A new mural has been unveiled in at the Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park. Lost Boys by Kevin Claiborne is presented by BRIC and Prospect Park Alliance in partnership with NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program. This is the fourth annual public art collaboration between BRIC and the Alliance at the Bandshell. The piece will be on view through April 21, 2024.
“Kevin Claiborne’s urgent message of mental health, writ large in a natural space such as Prospect Park, illustrates that not only are these topics not often addressed, but that the space in which they are delivered is taken for granted," Jenny Gerow, Chief Curator, Director of Contemporary Art at BRIC said. "We are excited to be partnering with Prospect Park Alliance and the NYC Parks Art in the Parks program for a fourth year to engage with this beautiful public space in the presentation of Kevin Claiborne’s artwork.”
Claiborne, a conceptual photographer, engages viewers in critical self-reflection and collective examination of the Black experience. With Lost Boys, Claiborne challenges established notions of cultural legibility and encourages viewers to delve deeper into the origins, embodiment, and sufficiency of Blackness, including its impact on mental health. Painted in vibrant shades of blue and black, the boy's direct gaze confronts the viewer while the repeated patterning and overlay of text pushes and pulls the colorful faces between differing levels of visibility.
"We are honored to be working with BRIC, the NYC Parks Art in the Parks program and artist Kevin Claiborne to welcome Lost Boys to Prospect Park," Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, said.
"This work beautifully surfaces many of the internal monologues that generations of BIPOC people have struggled to answer for themselves as individuals and for entire communities. I look forward to park visitors engaging with the work, as we endeavor to create spaces within the park for reflection on social justice issues as well as healing. Given the prominent location of the Lena Horne Bandshell and the connection to a long history of performing art, I hope it will help people feel seen and also spark inspiration to find moments of joy."
