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Mr. Brainwash Brings Polarizing 9/11 Mural To NYC

By Niki Cruz
Published on: 02:49 PST, Sep 11, 2014

Today we will see all kinds of 9/11 tributes especially in New York City. However, it’s one tribute that was created the day before 9/11 that has received attention.

Mr. Brainwash, the enigmatic street artist and filmmaker decided to create a large mural right across from the World Trade Center. As reported by Gothamist, the artist’s artwork is on the side of the Century 21 building. The exact location is on Church St. between Dey St. and Cortlandt St.

Isaac Gindi, the Vice President of the Century 21 released a statement in honor of Mr. Brainwash’s powerful 9/11 mural.

“When Mr. Brainwash came to us with this idea we were honored. We are such big fans of his work and loved the idea of showing our support and dedication for the Downtown community and NYC’s bravest and finest right on our building. His piece exemplifies a tribute to the resiliency of New York City and all Americans after 9/11.”

Here’s a look at Mr. Brainwash’s tribute.

As we all know art is subjective, and not everyone agrees that the tribute is touching or profound. Some consider Mr. Brainwash’s mural as a way of capitalizing on a national tragedy. Gothamist’s own street art critic Jake Dobkin found the 9/11 mural messy.

“While I respect the sentiment, and it’s always a good thing to honor 9/11 victims, Mr. Brainwash’s art still looks terrible. Messy lettering, slapdash paste-up technique, ideas which are always visual cliches. Some people might make the argument that his style is so bad that it’s actually good, but that’s some next level shit that I just can’t get on.”

Banksy's 9/11 work
This isn’t the first time a street artist has displayed artwork in honor of 9/11. Last year, Banksy spent a month in New York displaying his artwork on the side of buildings. Some were outraged while others were delighted by his month long residency. All of his pieces were painted over and considered vandalism, but some pieces are memorable, such was his artwork of the Twin Towers in Tribeca, which we pictured above. Instead of a fiery blaze, Banksy decided to place a bright orange flower to create a new but poignant meaning.

What do you think of Mr. Brainwash’s work?

[Image via Valerie Heinmets/Gothamist]

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