New York City in July 2020 was a place of unrest. The world was still reeling from the pandemic, streets were quieter than usual, yet emotions ran high. The killing of George Floyd had ignited a national reckoning on justice, accountability, and equality. Protests filled the streets, conversations about systemic change dominated headlines, and people were searching for ways to channel their emotions into something meaningful.

In the midst of this, the Love Wall was born.

Curated by CANVS and Noodlelove and creatively directed by our team at Mean Genius, this project wasn’t just another piece of street art. It was an interactive public art installation that invited the community to participate. Rather than telling people what to think, it provided a space to express, reflect, and connect.

The concept behind an interactive mural

Unlike traditional murals that simply exist as static works of art, the Love Wall was designed to be participatory. It asked three fundamental questions:

• What is love?
• What is Justice?
• What is accountability?

Created by the artist Uncutt, the mural featured three columns, each headed with the 3 questions in the form of an open-ended sentence like “Love is ______”,  “Justice is ______" and "Accountability is ______” Passersby were encouraged to share their unique perspectives using thick sharpie markers.

The result was a crowdsourced, living statement that evolved daily as more and more people contributed.

the making of the love wall

The idea for the Love Wall was the result of many discussions, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative ideation between Mean Genius, CANVS, and Noodle Love.

Before deciding on an interactive mural, we explored various formats, including projection mapping and augmented reality. But when Uncutt joined the project, he inspired a different perspective. Instead of using tech-heavy solutions, we realized that the simplest approach—inviting people to physically engage with the mural—would be the most impactful and accessible.

The results was a creative experienc with minimal logistical baggage with a clear and simple message.

Getting people to participate

One of the most fascinating things about the Love Wall was how naturally it attracted participation. At first, people would stop and observe. Then, after seeing others writing on the mural, they would be drawn in to add their own words. That social proof effect was powerful—one person writing led to five more joining in. 

Several design elements made the mural an inviting space:

• Ambient music created an atmosphere that encouraged people to stay and engage.
• Merchandise and print art allowed visitors to take a piece of the project home.
• Digital integration with the CANVS app enabled people to scan the mural and learn about the artist and the project’s background. •

Public art has always been about storytelling, but the Love Wall wasn’t just one artist’s story. It became a collection of voices, captured in real time.

the future of public engagement

Looking back, the Love Wall was more than a mural. It was a mirror reflecting the emotions, hopes, and frustrations of a city navigating a defining moment in history.

Returning to New York City post-lockdown felt surreal. The streets carried a tension between vandalism and artistic expression. Despite everything, spaces like Noodle Love fostered creative energy, blending food, culture, and art in a way that felt right for the moment. It was a reminder of how cities, even in crisis, find ways to reinvent themselves.

The Love Wall was just the beginning. At Mean Genius, we are working on more projects that blend art, community engagement, and technology to create immersive experiences.

the takeaway

Street art isn’t just about aesthetics. It brings people together, sparks conversations, and creates spaces for dialogue and connection. The Love Wall proved that public art can be more than just a visual statement—it can be a platform for collective storytelling.

Want to see more interactive murals in your city?

• Download the CANVS app to explore street art in your area.
• Reach out to Mean Genius to create meaningful, experience-driven public art projects. •

Let’s make cities more connected—one mural at a time.

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