ONE: Union of the Senses
| Company type | Artwork |
|---|---|
| Industry | Art, Mural |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | José Parlá |
| Headquarters | Manhattan, New York City , United States |
| Products | Mural artwork |
ONE: Union of the Senses is a mural created by American artist José Parlá, prominently installed in the lobby of One World Trade Center located in Manhattan, New York City. Commissioned in 2014 and finalized in 2015, this expansive artwork, measuring 90 feet in width, holds the distinction of being the largest mural in New York City.
Parlá’s mural is distinguished by his characteristic vibrant palette, merging styles of graffiti with elements of calligraphy. Positioned as a central visual attraction, it is observed by nearly 20,000 visitors each day within the building.
Commission
The Durst Corporation, responsible for developing One World Trade Center, engaged Asher Edelman along with Edelman Arts to oversee the selection and curation of art for the tower. Their choice focused on American artists tasked with producing abstract pieces that embody the concept of unity.
Edelman noted that the mural’s vivid colors were particularly suitable for enhancing the building’s main entrance ambiance.
Creation
Brooklyn-based and Miami-born artist José Parlá, recognized for his murals at venues such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Barclays Center, executed this 15 by 90-foot piece—his most extensive work to date.
Spending eight months crafting the mural in his Brooklyn studio, Parlá utilized an “almost-acrobatic” painting method characterized by energetic brushwork achieved through dragging his brush while leaping off a ladder. The final two weeks were dedicated to completing the piece on location within the One World Trade Center lobby.
Themes
The mural was conceived by Parlá as a representation of unity and diversity, with its colorful composition symbolizing a spectrum of people. He underscored a deep respect for the significance of the site and the families impacted by the historical events commemorated there.
Documentary short
In 2017, Parlá created a documentary short film titled ONE: Union of the Senses, inspired by this mural and described as a heartfelt tribute to New York City.
See also
- Artwork in the World Trade Center
- The World Trade Center Tapestry, exhibited in the original World Trade Center lobby