Destruction of Public Art: Moody’s Mural Ruined by Exhaust Pipe through Woman’s Face
(This story has been updated) December 20th we will remember as the date a neighborhood mural was defaced. The gateway mural painted by artist Michael Moody was punctured by an exhaust system jutting out from the building, obliterating what was once a woman’s face. Art lovers were horrified as they watched workers knock through a face that’s graced that wall for over a decade. It was area Storyteller and Curator of African American Culture, Vanessa Johnson who alerted the public via social media, that the mural was being altered to make way for a business to add venting. According to neighborhood resident Annabel Hine Otts, “Michael Moody was a beloved neighborhood artist, who depicted African American life in his paintings and worked to uplift Black artists”. Moody died on February 28th, 2016 his artwork was a reflection of Westcott Street life; his mural depicted the late owner of the former Abdo’s Store and images from the neighborhood as only Moody could paint them. The mural was a welcome sight to a neighborhood that’s spent decades planning everything, from public art, to the signage on individual businesses. The Westcott Community is special and Moody’s mural was one of its many, beautiful visual amenities. The business, Yeti Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies has installed a range hood that vents through the mural. This construction, effectively ruining the effect of the neighborhood landmark that’s defied graffiti wind, snow and rain, only to succumb to the needs of a business to install a vent. No consideration was given to the neighborhood cultural value of this public art installation. After calls were made to the business a statement was released indicating that they’ll find an artist who will essentially, blend the vent pipes with the art. That is like placing a vent pipe in the buttocks of the Statue of Liberty to vent a gift shop. There’s no way of repairing the big metal pipe protruding from the woman’s body, replacing her face. Michael Moody, his art was unique and special to more than just the; “Westcott Nation” Moody’s art was loved by many. Painting over a pipe protruding from a face is not going to restore the spirit that was embodied in that original work. Regardless of the “fix” Yeti Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies has planned, they’ve damaged a piece of public art beyond redemption. Update: Annabel Hine Otts met with a representative at the site, this morning. They released a statement shortly after that meeting, ” I am in the process of modifying our permit to remove that side duct and go through the roof so that we can start fixing this. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns, sincerely, Chris Norcross” Westcott St. Building Renovation Stopped by City of Syracuse Cover photo: Annabel Hine Otts
