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Public art demands we think. Erasing “Iryna” erases the reason to. New Mural in Providence.
by Nancy Thomas
Controversy has intensifying around the large, unfinished mural of Iryna Zarutska on a Snow Street building in downtown Providence – and then waned. Risen up again, then settled down.
Amid this debate, new developments have taken shape across the city—and beyond.
A second mural has gone up on the side of the Opa Restaurant on Federal Hill. Owned by immigrant families, Opa offered its location—smaller, but deeply symbolic. The artist, Ian M. Gaudreau worked late into the night, and even early 2am hours, to bring a new Iryna to life, engaging passersby as the mural took shape.
The design has shifted to a compelling close-up of Iryna’s face—now seeming to peer directly at those walking along busy Atwells Avenue. It may be done now. Or it may be extended to the rest of the building.
Not lost on the fall and rise of the mural was its timing during Easter week: what seemed to die on Friday rose again by Easter morning.
While plans called for the original mural—about 75% complete—to be removed by Boston Building Wraps, no action had been taken as of publication, but it could at any time. The company has not responded to our query about their plans.
Calls on social media have urged the company to “not touch it” and to “refuse the job.” The mural is not under a city directive, as it sits on the privately owned building of The Dark Lady, though owners have said it will be coming down.
In fact, some now suggest that removing the mural could prove even more controversial than leaving it unfinished—its current state becoming part of the story itself.
What began as a tribute may now be evolving into something else entirely—a reflection of a city caught mid-debate, with the mural itself frozen in that moment.
Randy D’Antuono, owner of 19 Snow Street and The Dark Lady, provided a statement exclusively to RINewsToday:
“The mural on the Dark Lady will be removed. Buck and I made this decision to support my community’s desire. These past few weeks have been a nightmare with no end in sight. The mural has now sparked more attention both nationally and locally with yet another home in Providence. My biggest priority is navigating the unrest my community feels. For the past 37 years, I have worked tirelessly to support them and I will continue to do so with strength and determination. They are number one to us.”
A Change.org petition to preserve the mural continues to grow, reaching 14,258 signatures. A separate petition calling for its removal has drawn just 17. But in the social media world and the cacophony of what takes up a vacumn of media needs, the negative will always rise and be multiplied.
The controversy lends a disquieting note to the moniker for Providence of “The Creative Capital”.
A Different Turn in New Haven – Black Tape Hides Iryna’s Name and Dates
Meanwhile, in New Haven, a separate mural of Iryna has taken a markedly different turn.
This mural, created by Hartford-area artist, Ben Keller, initially included Iryna’s full name and dates of birth and death. Those identifying details were later covered with black tape—fundamentally altered how the piece is read by the public.
According to the New Haven Independent, Keller, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did the building’s landlord, Kumail Zar, who owns 46–48 Trumbull Street. As of this publication, no one knows who is responsible for covering up the mural’s details – or why it was done.
The shift has already led to confusion. At least one observer reportedly asked who the woman depicted was—and whether she was maybe a model or singer coming to a local event. Some even compared the image to a recognizable celebrity.
Some observers have noted that removing the identifying details may be more unsettling than removing the mural itself—stripping away the context that made it a memorial – and leaving behind an image disconnected from the life it was meant to honor.
Some have begun posting the simple words, “Say her name” – emphasizing the importance of restoring identity to the tribute.
Again, as in the original Providence mall, the altered image left up speaks loudly to the division and angst around us. One pubic art often seeks to dissipate.
A Different Kind of Mural in Providence
At the same time, a very different mural story unfolded this week in Providence.
In a powerful and heartfelt celebration, students, families, educators, and community leaders gathered this week at the Sgt. Cornel Young Jr. & Charlotte Woods Elementary School at the B. Jae Clanton Complex to unveil a mural honoring the three local heroes the school was named after.
The mural is a visual tribute that reflects the values of service, justice, and unity embodied by Sgt. Cornel Young Jr., Charlotte Woods, and B. Jae Clanton.
Created by local artist Kendel Joseph, the mural not only pays tribute to local leaders, but stands as a lasting testament to the power of community. Through symbols like a blue butterfly representing hope and hands reaching upward to reflect the diverse voices of the community, the artwork captures civil rights activism, resilience, and transformation rooted in the culture and history of Broad Street.
“It’s a very magical thing to bring these people to life for their families and the community,” Joseph said. “History can so easily be forgotten, but it takes a community to continue lifting these stories up and make sure their legacies live on. Together, we ensure they are remembered and honored.”
Charlotte Woods was remembered as a trailblazer whose lifelong dedication to improving housing, education, and opportunity transformed countless lives. Her leadership broke barriers and created pathways for families across Providence.
B. Jae Clanton was celebrated for her groundbreaking leadership in social services and her unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity and equity. Her work strengthened families and reshaped organizations that continue to serve the community today.
Sergeant Cornel Young Jr. was honored for his bravery, compassion, and deep commitment to building trust between law enforcement and the community. His legacy of service and sacrifice continues to inspire unity and integrity.
Together, their stories came to life not only through words, but through the powerful imagery created by students who spent years learning about their contributions and reflecting on their meaning.
A Broader Context for Public Art
Nationally, public memorial art has played a significant role in moments of grief and protest. Following the death of George Floyd, estimates suggest thousands of murals—often cited at more than 2,700—appeared across the United States and beyond, transforming public spaces into sites of remembrance and reflection.
Like those works, the “Remember Iryna” murals are now evolving beyond a single image—becoming part of a broader conversation about memory, identity, and who shapes the public narrative. Over 25 states have at least one mural of Iryna.
Other locations where “Remember Iryna” have gone up without controversy:
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- ((Courtesy: Ben Keller/Remember Iryna))
Political Lessons—and Questions
Campaign season has amplified the issue, no doubt. What began with comments from Mayor Brett Smiley escalated quickly, fueled by more direct criticism from challenger David Morales and an ongoing wave of reaction across social media—now spreading well beyond Providence – once again positioning Rhode Island is a top-5 national story on NBC, Fox News, the NY Times, and more.
One commentator noted, “for a small state, Rhode Island sure does punch above its weight in creating news.”
Questions That Remain
Should the “Remember Iryna” mural remain in its half-finished form—or be taken down? What is the purpose of public art, and who decides?
Should it comfort—or challenge? Inspire—or provoke?
And when a work becomes this large, this visible, does it change how a community reflects, reacts, and remembers as it moves through daily life?
RINewsToday encourages dialogue – please leave any comments you would like to make, below, in the comments section.
Past articles on the Providence mural:
Updated: Controversy Deepens as Second ‘Remember Iryna’ Mural Rises on Federal Hill
“Remembering Iryna” Mural to Be Removed; Providence Mayor Says He Did Not Direct It
Providence Mural of Iryna Zarutska, Tied to Musk-Backed National Remembrance Effort, Being Removed
Updated: “Remember Iryna” – in California, Florida, DC, Miami… Has Providence Lost Its Way?