Public project in Bushwick, produced by ArtBridge, curated by Rebecca Pristoop
Speaking Body is a multi-language, community art and mutual aid project honoring immigrant mothers. Developed by interdisciplinary artist Tamar Ettun in collaboration with residents of the city’s shelter system, and curated by Rebecca Pristoop, Speaking Body amplifies the voices of one of our city’s most vulnerable populations. This continues the cultural work ArtBridge has offered immigrants and neighbors in Brooklyn’s District 34 since 2023.
The mothers joined Ettun in somatic workshops that incorporated breathing, movement, ceramic bead making, and fabric dyeing. Engaging in the creative process as a vehicle for conversation and connection, these women shared stories of their journeys, their faith and spirituality, and reflections on home and family.
In collaboration with and at the direction of the mothers, Ettun transformed the creative results of these workshops into mixed-media artworks. In a time when the lives and livelihoods of immigrants are under threat locally and nationally, the mothers share their own stories anonymously. Like the collage of words and images, Ettun’s artwork builds in tandem with the relationships that grew from a multi-year mutual aid and support network around children and parents living in the neighborhood shelter.
The artworks adorn six bus shelters, one billboard, and numerous LinkNYC kiosks across Brooklyn District 34. Placed in public spaces of commuting, commerce, and information gathering, the artworks draw eyes through their color and collage, encouraging a second look and a close read of the insistence on shared humanity shared by these immigrant mothers, who ask to be seen and heard.
This project was developed by artist Tamar Ettun upon an invitation from ArtBridge. It was made possible by the Office of Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez. Bushwick Ceramics donated their space, clay, kiln and genuine support.
Billboard Design: Calipso Press
Photography and Design: Amelia Golden
Hand Writing: Yisel Garcia
Project Assistance and Translation: Stephanie Blandon and Ariella Pacheco
Translation: Yisel Garcia and Tatiana Arocha
English Tutors: Yisel Garcia, Jemila MacEwan, Jamie Chan
Writing and Editing: Maya Pindyck, Shaleigh Cochran, J. Mae Barizo, Cindy King, Leila Ortiz, and Allison Weisberg
Workshop Hosts: Bushwick Ceramics and Pioneer Works
Many people have helped bring this project to life. Sincere thank yous to everyone who volunteered and engaged in conversation, including David Everitt Howe and Bob Bellerue from Pioneer Works, Megan Davidson and Delmy Lendof from Family Distribution, and Adam and Zofi Lipton and Mary Shipley from Bushwick Ceramics.
Installation shots by Cameron Blaylock
Speaking Body, Somatic art workshops with immigrant mothers residing in the Brooklyn shelter system, 2025
