Intro

The University of Seneca Village by Johnny Cruz

The University of Seneca Village is an innovative art project that serves as a conceptual sculpture, blending history and imagination. The initiative celebrates the rich heritage of Seneca Village, a vibrant 19th-century African American and Irish immigrant, community that once thrived on the land we now call Central Park in New York City. Through the creation of a fictional university, I invite you to explore a reimagined narrative—one where this diverse community continues to flourish.

Seneca Village embodied resilience before being displaced by eminent domain. This art project imagines a university as a beacon of education and culture, positioned near the original village site and representing the only HBCU in New York City, in an attempt to honor the past while aspiring for an equally prestigious and dynamic future.

Join me in the first phase of celebrating this lost legacy and engaging with the transformative power of imagination by entering the website.

The second phase of the project is an art "year book" that promises to explore histories of actual residence of the village and other notable New Yorkers of color and marginalized groups, throughout the city's history and today, whos stories have not been elevated or told.

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Artist Bio
Johnny Cruz, a Brooklyn-based artist and designer, is known for his innovative use of digital imagery in traditional art forms. Born in 1984 in Phoenix, Arizona, Johnny's artistic journey began in the vibrant Chicano/Latinx community of Maryvale. His work is deeply influenced by his multifaceted identity as a Black Chicano Queer individual, exploring the intersections of these identities. Drawing from a diverse range of mediums Johnny Cruz delves into profound concepts with a blend of observation and found imagery. His creative process often involves synthesizing digital explorations into tangible artworks that push the boundaries of conventional art forms.In spring 2018, his monochrome drawing "Atlas," was selected for the City College of New York student art show. Continuing this success, two sketches from his figure drawing series were chosen for exhibition in spring 2019. In September 2020, Johnny achieved a pivotal moment with his first gallery showing in the group exhibition "If You Only Knew" in Chelsea, New York City.Through his art, Johnny aims to provoke thoughtful reflection and expand perspectives on issues of identity, intersectionality, and societal norms. His unique viewpoint, shaped by personal experiences and cultural influences, imbues his work with depth and resonance. Standing at the intersection of art and social commentary, Johnny Cruz strives to foster understanding and dialogue within marginalized communities.