CONCEPT
Bush Terminal was once a bustling commercial hub where massive cargo ships connected the world. This mural reimagines that history, depicting a diverse assembly of people standing together atop a singular, timeless vessel.
From the indigenous Lenape people—the original stewards of this land—to the European immigrants who crossed the seas, the industrial workers who built the terminal’s legacy, and the vibrant Latino and Chinese communities that define Sunset Park today.
Though they come from different backgrounds and speak different languages, they coexist here as one. Like a dedicated crew navigating a grand ship, the people of this neighborhood work in harmony, bridging their pasts to build a shared future.
LOCATION: NYC EDC MADE Bush Terminal / 4110 1st Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
DATE: June-July (2024) include 3 session with community members
April- May (2026) Painting
MATERIAL & TOOL : Exterior Paints, VR glasses, 85ft Boom lift, sprayer
SIZE: Main wall H 88' x W 80' (7040sqft). Middle wall H 37.5' x W 11' (412.5sqft)
Left wall H 37.5' x W 21.5' + H 24' x W 22.5' (806.25 sqft + 540sqft)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
INCLUSIVE OUTREACH & DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY
To ensure diverse participation, I implemented a multi-channel outreach strategy:
Multilingual Outreach: Designed flyers and posters in English, Spanish, and Chinese to reach the broad demographic of the area.
Digital Accessibility: Created a Google Form questionnaire for those unable to attend in person, sharing it across local Facebook groups and social media to collect a wide range of insights.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IDEATION & DESIGN PRESENTATION (Meeting #1 & #2)
The project began with a series of community dialogues to capture the "heart" of Sunset Park. Through workshops and group discussions, I gathered stories regarding the neighborhood's history, multicultural identity, and future aspirations, ensuring the mural’s concept was rooted in the collective memory of its residents.
TARGETED STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT (Deep Dive Feedback)
Between the initial design and the final reveal, I conducted proactive consultations to refine the vision:
On-site Consultations: I personally visited the offices of local community organizations and senior centers to engage with residents who prefer direct dialogue or may not have digital access.
Hybrid Feedback Loop: Established a feedback system via Zoom and email to accommodate busy stakeholders, ensuring every voice was heard and integrated into the design evolution.
FINAL FEEDBACK (Meeting #3)
After synthesizing all feedback, I presented the final design for community approval. This meeting served as a moment of collective validation, where residents could see their specific suggestions reflected in the art, fostering a deep sense of shared ownership and pride in the project.
PAINTING PROCESS
Final Design
1. Surface Preparation & High-Access Priming
To ensure a durable and long-lasting finish, the process begins with a high-grade primer. Utilizing an 85ft boom lift, I apply the primer across the entire expansive wall surface, creating a solid foundation for the vibrant colors to follow.
To ensure a durable and long-lasting finish, the process begins with a high-grade primer. Utilizing an 85ft boom lift, I apply the primer across the entire expansive wall surface, creating a solid foundation for the vibrant colors to follow.
2. Digital Tracing with VR Technology
Bridging the gap between digital design and physical scale, I utilize VR (Virtual Reality) glasses to project the artwork onto the wall. This allows for a precise rough outline, traced with spray paint to ensure perfect proportions and perspective across the massive architectural surface.
Bridging the gap between digital design and physical scale, I utilize VR (Virtual Reality) glasses to project the artwork onto the wall. This allows for a precise rough outline, traced with spray paint to ensure perfect proportions and perspective across the massive architectural surface.
Using VR glasses to trace images
3. Large-Scale Color Blocking
Once the layout is set, I use industrial sprayers to fill in the large background areas and major color blocks.
Once the layout is set, I use industrial sprayers to fill in the large background areas and major color blocks.
4. Hand-Painted Details & Texture
Transitioning from sprayers to hand-painting, I use large brushes to fill in smaller sections.
Transitioning from sprayers to hand-painting, I use large brushes to fill in smaller sections.
5. Final Outlining, Refinement & Completion
To bring the entire composition together, I return to spray paint for the final outlines with stencils. This final stage involves a meticulous quality check, where I correct any distortions, fill in missed spots, and clean up any drips to ensure a flawless presentation.
To bring the entire composition together, I return to spray paint for the final outlines with stencils. This final stage involves a meticulous quality check, where I correct any distortions, fill in missed spots, and clean up any drips to ensure a flawless presentation.
Overview (Video by Ji Yong Kim)
View from NYC Ferry (Video by Ji Yong Kim)
COMPLETE
Front View
Side View
