On the first day of October, while exploring
East Village at one in the morning, I briefly glanced at this image painted
onto a storefront gate from the window of my car. Amongst the darkness of the
quiet city, this visually arresting image called out to me. Luckily, I was able
to capture a picture before the traffic light changed back to green. The artwork
takes up almost the entire surface area of the metal gate; painted in vibrant
colors. Based on the style and shape that it is drawn in, it is undeniable that
these are the wings of an angel. The artwork displays an age-old, universal
symbol in the form of a modern representation.
The wings take
the form of graffiti, a form which immediately attaches various implications to
the overall status and meaning. In contemporary society, there is still a
debate over whether graffiti should be considered art; despite its increased popularity
in mainstream culture. Additionally, graffiti is conventionally considered
vandalism. Which implies that the artwork will be covered up in the near future
with the intention of erasing it. Ultimately, the existence of the wings are a brief
moment in time. For a fleeting period, it offers select viewers the weight of
whatever meaning they take from it.
This placement of the wings on a
metal gate can be interpreted as the artwork serving as a “gateway” for
recognizing a deeply religious symbol in an urban setting. By putting the wings
on the gate of a storefront, it can only be seen during an unconventional time. In addition, although these are angel wings,
it is important to note that throughout all the religions that recognize them,
angels are portrayed both with and without wings. In Christianity, angels serve
as a symbol of God’s power. They are regarded both as messengers and guardians,
sent to protect humans. Therefore, when people think of any physical iconography
representative of angels, some may interpret them as a sign sent from God.
The various meanings attached this
symbol, both religious and secular, are what give these wings substantial
weight. When people look at these wings,
it evokes a different feeling from everyone. Due to the taboos that surround graffiti,
there are some who will look at the wings and immediately disregard it. However, despite the context, the value of these
wings should not be diminished. For those who are religious, this image serves
as a reassurance of God’s presence, and grants a sense of security during a
widespread period of contemporary hardships. And for those who are non-religious,
these wings could represent freedom and hope in the face of an uncertain future.
Furthermore, the wings could also remind someone of a deceased loved one. Regardless
of your beliefs, this image embodies endless possibilities. Especially because
of the work’s urban setting, this offers a platform for a wide range of nonconventional
interpretations.
Ultimately, it is important to
understand that this artwork should not be reduced to the status of vandalism;
it is a deeply triggering symbol that is relevant in both religious and secular cultures. Just like
the chance circumstances that allowed me to see these angel wings, that’s how
most people will encounter them too. In
New York City, the city that never sleeps, the hours of the night symbolize the
metaphorical red light of a traffic light.
The movement and commotion of the daylight has ceased, and stillness and
silence of the night has replaced it.
During this time is when the angel wings are permitted to appear. Allowing select viewers to witness its
brightness amongst the surrounding darkness. It serves as a beacon of hope for
those who remain after the rest of society has looked away for a brief moment.
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