Permanent Residents and Visitors, Alfredo Ceibal (2006)
Location: 241st Street

"The presence of animals (besides humans) means that we share the space and experience of living in the city. If this is a good experience in most cases and a bad one in some, these animals are here to stay. Such is the case with birds. There are numerous species of birds crossing the skies of New York City. They play in the gardens of houses, in parks, and on rivers, beaches and lakes. Their amazing combinations of colors and their singing add beauty to our lives; their graceful behavior teaches us the art of appreciation and contemplation of the natural environment that surrounds us.

Permanent Residents and Visitors depicts an aerial view through the eyes of some of the most common birds living and visiting the city: gulls, ducks, blue jays, eagles, cardinals, geese, and crows, amongst many. Observing birds.the richness of their colors, their flight, and their song.has always inspired me to paint. Appreciating the perspective of birds reaffirms that these creatures are definitely part of our lives. I feel the viewer will be refreshed by the colors and content of this artwork and will be reaffirmed like me by the fact that these creatures are a part of our lives."--Alfredo Ceibal. Source: cuny.edu.