As I was walking to Fordham on Monday afternoon from 74th Street and Amsterdam, I could not help but notice this bright, vibrant drawing on a shoddy construction wall. I walk down that same block twice a week and I have never noticed that drawing there - perhaps it was just put up - maybe for a reason.
This chalk drawing caught my eye not only because of its colors, but because of where it is placed. Usually chalk drawings are on the sidewalk where people generally walk over or around it, but this one is elevated on a wall where people can see it. Perhaps the artist wanted people to see their message that “Jesus Saves”, but what about the bright red radiating flower heart? The radiating flower heart could mean that love needs to be spread but there is a deeper message behind the drawing. By placing this theological infused drawing on a dilapidated wall, the artist constructs a juxtaposition between its message and location. Placing this bright drawing on a dull green wall probably insinuates that if there is a love and brightness placed amongst something dark, then that brightness will overcome the darkness. We see this all of the time through novels, television shows, and real world situations where if something tragic happens, love can help alleviate the situation. For example, if someone loses a loved one, they can heal quicker. Therefore, where there is love, there is positivity.
Furthermore, on the right of the flower heart says “HHNY”. As I was walking, I kept coming up with different possibilities of what HHNY could mean but had no luck and decided to google it. I came across a news article and discovered that the artist is Hans Honschar. Honschar describes himself as a street artist who “aspires to inspire” people. Therefore, his message on the construction wall serves as an inspiration to people who stop to look at and think about his work. Usually some people would see “Jesus saves” and would walk away because they are not religious or it just does not pertain to them, but Honschar creates a different message. He uses Jesus in this context to create a sense of positivity and uses the heart to show that positivity can spread love and vice versa.
Therefore, Honschar uses this theological message to create a broader point that religion or even faith in something can be a positive force. Perhaps he feels as if in the fast-paced New York City life, there is barely time for self-reflection or self-care, and he wants people to know self-reflection and care are crucial - which is probably why he elevated his message instead of putting it on the sidewalk. There is a school, train station, and a lot of restuarants in that area, so his message will be widely seen, but the viewers should realize that the drawing has a deeper message. Ultimately, Honschar uses this sprinkle of theology to inspire people to spread love and positivity.
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