About ARtist
RAD
Originally from Los Angeles, RAD is an artist and educator of Cuban descent who is based in West Harlem. He has been teaching art to children since he graduated with a major in fine arts and a minor in art education from The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan.
RAD creates paintings, collages, murals, prints, digital, and mixed-media pieces with which he aims to stay true to the spirit and vitality of youth. This ethos is exemplified in his character Forever Young, a walking LEGO minifigure wearing a blue suit and carrying a briefcase as he enjoys a dripping pink popsicle.
Mural Concept
What drew RAD to Murals for Good was the opportunity to create art that would address social issues. Building on Murals for Good's "We Are Better Together" mantra, this mural consists of a diverse group of toys riding four subway cars. Statements about Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, LGBTQ rights, Indigenous rights, and more have been added to the body of the train. RAD chose toys as his characters because they are an unlikely subject matter for social justice. They draw attention while attracting a younger demographic to such causes.
Through this project, RAD learned once again that hard work and determination get the job done, even on a 95° summer day. He was happy to combine various techniques and styles in one work of art. The subway train was stenciled while each toy was hand-painted.
For RAD, working on social justice art always affirms that representation matters and that art can transcend language and touch people in profound ways. Located at Harlem Bean & Barley Pub on 2118 Frederick Douglas Blvd New York, NY 10026
mural by @raddingtonfalls
produce by @muralsforgood
located at @beanbarley_harlemnyc