Jazmine Hayes Charts Community Displacement, Resilience in Brownsville Art Commission
“I genuinely want any child that walks through this door to be and feel protected,” the East New York-raised artist told Hyperallergic.
Last month, the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) unveiled a $128 million multi-service center in Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood. This project includes a significant public art commission by local artist Jazmine Hayes, executed through the DCLA's Percent for Art program.
Hayes' art, titled "I Am Protected (2026)," features four distinct designs, one at each entryway of the building. These designs are intended to honor the cultural history of Brownsville's residents and provide a sense of safety and support for the youth. Speaking to Hyperallergic, Hayes expressed her desire for every child entering the building to feel protected, affirmed, and encouraged.
Born and raised in the adjacent neighborhood of East New York, Hayes had a deep familiarity with Brownsville. Upon being approached by the DCLA to create public art for the area, she was particularly excited about the opportunity following the completion of another public artwork for NYCHA's Brownsville Houses the previous year.
Written by urgent.news from Hyperallergic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
