PIX 11

By Cory McGinnis

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan — Artists are bringing new life and healing to East Harlem through vibrant murals and community art events.

Saturday, over 30 artists gathered at 125th Street and Lexington Avenue to paint murals as part of a beautification project led by Uptown Grand Central, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the neighborhood.

Among the artists was Fallou Wadje, a painter and fashion designer from Senegal who now lives in Harlem. She has been involved in several mural projects in the community, finding inspiration in her personal growth and her grandfather’s faith. “My self-development is my success right now, who I am, who I built myself to be today,” Wadje shared. Another mural she worked on, not far from 125th Street, carries the heartfelt message, “Allah is love,” reflecting both her cultural roots and spiritual beliefs.

Wadje emphasized the importance of love during challenging times. She also noted that 90 local children participated in the mural painting, highlighting the community-driven spirit of the project.

In addition to her mural work, Wadje is currently showcasing her new exhibit, “Woman and Society,” aimed at bringing the Harlem community together through creativity. She describes the exhibit as a space where people can relax, connect, and experience art freely, based on love. “The event is meant to bring the community together, using creativity to help people relax, feel connected, and experience art based on love,” Wadje explained.

Looking around at the murals and fellow artists painting on the same streets where she first started, Wadje expressed hope that art can be a source of healing. “We need to heal our people. Through the art, just standing here and looking at the colors, the colors heal. I’m African, I know about color. Look at this, this is beauty, a sense of joy,” she said.