Explicit LES Mural Painted Without Landlord's Permission, He Says

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — A graphic mural of a pink penis was painted on a Lower East Side building without the landlord's knowledge or permission, he told Patch.

The mural is quickly being covered by painters just days after it was painted on the side of 303 Broome St., according to the building's owner.

The massive mural, located on Broome between Eldridge and Chrystie streets, drew quick outrage from local community members, who said the graphic mural wasn't appropriate in the community.

Local parent and community member Naomi Peña said she was shocked when one of her eight-year-old children pointed out the graphic image to her as they walked down Broome Street.

"I am all for street art. I appreciate street art," Peña said. "It's one thing if you want to keep that art in your home, but when you put it on public display that becomes an issue."

Peña, who is also president of the District 1 Community Education Council, added that during the cultural conversation about the #MeToo movement and sexual harassment and assault, the image of a penis might not be welcome on such a public display.

Peña said that she'd heard from numerous neighbors and community members who were frustrated with the mural. She said she wrote a letter outlining her concerns to multiple local officials after viewing the mural.

The mural was painted by the Swedish artist Carolina Falkholt on Dec. 24, according to her Instagram.

A representative for building's owner, SMA Equities, said Falkholt did not have permission to paint the graphic image.

"The artist did not receive permission, we are extremely embarrassed and painting over it as quickly as possible," SMA Equities said in an email to Patch.

SMA Equities was co-founded by the by the notorious local landlord Samy Mahfar, who settled a tenant harassment probe with the state attorney general for $225,000 earlier this year.

Falkholt did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch.

"I have never heard so much laughter and seen so many happy faces behind my back when painting as for today doing this wall on Broome Street," she said in an Instagram post after finishing the painting.

The mural appears to be from a collaboration between Falkholt and The New Allen, a Lower East Side art foundation that promotes street art and murals. The New Allen is affiliated with Baby Brasa, the Peruvian restaurant with locations on the Lower East Side and the West Village.

Baby Brasa is famous for being launched by an underwear model-turned-chef.

The New Allen did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Patch.

This post has been updated with new information from the landlord.

Lead image credit: Google Maps; secondary image credit: Ciara McCarthy / Patch