders) about the imprint of climate change in their home, which is causing them great concerns and challenges to their way of life. Similarly, the New York City community faces many growing environmental challenges. Amongst them, finding a balance between the expanding skyscraper landscape, and providing enough nature, leaves and trees to absorb the carbon dioxide out of the air for its millions of inhabitants and commuters.
The mural’s, The Very Air We Breathe and The Seeds of Life, are an extension of Patti Samper’s ongoing concern for the environment.
Despite the precarious issues, the work breathes and exhales optimism: a blue sky and a colorful, multi-seasonal leaf palette, in both the foreground and backdrop, remind us of the awe inspiring, seasonal splendor that these life-generating leaves also provide us with. Bouncing, joyous seeds pop and float throughout both murals. With every step the viewer takes down the sidewalk, they are forced to see, repetitively, the omnipotent leaves.
“Nature opens our senses and preserves our soul. Keeping her thriving is essential to our own humanity and existence.” Patti Samper
Bio
Patti Samper is an artist born in Bogotá, Colombia. She attended New York University, BFA, Tisch School of the Arts in New York City NY, USA. Her work is exhibited throughout the USA and internationally in galleries, museums and public art spaces, with works in private collections. She is a represented artist member of The Painting Center Gallery in New York City and has her studio in Montclair, New Jersey, USA.
My work is informed by a wide spectrum of sources: from personal to communal, and virtual to spiritual spaces. Within this realm, I incorporate into my paintings an exploration of the relationship between light and matter, color and emotion. I have always been profoundly interested in the intangible and documented effects of technology, climate change and the fragility within these systems. Particularly its effects to our humanity and our environment. My murals reflect my ongoing journey into this contemporary experience.
Mural Painting Volunteer Day
June 21, 2023