After five days, 100 volunteers, and 85 gallons of paint, a new mural on 14th Street is now complete. The Union Square Partnership this week unveiled “Flowing Together,” a colorful 7,500-square-foot mural on the pedestrian areas of the 14th Street Busway, between Broadway and University Place. Designed by Queens-based artist Talisa Almonte, the bold street art reflects Union Square as a spot to pass through and historically, a place rooted in social movements.
“Flowing Together” abstractly represents the flow of people in Union Square. The southern end of the mural features organic shapes painted in diverse colors. The northern portion shows the shapes joining together in a spiral, symbolizing the “unification of people for a specific cause,” according to a press release.
“Sharing my design with the Union Square community, along with international visitors and other New Yorkers alike, is an incredible opportunity,” Almonte said. “I’d like to thank Union Square Partnership, NYC DOT Art, neighborhood partners, and the volunteers for enlivening ‘Flowing Together.’”
“This artwork, now located within such a beloved neighborhood in the heart of NYC, is inspired by the history, the environment and the celebration of the people whose paths have crossed through the iconic Union Square.”
Photo credit: Carlos Chiossone
Presented in partnership with the city’s Department of Transportation Art program and the urban planning and design firm Street Plans, the mural was painted over five days, from May 13 through May 17, with roughly 100 volunteers pitching in to help complete it. Paint from Sherwin-Williams included the colors Nifty Turquoise, Obstinate Orange, Gusto Gold, Dishy Coral, Dynamic Blue, and Oceanside.
Photo credit: Carlos Chiossone
The Union Square Partnership selected Almonte’s work out of 27 mural submissions.
“Union Square Partnership is honored to work with Talisa Almonte to bring her inspiring artwork to 14th Street and utilize our public space to create a shared experience within the community,” Julie Stein, executive director of Union Square Partnership. said. “This unique street canvas presents an opportunity to infuse exquisite, original artwork into our urban neighborhood’s bustling environment, and ‘Flowing Together’ beautifully portrays Union Square’s rich history, local context, and diversity of experience.”
“Flowing Together” is the fourth mural installed on this stretch of 14th Street since 2021. Debuting in 2019, the 14th Street Busway allows only buses, trucks, and emergency vehicles on 14th Street between 3rd Avenue and 9th Avenue from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, allowing for faster commutes and increased ridership.
Colorful street mural depicts the vibrancy of Union Square
By Devin Gannon
May 21, 2024
Cover photo credit: Jane Kratochvil