David de la Mano. About William Lanson, 2020

Site Projects is pleased to introduce the internationally-renown Spanish artist David de la Mano to the New Haven community.  Arriving from Uruguay, de la Mano painted an enormous wall mural in the Ninth Square at 33 Crown Street from Oct. 29 -Nov.10, 2020. The mural honors the legacy of William Lanson, the Black entrepreneur and engineer who made the industrial success of 19th century New Haven possible.  

Site Projects talked with David de la Mano about this history, and he was inspired by Lanson’s efforts and successes despite strong adversity. Unfortunately, no images of William Lanson are known to exist, and thus De la Mano thought metaphorically about the story. He conceived of a design in which large flying creatures were carrying people upwards over the background of the New Haven harbor as it appeared during Lanson’s time, including his Long Wharf. Vertical tangles of tree-like (or bar-like) lines cut through the image, imply the obstacles and barriers that Lanson and his community struggled against.

Even before its official completion, David de la Mano’s mural was already attracting press and onlookers who were astounded by this bold and beautiful artwork. Whether people were attracted to the historical story of William Lanson, or just appreciating the intriguing design, it immediately captured the hearts of New Haven residents. We are so proud and honored to have worked with De la Mano, and to have his artwork forever grace our cityscape.

After the mural’s completion, De la Mano joined writer and historian of political street art, Dr. Mitja Velikonja of the University of Ljubljana, in a round-the-world webinar to talk about De la Mano’s work, as well as the wider role of street art and graffiti in society. 

Underwriting support has been provided by CTNext and the New Haven Innovation Collaborative, and by LAZ Parking.