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Editor’s Note: The following article highlights non-commissioned artworks on the Manayunk Bridge Garden and in the surrounding neighborhood by a singular artist whose work caught our eye. Also, this bridge and garden are the result of countless people, years of work, and millions of dollars in public funding. The orginally published article did not make either explicitly clear.

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Words and photos by Streets Dept Contributor Siena Christopherson.

Largely inspired by seeing art on New York City’s Highline, Sohel Mahmud has made his paintings and other art installations around the Manayunk Bridge Garden a game of hide-n-seek for community members and tourists alike.

Just by walking down the bridge (which you can access at Dupont and High Streets in Manayunk), it’s hard to miss the non-commissioned artwork painted on walls, walkways, and fences. 

Sohel was born and raised in Bangladesh and was studying to become a mechanical engineer. “I was always painting.” he explained, claiming that he never thought his hobby could grow into what it is today.

In 1988, he decided to move to the United States, specifically New York City, and began a career in real estate. Now, after residing in Philadelphia since 2006, he spends his free time painting the streets of Manayunk, in an effort to make the space more inviting for the community. 

According to Sohel, before he started painting here few neighbors ever used the bridge, but “after creating this space, children and families started to gather here.”

Sohel credits his past career in engineering to a lot of his creativity on the bridge. He collects pieces of scrap metal or wood panels and reuses them in his art. 

“I go with whatever comes to my mind” claims Sohel.

Sohel signs all of his paintings with the signature ‘soll.co2.’ He chose the first part ‘soll’ because he goes by Sol to friends and family, then added the second ‘l’ for his wife Lovongo. The c02 was added because of the main inspiration for his work, environmentalism. “I want green everything,” says Sohel. Indego bikes, a little library, and a kids play zone are among just some of the ways the community bridge tries to create space and accessibility for all. 

While walking down the bridge together, Sohel couldn’t help but pitch new ideas for the community. “I want to have twinkly lights all around the fence here;” “I am going to paint a hopscotch grid here for the kids;” “I want a swing set over here.” The future for the community bridge is bright in Sohel’s eyes.  

Sometimes when Sohel is walking along the bridge he sees kids playing with the plastic kitchen set and parents taking photos of his art. These moments are what keeps him inspired to make the community bridge beautiful. 

“Even myself, I am a different color. I want to see more color here, more kids, and more people from other neighborhoods.” says Sohel. 

Donations are always welcome to help support the bridge and keep the community safe.

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