ART SCRIM is a temporary outdoor gallery program that highlights local artists by turning construction fencing around Barry’s Corner into a platform for sharing art. ART SCRIM builds on other Zone 3 programs like Walls on Western and Art in Print, continuing a commitment to the creative community and energizing the streetscape along the Western Ave corridor.
YOU’VE GOT THIS!
APRIL 2022
Artwork by Yenny Hernandez / @yennycreate
ON VIEW NEXT TO THE GROVE ON WESTERN AVE
You’ve Got This is a series of varying lettered phrases, colors and shapes that sets out to convey messages of positivity and encouragement. Spanning 192 feet, You’ve Got This is a winding cheer of reinforcement that invites viewers to celebrate their daily achievements or continue to strive. It is during our walks and drives that we often self reflect. You’ve Got This repurposes this stretch of Western Ave to spark positive internal dialogue for viewers and the community alike.
This bilingual piece features messages Both in english and in Spanish, which express sentiments of positivity and encouragement. While situated along the route to Harvard Campus buildings, it reminds students to keep going and infuses joy into the Latinx experience where very often first generation children are the first to attend college, attain careers, and break through socioeconomic barriers. Often a tall order, this art combines joy, color, and celebration into inspirational encouragement.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yenny Hernández, also known as Yennycreate, is a Latinx award winning graphic designer and muralist based in Boston. When not designing Yenny specializes in murals, lettering, and illustration. Her work incorporates messages of positivity and inclusion with vibrant color palettes inspired by her Caribbean upbringing. Through potent messaging and precise lettering, Yenny strives to beautify spaces and connect with communities.
Artist Q&A
Where else can we find your work?
My murals can be found in Salem, Gloucester, and Chelsea, Ma! Online my work can be found on instagram with a new and improved website coming soon!
Where is your favorite public art piece in the area?
It’s so hard to choose, but what a lovely ‘problem’ to have! I would say I’m split between Sophy Tuttle’s five-story “Interconnected” mural at the former Deposit Library and Sabrina Dorsainvil’s “Guardianes Del Mal” created for Seawalls Boston.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about doing public art projects around Boston?
Knowing when to paint, as in what time of year climate wise and when permits are needed are great things to know when working in Boston!
What is your dream mural project?
My dream project would consist of a large environmental or building facade what would allow me to bring vibrant color and a bilingual message of positivity to a wider audience. In my work I so often strive to speak to a blend of English and Spanish speakers, it wold be a dream to do so in a large format that would grant representation in more visible spaces.
Who is your favorite Boston-area artist to follow?
Sabrina Dorsainvil’
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from color and my Latinx upbringing. Growing up visiting Puerto Rico I remember falling in love with the vibrant colored houses found all over the island at a young age. As I work I always set to out to capture the feeling of being surrounded by so much color and the joy I remember feeling.
What have you learned about your creative practice in recent years?
In recent years I’ve learned the importance of good communication. Being able to express your ideas is a great start but also guiding clients through the creative process has been rewarding and contributed so much to my growth and success.
