Employee Reaches out to the People of Paris
Readers may recall that NYCHA’s graphic artist Keith De Cesare was honored at the first anniversary of the National 9/11 Memorial Museum (as reported in the August 2015 issue of NYCHANow) for his series of Angel Memorial Tributes honoring first responders who lost their lives saving others.
When Mr. De Cesare learned about the acts of terrorism that struck Paris on November 13, he felt “compelled to respond in the way [he knows] best, as a graphic artist,” and created yet another stunning image — “Angel of Liberty,” with wings of an angel placed on the Statue of Liberty, declaring New York’s solidarity with the people of Paris.
Upon seeing the image on social media, a citizen of France printed and posted a copy held in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and another copy was placed at the entrance to the French Embassy in New York, as part of another memorial. The artwork was also presented to Bertrand Lortholary, the Consul General of France, at the French Consulate, who will deliver a copy to French President François Hollande.
Another photograph of the image — this time placed on a memorial in Paris (above) — was also posted and widely commented on in social media such as Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ArtAID/.
“Since 9/11, I have focused on creating works that elevate the human spirit, tangible healing art in the form of prints, banners and installations, to console and provide uplift in times of need. They often take on a life of their own when they are widely shared and displayed around the world,” Mr. De Cesare said.
NYCHA is proud of its tradition of employees and employee organizations reaching out in response to tragedies around the world. Thanks to Mr. De Cesare, NYCHA is part of the solidarity expressed by this city and the nation with the people of Paris.
