Swoon has created this very special NFT of Braddock Steel, which will be auctioned to benefit the vision of Za’Kiyah House: to reduce homelessness, addiction, and recidivism.
Inspired by the award-winning documentary Struggles in Steel, the blockprint portrait Braddock Steel was crafted in conversation with filmmakers Ray Henderson and Tony Buba, and features one of the subjects of the film, Henderson Thomas.
The Mon Valley has experienced the wide-ranging consequences of extractive capitalism and the globalized economy, which prioritize profits and shareholders over workers and communities. For centuries, industrial interests have attempted to divide the working class against itself along racial lines, though many campaigns have fought back against this discrimination. These jobs have left, and others have not replaced them. In this portrait, the young man looks away, while his arm loosely cradles scenes from Braddock's industrial heritage.
The collector receives Braddock Steel, a digital artwork that can be displayed in the metaverse. Just as powerfully, they are buying something real and tangible for Za’Kiyah House in Pittsburgh, PA: a repair to the roof, new functional gutters, or paint for volunteers.
These artworks are emblems of that patronage. Ronna Davis Moore founded Za'Kiyah House in 2016, and their past and present programs include Richard's Place for Men, Donnelle's Safe Haven for Women, Outreach: Come Heal with Me, and Recovery On Frankstown.
