'Aunties,' a powerful new sculpture collection, pays tribute to the women of Harlem
Three colorful figures are now brightening up the intersection of 124th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem: Called "Aunties," these figurative sculptures by local artist Fitgi Saint-Louis honor the women who passionately nurture and embolden the Harlem community.
As the artist puts it, "Aunties is an ode to the collective of women, builders, leaders, caretakers, changemakers and creatives who transform Harlem and beyond all while having impeccable style." You can visit the artwork through April 2026.
To create the larger-than-life figures, Saint-Louis used layers of wood, then painted the wood with bold yellow, red and green hues. The works are meant to be monumental in scale—like the icons of the community—and they're intended to remind passersby of heritage craft traditions and connection to land.
"Aunties is intentionally positioned with open space between figures to invite people to stand with them," the NYC Department of Transportation explained in a press release. "The installation recognizes the continued contributions of aunties to the collective fabric in the past, present and future."
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The project was commissioned by the NYC DOT as part of the Community Commissions initiative. Under this project, the DOT works with local organizations to design temporary, site-specific artwork. In addition to "Aunties" in Manhattan, the program also commissioned projects in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Each installation "uses our streets as canvasses to encapsulate New York City and the resilience of its residents," NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained in a press release. Here's more about those projects across the five boroughs.
Aunties is intentionally positioned with open space between figures to invite people to stand with them.
For the Harlem artwork, the DOT collaborated with the West Harlem Art Fund.
"Our mission is to bring exceptional public art to Harlem and the surrounding areas of NYC. By introducing modern art into urban environments, we aim to bring new perspectives and voices to a wide range of communities," Savona Baily-McClain, executive director of the West Harlem Art Fund, said in a statement. "Additionally, we include narratives from many diasporas around the world."
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Along with her sculpture work, Saint-Louis utilizes paint and textiles in her pieces. Her art explores the layered and intertwined nature of identity, remembrance and community within African, American and Caribbean cultures.
"Aunties" is already drawing a positive reaction, with comments on social media including, "They immediately caught my eye when I was walking from the train station yesterday" and "When we say art to represent the community, this is what we are talking about."
"I'm in awe and taking in this monumental moment. From the page to canvas and now the street, it's here after months of hard work for all to experience. We did it y'all," Saint-Louis said in an Instagram post announcing the artwork's completion. "I'm looking forward to seeing you all with your aunties at the sculpture."
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