City’s Latest ‘Asphalt Activation’ Wants to Turn Your Frown Upside-Down

Amidst all the pigeon poop, garbage juice, and sundry other mystery substances littering the streets of New York, there are actually some hard-working people out there trying to make this city just a teensiest bit nicer. Sure, you could go the ad-hoc route like this artist who leaves gold spray-painted trash bags lying around. Or, go the way of the city’s Department of Transportation and commission artists to unleash the pretty. Williamsburg is the new recipient of one such beautification project, with a massive painting adorning the ground of Ascenzi Square, in the triangle formed by Roebling Street, Metropolitan Avenue, and N 4th Street.

The 3,475-square-foot asphalt mural, created by artist Andrea von Bujdoss (known as “Queen Andrea”), reads “GOOD DAY” in vibrant letters, while technicolor designs light up the street. According to a DOT spokesperson, the project, which was inspired by “the diversity of New York City,” was completed earlier this week by Bujdoss and her assistants.

Bujdoss’ work is part of three “asphalt activations” that have occurred at Citi Bike stations as part of a broader DOT Art initiative, wherein the agency partners with artists and community organizations to create temporary public art all across the city. The works range from murals and the decoration of street barriers to light installations and sculptures. Public plazas, fences, bridges, public stairs, and sidewalks are all fair game.

The DOT spokesperson didn’t tell us how
long the Williamsburg mural would last; presumably it’ll stay there until it’s washed away by the tears of broken city dwellers.