Longevity

  • This mural for The Lutheran Medical Center Chinese Ward centers on the image of the crane.
  • Groundswell Lead Artist Mauricio Trenard and hospital staff pose proudly for a picture in front of the completed mural at the dedication ceremony.
  • Detail of the completed mural.
Art Cheers Up Lutheran Hospital Wing

Project Description

"Longevity" graces the walls of the Lutheran Medical Center Chinese Services Wing, which opened in 2004. Students from Sunset Park High School painted this mural with the hope of making patients feel more comfortable and at home. Students learned about the most symbolic bird in Chinese history, the crane. This majestic bird represents a lasting spirit, great health, and happiness in Chinese culture and is a symbol of longevity and auspiciousness due to its long life span. Also featured in this mural are bamboo shoots, which are incorporated to symbolize durability, strength, and resilience. Bamboo can withstand the harshest of weather and continues to grow all year round, despite the season. Specific to Chinese culture, this painting represents all that is healthful, gives hope to those feeling hopeless, and brightens up what could be seen as dreary hospital walls.

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Project Info

Location: 150 55th Street Brooklyn, NY 11220
Neighborhood: 
Sunset Park


Program: 
Community Commission


Theme: 
Health and Wellness


Year: 
2010


Partner(s): 
Lutheran Medical Center


Lead Artist(s):
Mauricio Trenard


Assistant Artist(s):
Clare Herron


Participants: 

 

Esai De la Cruz
Edita Greben
Tucker Gywn-Kewson
Brandon Nunez
Cynthia Olivera
Stephanie Pule
Jennifer Ramos
Steven Romos
Brianna Santos
Afcal Ullah
Medium: 
Acrylic on Parachute Cloth


Dimensions: 12 x 3ft (Two Panels) and 6 x 8ft (One Panel)

Fun Facts

Research
Lutheran Medical Center is home to Brooklyn's only Chinese inpatient health care unit, designed to specifically meet the needs of one of the city's fastest growing ethnic groups.
Legend Symbol
Chinese Symbol An. It is said that when drooping bamboo leaves cross each other, they form the Chinese character “An,” which means tranquility.
Fun Fact
Cranes can live to be up to 80-years-old.