Kyle Goen's 'Gaza Love' Sculpture Unveiled in Paterson's Gaza Square
On May 17, Palestine Day was commemorated in Paterson, New Jersey, with the inauguration of Gaza Square on Main Street, showcasing a three-dimensional sculpture based on Kyle Goen's 'Gaza Love' (2014–) design. Positioned outside the Southside library branch, this artwork honors the significant Palestinian diaspora in the city. Goen's creation, influenced by Robert Indiana's LOVE series, emerged during protests against the 2014 Gaza War and gained prominence in the 2021 Strike MoMA movement, which criticized the Museum of Modern Art trustees' connections to Israeli occupation. Sponsored by local businesses, the Palestinian American Community Center, and various cultural and faith organizations, the sculpture reflects the colors of the Palestinian flag. Goen remarked, "I call the work 'Gaza Love' to communicate that love is solidarity — that it's resistance," emphasizing the need for a stronger commitment to Palestine. Gaza Square is situated on a five-block section of Main Street, which was renamed Palestine Way in 2022.
Key facts
- Paterson, New Jersey unveiled Gaza Square on Main Street on May 17, Palestine Day.
- Kyle Goen's 'Gaza Love' sculpture was installed outside the Southside library branch.
- The design originated during protests against the 2014 Gaza War.
- Prints of 'Gaza Love' were used in the 2021 Strike MoMA movement.
- The sculpture was sponsored by the local business association and the Palestinian American Community Center.
- It was fabricated by a local signage business and uses colors of the Palestinian flag.
- The five-block stretch was renamed Palestine Way in 2022.
- Goen distributes prints for free and provides design files to organizers.
Entities
Artists
- Kyle Goen
- Robert Indiana
Institutions
- Hyperallergic
- Museum of Modern Art
- Palestinian American Community Center
- Strike MoMA
Locations
- Paterson
- New Jersey
- United States
- Gaza Square
- Main Street
- Southside library
- Palestine Way