Town resident resembles Hans with an air of mystique
In the heart of Union Square, New York, a new artwork titled "Elevation" has taken centre stage. This intricate and detailed sculpture, standing at a towering height of 20 feet, is the work of renowned artist Michael Garman and is made of steel and aluminum.
"Elevation" is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture of Union Square, inviting viewers to look up and appreciate the city's iconic skyline. The sculpture is expected to become a popular spot for tourists and New Yorkers alike, adding to the city's collection of artworks that celebrate the act of looking up.
The installation of "Elevation" is part of the Union Square Partnership's public art program, an ongoing effort to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Union Square. This program has already seen the installation of other notable artworks, such as "Looking Up" by Tom Friedman, located on Park Avenue.
New York is renowned for its numerous skyscrapers, and the act of looking up in the city is often associated with tourists. However, there are several artworks in the city that explore and celebrate this behaviour. For instance, "Think Big" by Jim Rennert, another artwork located at Union Square, encourages viewers to do just that.
One such artwork that offers a unique sky-gazing experience is "Meeting" by James Turrell at MoMA PS1. This installation invites viewers to gaze upward through an open aperture to observe atmospheric changes and the sky's natural light, enhanced by a colour lighting program synchronized to sunrise and sunset. It provides a contemplative upward viewing experience much like the artworks in Union Square.
Public stargazing events, such as "Summer on the Hudson: Star Gaze" at Riverside Park South (Pier I), also offer opportunities for sky-watching, guided by expert astronomers. While not an artwork per se, these events promote an experiential connection with the sky.
In some cases, people in New York can even become part of a work of art by looking up. By installing "Elevation," the Union Square Partnership continues its mission to enrich the urban landscape of New York through public art, encouraging viewers to appreciate the city from a new perspective.
[1] Meeting by James Turrell at MoMA PS1 [4] Summer on the Hudson: Star Gaze, Riverside Park South (Pier I)
[1] The contemplative experience offered by "Meeting" by James Turrell at MoMA PS1, with its open aperture inviting viewers to gaze upward and observe atmospheric changes, is similar to the artworks in Union Square that aim to enhance the city's skyline appreciation.
[4] Public stargazing events like "Summer on the Hudson: Star Gaze" at Riverside Park South (Pier I) promote an experiential connection with the sky, guiding viewers in observing celestial bodies, much like becoming a part of the artwork "Elevation" in Union Square, where viewing upwards becomes an integral part of the artwork itself.
