The NYC Department of Transportation Art Program partnered with El Centro del Inmigrante to present Staten Island-based artist Lina Montoya’s Las Mariposas Amarillas (The Yellow Butterflies) on the chain-link fence surrounding a DOT facility at Richmond Terrace and Jewett Avenue in Staten Island. Butterflies are a central image of migration and a symbol used in the struggle for migrant rights worldwide. Montoya zip tied over 18,000 vinyl butterflies onto the chain-link fence creating a whimsical wave. Behind and between the butterflies, Montoya created the Manhattan as viewed from Staten Island by popping in 10,000 plastic cups directly into the chain-link fence weave. The design concept was developed in conversations with members of El Centro and the broader Port. This piece is part of a larger body of work by Montoya entitled, La Isla Bonita (the Beautiful Island).
NYCDOT Art Program, Community Commissions. Las Mariposas Amarillas, Lina Montoya in partnership with El Centro del Inmigrante, located at Richmond Terrace and Jewett Avenue, Staten Island, New York.
Gallery & Pictures by New York City Department of Transportation
Thanks to Wagner College for the video. Camera: Anna Mule. Edition: Allie Calascibetta. Special thanks to Sarah Scott.