Chris Bogia, The Sun Over the Bronx, 2024, epoxy paint on aluminum, Leaders of Excellence, Advocacy, and Discovery, Bronx​

The Sun Over the Bronx is a site-specific artwork created by Chris Bogia for the lobby of the new Leaders of Excellence, Advocacy, and Discovery in the Bronx. On the main entrance wall, brightly painted aluminum shapes are layered into a mesmerizing, sun-like mandala. The circle is immersive in scale and has a sculptural quality, with a diameter over 7’ and a depth of 2 ½.” Bogia took inspiration for the artwork from the surrounding neighborhood, photographing local decorative motifs and exterior building facades including archways, Palladian doorways and rose windows. He abstracted these into the simplified elements that decorate his mandala.   

Across the lobby on the opposite wall, a smaller sun shines above a colorful cityscape. Specific Bronx landmarks, such as Yankee Stadium, inspired the configurations of shapes that make up this geometric skyline. Bogia’s style evokes block play, used in early childhood education to foster creativity, self-expression, and enhance math and problem-solving skills. His artwork, reminiscent of this early form of play, demonstrates the power of imagination to transform rudimentary forms and patterns into tools for evocative visual storytelling.