If you live in the Lower East Side, where our foundation is located, you probably passed by this street exhibition by Tom Sanford that pays homage to the individuals that made L.E.S. great. Yes, we are talking about The Saints of The Lower East Side.
The Harlem-based artist, who paints colorful compositions of cultural figures, portrayed prominent downtowners like Allen Ginsberg, famous crime-scene photojournalist Weegee and also recent heroes of the neighborhood, like Nuyoracan Poets Cafe co-founder Miguel Piñero.
The panel with the seven L.E.S. heroes is installed on East 4th street between Bowery and 2nd Ave, 14 feet above the ground.
“I made them with the understanding that they’re on the street,”
“Some elderly lady walked by and said, ‘Ginsberg looked much better than that,’”
– Tom Sadford
All the painted heroes of the neighborhood where Angel Orensanz decided to build his foundation, are bearing personal symbols that show a trace of their work or personality. Weegee, for example, holds a cigar and a camera. The Saints of The Lower East Side will be up until September 5th, so make sure you pass by it and also enjoy all that the Lower East Side has to offer.
Sources: artlog, capitalnewyork , hyperallergic, gothamist
The Angel Orensanz Foundation 