PROJECT: PAINT N POUR INTERIOR STUDIO WALL - JUL 2020

Uptown Grand Central lead a call to New York City-based artists to transform 1,500 feet of green construction fencing to transform three blocks of fencing located adjacent to the 125th Street Metro-North station into a canvas for murals that support and uplift the community. At the same time, the project will bring Uptown artists together to create freely and legally in the public space.

"Harlem Dreams" was created by Erica Purnell on two panels for a combined space of 8ft X 8ft over two days. The piece was an ode to her Grandfather Olen Purnell who moved to Harlem in the 1940's from North Carolina with her Grandmother Johnnie Mae who is also portrayed in silhouette. Erica would hear stories how her Grandad loved everything about Harlem but would later move to Brooklyn as the family grew. 

"I wanted to bring him back to Harlem in this piece. They are my roots and with me everyday and now even more when I'm out here creating and teaching." - Erica Purnell