MahJong Social , 52 Canal St, the corner of Canal and Orchard st, in Manhattan NY .
What screams more New York than a group of pigeons playing boardgames on the streets ? MahJong Social, the second installment of Chinatown Mural Project recognizes the history of the Chinese and Jewish immigrant groups who settled in the area. Mahjong the wildly popular and classic Chinese tile game was also quite popular among Jewish communities. Besides party-goers and banners in the windows, can you find the hidden peach ?
#ChinatownMuralProject is a collaboration between activist Karlin Chan and artist Peach Tao. Together, we are installing whimsical and humorous murals that are culturally reflective to Chinatown, that locals and visitors alike can relate to in and around the Manhattan Chinatown area. Karlin Chan secures walls with the landlords. Artist Peach Tao submits designs. Once approved we start painting on-site on agreed upon dates.
The goal :
The colorful murals are brightening up the neighborhoods, creating photogenic spots in hopes of drawing people into the Chinatown area which has been hit hard by the pandemic through Art for Recovery. They also help Increasing foot traffic to help support local businesses.
WIP shots below:
Time-lapse video here