Artist Tony “Rubin” Sjöman, best known for pairing statement-making artistry with masterful architecture in iconic urban centers for all the world to see, has – for the first time – brought his talents to Yonkers. RXR Realty, which is building its residential and retail complex in downtown Yonkers, commissioned a mural by Sjöman to grace the exterior of its latest multifamily high-rise, Sawyer Place, which is its new luxury rental in Yonkers overlooking the Hudson River.
Using the garage area for art is a unique way to beautify a typically overlooked space in most buildings. The building itself is art-centric and located within a thriving arts district in Yonkers, surrounded by local galleries, and the RXR team has made it a mission to incorporate art in unique ways throughout all of its projects in any way it can – including a 90-foot mural at its Brooklyn property at 475 Clermont.
RXR has recognized that the intersection of art and real estate is appealing and engaging to residents, and having a cultural component has become an amenity in and of itself.
Sjöman’s roots are in Finland and Sweden and he draws inspiration from his Scandinavian heritage. Since moving to Manhattan, he has become a staple of the art scene of New York City and beyond. His murals can be seen in a wide variety of spots in and around the city – on churches, in hotels and high-end boutiques, in luxury high-rises throughout Manhattan, and on the 69th floor of World Trade Center 4.
Sjöman’s studio works have been on display at Scope New York, Scope Miami and Art Miami during Art Basel, as well as in galleries throughout NYC, Miami and Los Angeles.
The mural custom designed for Sawyer Place is 55 feet long and 12-feet high, with bright oranges and pinks, as well as a contrasting black and grey, reminiscent of that of a river sunset. Sjöman’s general color pallet aligns with the master brand pallet at Sawyer Place, which originally drew RXR to him.
