The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy had a vision—to amplify the voice of Boston’s new generation of artists and designers by providing space on The Greenway’s prominent public stage. Artists For Humanity (AFH) was the ideal door to knock on, and the result—Love Language, an inspiring 12-foot tall sculpture that symbolizes the constant evolution of society and the influence of Black culture on fashion, beauty, music, food and language.

Designed by AFH’s 3D Design Studio team of teen designers and mentors, the sculpture’s intersecting elliptical shapes represent the interconnectedness of the Black community’s diverse cultural forms and their influence on American society. Love Language offers a nod to the past by acknowledging and showing gratitude to those who have continually influenced American society throughout the years, while creating space for new voices to be heard. AFH’s lead teen designer for this project, Nevaeh Johnson, shared her thoughts.

"Love Language reflects the endless beauty of my identity and the richness of my community’s contribution to American society. And by its placement in this prominent public space, we are visible. I feel visible. I feel influential.” ~ AFH Lead Teen Designer Nevaeh Johnson

Nevaeh worked at AFH as a teen designer in the 3D Design Studio for nearly three and a half years throughout her high school years at John D. O’Bryant School of Math & Science. During her time at AFH she also built a close relationship with one of AFH’s volunteer tutors who provided academic support after studio work, a reflection of her strong commitment to becoming the best version of herself. A psychology major at Suffolk University, Nevaeh is spending her first year abroad at the University of Madrid in Spain, working toward a degree in Psychology.

Artists For Humanity sees The Greenway as an important platform to amplify teen voices, and was thrilled by The Greenway’s vision when they invited us to collaborate. AFH Founder Susan Rodgerson reflected on its importance, "It is an honor for the teens at Artists For Humanity to be included in the Rose Kennedy Greenway collection of truly relevant public art. Bravo to the voice, vision and virtuosity of Boston’s young people and to the breadth of view from the Greenway leadership as we look toward the future of Boston!"

Nevaeh Johnson (L), lead teen designer for Love Language, and some teens designers and mentors from AFH's 3D Design Studio (R).

Audrey Lopez, the Director and Curator of Public Art at the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy shares AFH’s commitment, "The Greenway's public art team is honored to have collaborated with AFH teen artists to bring their voices and vision to life in Boston's public spaces. Working with AFH teens from concept to prototypes to final design, fabrication and installation was energizing, and I hope it inspires future iterations of youth-led public art projects on The Greenway and across Boston."

Love Language is now on view at the corner of Pearl Street and Atlantic Avenue in Boston (directly across from the InterContinental Boston) and remains on exhibit until April 2024.

EXHIBITING ARTISTS

Lead Teen Designer: Nevaeh Johnson (she/her).

Teens & Mentors: Aaliyah M. Hernandez (she/her); Aaron Arthur Kennedy (he/him); Adon Bodden (he/him); Andre Allen  (he/him); Bahja Salad (she/her); Daniel White (he/him); Derrick Rogers (he/him); Dyllan  Nguyen (all pronouns); Lauren Russo (they/them); Haidan Hodgson (she/her); Hannah  Fallon (she/her); Jalitsa Jimenez (they/she); Janet Tan (she/her); Jillian Tran (she/her);  JingYi Li (she/her); Julie Liu (she/her); Ezra Torres (he/him); Jostin Rosario  (he/him); Kydrianna Amparo (she/her); Lennix Pabon (he/him); Luis Santana (he/him);  Matthew Crystal Jr. (they/them); Max Rubinstein (he/him); Nga Truong (she/her); Preston  Tran (he/him); Reba McCants-Williams (she/her); Ryo Matsuki (all pronouns); Simon Tran  (he/him); Songxuan Le (she/her); and Yingyi Xiong (she/her). 

About Artists for Humanity’s 3D Design Studio

The 3D Design Studio at Artists For Humanity is a group of teen and adult artists and designers motivated by the creative process as a catalyst for social change. Teen designers are supported by a dedicated team of mentors to exchange, experiment, inspire, and create innovative design solutions for a wide variety of clients. Commissions range from artistic bike racks, furniture, public sculptures, and three-dimensional wall art and ceiling installations. The Studio provides a platform for teens to explore and express their ideas and creativity and engage in public dialogue.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO LOVE LANGUAGE SUPPORTERS

Public art on The Greenway is funded exclusively through grants and private sources, including generous support from The Barr Foundation, Goulston & Storrs, and by Artists For Humanity's Community Arts Initiative, including a dedicated grant from National Grid in support of project-based STEM learning experiences for youth. 

To learn more about this announcement, please contact Lorraine Johnson, Director of Marketing and Branding at Artists For Humanity.