American Redstart by James Alicea

Painted: March 28, 2014

(This mural has since been removed.)

Sponsored By: Harlem Public

About the Bird: This beautiful migratory warbler flits about the woods, snagging insects from mid-air while flashing the patches of color on its wings and tail. If the climate warms to 3 degrees Celsius, Audubon’s models show, the American Redstart will be seen far less often as it will be pushed almost entirely out of its breeding territory in the continental United States. Capping warming at 1.5 degrees will ensure it remains a common presence in states from North Carolina through Maine.

About the Artist: Born and bred New York City, graphic designer and artist James Alicea, who also paints under the name BlusterOne, is a graduate of the acclaimed High School of Art & Design (the city's graffiti Mecca) and received a BFA from the Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio. He cofounded the clothing brands PNB Nation and AndSuns and is a long-time member of the art collective, The Barnstormers. “I chose this bird initially because of its high contrast flat graphic color blocks,” he says, “but as I looked further I discovered this bird is a superb migratory bird, almost nomadic and goes where the food is. I relate to this bird because, like it, I am always on the move.”

Former Location: