One of the world’s most symbolic urban stages is now hosting a quiet yet powerful message from Brazil. Since January 19, Brazilian visual artist Erika Malzoni has been exhibiting a large-scale digital installation in Times Square, transforming one of New York’s busiest corners into a space for reflection.
Titled “I am different from you — I am not different from you,” the work occupies two giant digital panels at the ZAZ Corner Billboard. The phrases appear in twelve different languages, including Portuguese, inviting passersby from all over the world to pause and consider ideas of difference, identity, coexistence, and what we ultimately share as human beings. The installation remains on view 24 hours a day until February 18.
The project is rooted in a linguistic paradox that Malzoni has been exploring since 2018. By pairing two seemingly contradictory statements — “I am different from you” and “I am not different from you” — the artist proposes a simple but deeply resonant way of thinking about diversity and urban life. Over the years, these phrases have appeared in multiple formats, scales, and contexts, always adapting to the space they inhabit. In Times Square, the message gains a new layer of meaning as it unfolds amid crowds, screens, and constant movement.
Known for working with everyday materials and straightforward language, Erika Malzoni’s practice turns simplicity into impact. Her work often explores contrasts and paradoxes, encouraging viewers to reflect rather than react. Bringing this approach to Times Square — one of the most visually saturated public spaces in the world — reinforces the tension between individuality and collectivity that defines contemporary cities.
The installation is part of the In Between program by ZAZ Corner, a digital art platform launched in 2020 that showcases international artists in short, rotating segments interspersed with commercial advertising. Malzoni’s participation marks a milestone: this is the first time a Brazilian artist has been featured in the program.
As reactions to the work continue to circulate on social media and Times Square’s own platforms, the installation quietly fulfills its purpose — sparking conversation without demanding attention. In the heart of New York, a Brazilian voice reminds the world that difference and similarity are not opposites, but parts of the same shared experience.
Erika Malzoni: I am different from you — I am not different from you
January 19 – February 18, 2026
ZAZCorner Times Square Billboard, South East Corner of 41st Street and 7th Avenue
Presented “In Between” Programming
