Formerly homeless Bronx artist inspires residents at new art exhibit
NEW YORK - Some formerly homeless artists in the Bronx are telling their stories through their talents, and it's all on display at an exhibit in the South Bronx.
Sodin Muhsin has waited his whole life to teach and to display his art.
"It's basically the Gramercy Marching Band," he said.
His art tells the story of his life. Designed from a shopping bag, Muhsin shares his emotions, perspectives and story through a series of collages at the art exhibit called Culture of Belonging, with the help from the nonprofit BronxWorks at Boricua College.
"It's part of my life living here in the Bronx since 1968," said Muhsin. "I was in the Gramercy Marching Band, so that's around Crotona Pool, that's my old neighbor, so I have a lot of history here."
Muhsin and other local Bronx artists are current residents at supportive housing developments, and some have been formerly homeless.
"This is now an opportunity to regain and find a way to thrive," said Francis Palazzolo, the artist-in-residence at BronxWorks.
Muhsin says he spent 20 years on the streets until he was housed at a BronxWorks location, where he was finally able to have his own space to make his art.
"I'm glad I got into this organization, so I could do this work cause before I was more or less on the streets," said Muhsin.
Local residents are now taking a page of inspiration out of Muhsin's book creating their own collages and getting to tell their own stories.
"I'm really enjoying making my collage," said Bronx visual artist Bethany Casamayor. "It gives you a way to reuse and recycle by using paper bags."
Muhsin tells me he's so grateful to see his vision comes to life for others too.
"You don't have to have the finest paints for the finest materials, but really whatever is in your heart to make or create it can be a reality," said Casamayor.
The exhibit is open until October 4th.
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