No es fácil/It ain't easy

by Gabriel Sosa

Past
Chelsea/East Boston Bridge
Central Square, East Boston
Roslindale Square
Washington Street, Roslindale
Blue Hill Avenue and Warren Street, Dorchester
Blue Hill Avenue and Julian Street, Dorchester
Nubian Square, Roxbury
Mattapan Square
Egleston Square, Roxbury/JP

All photos by Iaritza Menjivar

the PROJECT

“No es fácil/It ain’t easy,” is a multi-site project meant to give hope and encouragement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging phrases in both Spanish and English will be printed in block letters in bright colors. The project is inspired by the titular phrase, which Sosa often heard growing up in Miami. Phrases printed on the billboards will include “No es fácil, pero no te desesperes” (It ain’t easy, but don’t despair), “It ain’t easy, but keep going” and “Tremendo lío, pero tú sigue” (It’s such a mess, but stay the course). Billboards in Spanish will be placed in predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, including East Boston and Egleston Square, while those in English will be in other locations throughout the city. The billboards will be accompanied by writing and silk screening workshops that empower people to write their own phrases and make their own signs.

About the Artist

Gabriel Sosa is an artist, linguist and educator whose practice is rooted in the cross-section of law, translation, social justice, and the synthesis of fact and fiction. Through a multi-disciplinary practice that includes drawing, video, and installation, he explores how the use of language subtly and consistently shapes our everyday experiences.

Press

WBUR/The Artery Artist Gabriel Sosa Sends Messages Of Comfort With Billboard Series 'No Es Fácil/It Ain't Easy' August 26, 2020

The Boston Globe A billboard’s message for the community: ‘No te desesperes’ August 4, 2020