Colorful mural added behind Richmond Barthé’s Kingsborough Houses frieze
All photos by Tameek Williams, unless noted otherwise
A colorful mural now adorns the backside of the recently restored Richmond Barthé frieze at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights. On Thursday, the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), the city’s Housing Authority (NYCHA), and local artists Gerard Pefung and Greg Roberson unveiled “From Weeksville to Kingsborough: Still We Rise,” a vibrant tribute to the two neighborhoods’ histories and the enduring legacies of their residents. The piece sits directly behind Harlem Renaissance sculptor Richmond Barthé’s “Exodus and Dance” frieze, which was restored in August after 80 years on display.
Designed by lead artist Gerard Pefung, president of the Fulton Art Fair, with assistant Greg Roberson, the mural incorporates imagery, words, and symbols drawn from Kingsborough residents’ shared history.
PHCF and the Fulton Art Fair hosted engagement sessions at the Weeksville Heritage Center to shape its themes. The new piece replaces “Weeksville: Past Forward,” a 2006 work removed during the frieze’s wall rehabilitation.
Funding for the project came from the Mellon Foundation, which also supported the restoration of Barthé’s iconic frieze, another new public art installation called “Migration,” and an oral history project.
“This mural beautifully captures what it means to be part of the Kingsborough community and serves as a powerful reminder of its history in the Weeksville community of Brooklyn,” Alex Zablocki, executive director of PHCF, said.
“Alongside the ‘Exodus & Dance’ project, it underscores our dedication to supporting residents as they engage with and uplift their neighborhood through art, culture, and storytelling.”
Created in 1939, “Exodus and Dance” is an 80-foot frieze installed at the campus in 1941. The renowned artwork depicts biblical scenes and dance motifs to convey spirituality, community, and joy. After eight decades of exposure to the elements, the frieze had begun to crack and crumble, necessitating a major restoration.
The two-phase project began in January 2024 with an 18-month restoration of the frieze, which included removing it from “The Wall,” as it is commonly known by residents, transporting it to a conservation studio for cleaning and repairs, and constructing a new wall to house it. The initiative was led by artist-in-residence Larry Weekes, former president of the Fulton Art Fair, before his passing in June.
The second phase, unveiled earlier this month, included the permanent installation and heritage walk titled “Migration.” The piece features 35 illuminated steel structures, ranging from six to 12 feet high, dispersed across the 16-acre campus to honor the restored frieze.
“Inspired by the vision of Richmond Barthé, this mural reflects the spirit of the Kingsborough community. It speaks to the struggles, triumphs, and traditions that define its residents and honors a people who continue moving forward—together,” Pefung said.
“Shaped by history, lifted by culture, and carried by hope, this artwork draws its symbols, imagery, and words directly from the residents themselves. It stands as a tribute to their stories, their strength, and their enduring legacy.”
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