Artist: Nichole Abreu
Medium: Video
Artist Statement:
I have always been intrigued with the exploration of mental health, personal growth, and societal struggles through my art. Art is more than just a creative outlet, it's a form of expression, a tool that can serve as a call to action and even express your emotions. During challenging times, art has served to express my emotions freely and find clarity in moments of uncertainty. Over the past year, my artistic journey has mirrored my personal experiences such as self- discovery, mental health and growth. My work has become a reflection of my emotions and life experiences.
Project Description:
"Rebuilding or Replacing" is a project that explores the transformation of the Bronx from the fires of the 1970s and 1980s to its current state. In the 1970s, systemic racism and economic neglect left the Bronx in crisis, leading to high crime rates, abandonment, and widespread destruction. Fast forward to today, the South Bronx is undergoing rapid redevelopment, with new real estate projects reshaping the culture. The rise of gentrification in the South Bronx isn’t just about new developments, it's about the displacement of the very people who built this borough, forcing them to fight to stay in the place they call home. While the buildings get taller and the streets look cleaner, struggles such as homelessness, mental health crises, and addiction continue to be ignored by the government.
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