Brooklyn’s Niecha complex has unveiled the restored 86-year-old artwork, now deemed worthy of recognition, perhaps even by the Smithsonian, as per its supporters.
The piece, measuring 80 feet, is a concrete freeze titled “Exodus and Dance,” crafted in 1939 and later installed in front of the Kingsborough House of Crown Heights Week, one of the first free black communities in the U.S.
The engravings showcase historical scenes with biblical references and dance themes, embodying elements of “spirituality, community, joy,” according to advocates.
Richmond Barthe, a renowned sculptor from the Harlem Renaissance, created the work, which has also been featured in esteemed institutions like the Whitney Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Despite community pride, the artwork suffered from years of neglect. Alex Zablokki, executive director of the city’s Public Housing Fund, highlighted some of the issues, noting, “The walls were tainted with graffiti, and the freezes were cracked and parts were missing due to their age.”
Following local advocacy in 2018, the NYCHA received $1.8 million from supporters including former city council president Corey Johnson and ex-county member Arica Amply Samuel. Additionally, a non-profit public housing fund secured $650,000 through a $2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.
The revitalized art was unveiled to the public on August 7th. “It’s like what you see in the Smithsonian and in Washington, DC,” Zablokki said, praising the restored treasure. “It’s really special. It’s something that’s in public housing.”
The renovation was led by Bronx artisan Bagan from Evergreen Architectural Arts, who took meticulous care in examining and restoring each panel of the large piece. Zablokki noted the extensive effort to move and repair the panels, using archival photographs and modern construction techniques to fill in gaps where details were missing.
“In some cases, they didn’t have a face, or they lacked fingers or arms,” he explained.
The effort earned the Moses Award this year for a preservation project from the Landmark Conservancy in New York.
Once restored, the artwork was sealed for protection and enhanced with commemorative plaques and lighting. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated its return as a significant part of the community’s history.
Adolfo Carrión, Jr., vice mayor for housing and economic development, remarked that “Exodus and Dance” honors the rich legacy of the local black community. “Residents of Kingsborough House are fortunate to have this majestic artwork as a campus landmark,” he added, emphasizing the ongoing significance of art to celebrate life.
These repairs mark just the beginning of a larger initiative aimed at creating a “storywalk” around the freezes.
“This project exemplifies how placemaking and public art can foster community connections and deepen engagement,” Zablokki said. He also noted that the documentation and preservation efforts could serve as a model for future community-centric projects that honor the legacy of NYCHA.
