New Soaring Public Sculpture Honors Mount Vernon Legend Heavy D

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The legend of hip-hop artist Heavy D and the music he left us with will live on for generations and now a reminder of Mount Vernon's role in the iconic performer's career and the birth of hip-hop has a prominent position in the city.

This week, under cloudy skies and thankfully light drizzle, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and ArtsWestchester joined the family of Heavy D for the unveiling of Brooklyn-based artist Eto Otitigbe’s "Peaceful Journey," a monumental public art installation that celebrates the rapper’s music and his legacy in Mount Vernon.

"I wanted to pay homage to the Mount Vernon community that had such an important place in hip-hop with this work of art," Otitigbe said.

The artist explained that the Heavy D song the sculpture is named after "offers a thoughtful and complex picture of the lives of Black and Brown people [living] in places like Mount Vernon, the Bronx or Los Angeles." Otitigbe added that the Mount Vernon native’s music was transformative for him growing up.

The fitting monument to a city and its beloved son was unveiled to coincide with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

"Peaceful Journey" is located within the plaza of 42 Broad, which will be among the nation’s most energy-efficient residential buildings when it opens to residents this spring, according to developers. Situated at the corner of Broad Street and Fleetwood Avenue, the sculpture will be seen daily by thousands of pedestrians and drivers exiting and entering the Cross County Parkway.

Inspired by various points of interest, including architecture, physics and hip-hop, Otitigbe won a commission for a site-specific installation within the plaza at 42 Broad at the corner of Broad Street and Fleetwood Avenue.

The sculpture, which was selected through an open competitive process managed by ArtsWestchester, captivated judges by offering "the hope of tranquility through turbulent times" and "representing how harmony and balance can be achieved even during times of change."

The work already has fans in high places.

"Otitigbe’s abstract artwork will add a spectacular focal point to a gateway to the City of Mount Vernon," Mayor Patterson-Howard said. "Not only my friend and a son of Mount Vernon, but Heavy D was also an integral part of making Mount Vernon the Jewel of Westchester; his influence in the creation of this sculpture makes it more meaningful. Although Heavy D has begun his 'peaceful journey,' Mr. Otitigbe’s sculptural arch is a true testament to the pride, resilience, and transformation of 'Money Earnin Mount Vernon.' I am sure this warms the heart of the Myers family and all Heavy D touched as not only an artist but a resident of Mount Vernon."

Otitigbe worked with the architect Michael DiCarlo to design Peaceful Journey. The archway is intended to offer an invitation for people to pass through its portal, which serves as a waymarker for a peaceful journey.

"We are grateful and honored to the City of Mount Vernon, ArtsWestchester, and the 42 Broad development team of Mark Alexander, Nicholas Alexander and the Bluestone Organization for commemorating the legacy of the groundbreaking album ‘Peaceful Journey’ by Heavy D & the Boyz during the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop music and culture," Heavy D's Brother Floyd Myers said. "Today's sculpture unveiling is a testament to the impact of this album and the artistry of Dwight Myers (Heavy D), Troy Dixon (Trouble T-Roy), Eddie Ferrell (Eddie F.) and Glen Parrish (G-Wiz) had on the music industry. We hope this statue will inspire future generations to tap into their creativity as a means of expression and expanding the message of love, peace, and unity as voiced in the music of Heavy D & the Boyz."

The sculpture is made of Vermont Fantastico marble, stainless steel and COR-TEN steel. The form cycles between stone and metal and appears to continue its path through the concrete. The hive-like steel structure references pointed archways from South East Asian and Islamic architecture, which were later made popular in Gothic architecture throughout Europe.

"The hexagon is a signifier for strength and harmony," explained Otitigbe. "As one passes under the archway and looks up the view of the sky is pixelated by a hexagonal grid. Even the surface of the metal will transform over time as the COR‐TEN steel weathers and changes color. The stone monolith also conveys a sense of balance and affirmation while its surface carries an organic fluid pattern; evidence of the stone’s transformation over time."

The developers at 42 Broad said the public art tribute is a perfect fit, not just for the community and the soon-to-open residential tower, but as a part of the project's ethos.

"Public art is integral to our development philosophy," Alexander Development Group Co-founder Mark Alexander said. “At 42 Broad, we are allocating a sizeable budget for highly visible art to create a memorable place, promote community pride, and to raise the level of aesthetics and energy in the city. Great public art should be transformational, and that is our intent with Otitigbe’s monumental sculpture. Peaceful Journey compliments the metalwork and brick masonry of the building, while inviting the public to walk through its dappled lit archway.”

Designed by Perkins Eastman and built to meet the highest standards of sustainable design, 42 Broad is the world’s largest market-rate multifamily high-rise to achieve Phius passive house Design Certification. The building will have 249 residential units and more than 20,000 square feet of communal space.