Contemporary Outdoor Sculpture in NYC
Public art is bountiful in New York City where the art scene flourishes. I’ll discuss some familiar and maybe not so familiar works of outdoor permanent & temporary sculpture in the 'city that never sleeps.'
Contemporary art can be best defined as 'art that was created in our lifetime.'
On that note, probably the most recognized outdoor sculpture is the "Charging Bull" in the financial district of New York City.
This bronze sculpture was originally dropped in front of the NYSE in 1989, then moved to its current location at Bowling Green.
The city of New York does not own the work, but it accepts donations. As the "Wall Street Bull" is one of the top tourist attractions in NYC, it’s doubtful that it will ever be displaced. [Let’s place this on the 'permanent' list.]
One of my favorite sculptures is the number "9" at 9 West 57th Street - a shiny red metal structure that is undoubtedly a landmark in midtown Manhattan.
In my research, I discovered a few other outdoor sculptures in the color red:
Isamu Noguchi’s "Red Cube" in front of 140 Broadway, appearing to be suspended in space.
Robert Indiana’s red "LOVE" sculpture on Sixth Avenue, mid-town Manhattan.
Jeff Koons’s red “Balloon Flower” outside 7 World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan.
When I last visited New York City, I took a cab north-to-south to the new World Trade Center. I connected to my inner child and played tourist by posing in front of Koon’s “Balloon Flower” for a photo op.
A few examples of temporary art in New York City are:
Christo’s "Gates" art installation in Central Park in 2005. The vivid orange fabric against New York’s blue skies and breathtaking skyline was unforgettable.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s nine mosaic sculptures were installed on Park Avenue between 52 and 60th Streets in 2012.
As a tribute to the uniqueness and excitement of world class New York City, artists such as Frank Sinatra sang "New York, New York" and graphic designer Milton Glaser created the logo "I Love NY."
New York City is a great walking city where you can discover its outdoor sculptures and create your own "favorites" list.
You can own a photographic print of Isamu Noguchi's "Red Cube," available here from Amazon.com.
Contemporary art can be best defined as 'art that was created in our lifetime.'
On that note, probably the most recognized outdoor sculpture is the "Charging Bull" in the financial district of New York City.
This bronze sculpture was originally dropped in front of the NYSE in 1989, then moved to its current location at Bowling Green.
The city of New York does not own the work, but it accepts donations. As the "Wall Street Bull" is one of the top tourist attractions in NYC, it’s doubtful that it will ever be displaced. [Let’s place this on the 'permanent' list.]
One of my favorite sculptures is the number "9" at 9 West 57th Street - a shiny red metal structure that is undoubtedly a landmark in midtown Manhattan.
In my research, I discovered a few other outdoor sculptures in the color red:
Isamu Noguchi’s "Red Cube" in front of 140 Broadway, appearing to be suspended in space.
Robert Indiana’s red "LOVE" sculpture on Sixth Avenue, mid-town Manhattan.
Jeff Koons’s red “Balloon Flower” outside 7 World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan.
When I last visited New York City, I took a cab north-to-south to the new World Trade Center. I connected to my inner child and played tourist by posing in front of Koon’s “Balloon Flower” for a photo op.
A few examples of temporary art in New York City are:
Christo’s "Gates" art installation in Central Park in 2005. The vivid orange fabric against New York’s blue skies and breathtaking skyline was unforgettable.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s nine mosaic sculptures were installed on Park Avenue between 52 and 60th Streets in 2012.
As a tribute to the uniqueness and excitement of world class New York City, artists such as Frank Sinatra sang "New York, New York" and graphic designer Milton Glaser created the logo "I Love NY."
New York City is a great walking city where you can discover its outdoor sculptures and create your own "favorites" list.
You can own a photographic print of Isamu Noguchi's "Red Cube," available here from Amazon.com.
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