If you’ve walked around the Lower East Side recently you’ve probably noticed the larger-than-life portrait of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Houston.
Created by street artist Lexi Bella, she refers to this mural as her “Inspire Change piece.” It is located in the First Street Green Park, which is an art and culture park on Houston and Second Avenue that features everything from installations and murals to music and workshops.
In a statement to the New York Post, Bella said: “I was so moved by her being sworn in in January. It was such an incredible David & Goliath story when she beat [Rep. Joe] Crowley in the primary battle, and I think she actually embodies the kind of politician that the people who built this country intended.”
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Other reports took note on how people have been reacting to the piece. However, whether or not passersby agree with Bella’s reasoning as to why she thinks AOC inspires change, nearly everyone knows who she is—a young politician who represent the Bronx and Queens and was recently elected to the U.S. House of Representatives—even though she’s only been in congress now for a short period of time.
Artist Lexi Bella has created murals around the city before of influential people in history and culture like Martin Luther King Jr., and Frida Kahlo, and most recently musical influences like Madonna and Cardi B.
featured image source: Instagram / jameskleinmann