Public Artwork by Shellyne Rodriguez Honors the Bronx

Shellyne Rodriguez, a renowned artist and community organizer, unveiled her latest public artwork, “Phoenix Ladder: Monument to the People of the Bronx,” on November 8. The terracotta, brick, and steel sculpture features an ascending ladder, symbolizing resilience and renewal, reflecting the Bronx’s history of overcoming adversity. The piece commemorates the rebuilding of the borough following the 1970s fires, which destroyed much of the South Bronx’s housing. Commissioned through the Percent for Art program, the monument is located between Grand Concourse and Morris Avenue. Rodriguez’s work invites contemplation on the role of monuments in narrative-building, especially amidst movements like Black Lives Matter.