Public art does more than make a neighborhood inspiring and unique. It invites

Public art does more than make a neighborhood inspiring and unique. It invites dialogue, connection, and builds a sense of collective identity and pride. 

Together with JBG Smith, the Department of Public Works, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, MuralsDC and local artists, Southwest is home to its own growing collection of murals, the first at L’Enfant Plaza, on the corner of D st. SW, and the 9th St. Expressway.

The mural by artist Ally Grime, aka A.L. Grime, is a tribute to women in S.T.E.M. — and NASA’s headquarters, which makes it home in Southwest. The artwork mixes science and art to call attention to the rise of the technological era through the lens of the human experience with bold, emotion-driven patterns.

Grimm pays homage to Nicole Stott, a NASA engineer, astronaut, artist, and mother. Now retired, Stott has dedicated herself to advocacy and collaboration between the arts and S.T.E.M. to find creative solutions to environmental and social issues.

The work also celebrates Joy Buolamwini, the Algorithm Justice League founder. Buolamwini’s work in tech ultimately led to the discovery of racial bias in facial recognition software. Her groundbreaking work advocates for an empathy-forward approach to tech and explores the next frontier in human faces as AI ethics play a more significant role.