Harlem has long been a beacon for culture and communal fortitude, and now that spirit is literally standing tall at the corner of 124th Street and Lenox Avenue. The sculpture collection, "Aunties," by Harlem's own Fitgi Saint-Louis celebrates local women - leaders, nurturers, and pioneers of the community. In an unforgettable visual homage, the installation comprises three hand-painted, 6.5-foot-tall wooden figures crafted to honor these central figures in Harlem's vibrant history and present.
Weaving together the threads of legacy and visibility, the artist's intention is clear in each careful stroke of bold color. "People felt seen," Saint-Louis told ABC 7 New York, noting the immediate impact the art had upon the neighborhood's denizens. And it's not simply about representation but connection. Savona Bailey-McClaif, from the West Harlem Art Fund, highlighted the sculptures' link to the shared experience of kinship: "Almost every woman I know is an auntie to someone, a grandmother, a cousin and so this is about people connecting, the extended family that many of us grew up with."
The "Aunties" are a part of the NYC Department of Transportation's Community Commissions initiative, which aims to bring distinctive, site-specific art to the city's streets. Each figure is a tapestry of wood layers, painted in yellow, red, and green that allude to the heritage craft traditions and connection to land. The setup encourages engagement, with deliberate space left between the figures for visitors to integrate themselves into the tribute. "Aunties is intentionally positioned with open space between figures to invite people to stand with them," the NYC DOT articulated in a press release, as reported by Time Out New York.
The resonance of the installation reverberates beyond visual appeal. Saint-Louis drew inspiration from a personal journey tracing her family tree with her 96-year-old grandmother – names recorded but faces forgotten. In these faceless sculptures, the collective memory of many generations, imprints itself on the present. "I wanted to find a way to capture all the different eras of my own family, and capture that in its abstract form so more people can see themselves in that way," Saint-Louis explained to ABC 7 New York. The exhibition is set to remain in place through April of the following year, continuing to reflect the myriad faces, eras, and stories embedded in Harlem's rich tapestry.
For those looking to experience more of Fitgi Saint-Louis' artwork, additional pieces can be visited in St. Nicholas Park.
