New York High Line

For those of you who haven't heard about it (e.g. me until recently) the New York High Line is a linear park on the west side of Manhattan, built on a disused elevated freight line. (Think of all the UK disused railways that are now footpaths - but raised up)

It's fab - has a walkway, seating, artworks and in warmer weather, refreshments, numerous access points together with lifts & facilities.  The whole thing is a pleasant stroll at about a mile.  We walked the full length getting on at West 30th Street between 10th & 11th Avenues down to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District.  It was opened in two phases.  The first in 2009 and the second in 2011 moving northwards.  The final section consists of the railyards between 30th and 34th Streets and is privately owned.  But the Friends of the High Line hope it will eventually be transformed into a continuous public open space.

El Anatsui - Broken Bridge ll (part)

Even in winter it is a great place to be and the artworks en route are interesting.  These are some of my snaps with info where I have it (and not necessarily in order!)  Some of the advertising is quite amusing too!

Ghanaian artist El Anatsui uses recycled pressed tin and mirrors to create wave-like patterns and folds evoking traditional West African tapestry weaving but at the same time reflecting the High Line.  I really liked the texture of this piece and the contrasting surfaces of the tin and the mirrors.

Below is a colourful display of posters featuring You and Me by Allen Ruppersberg.  The printed word is typical of his work.  (Saw an exhibition of his at the DCA in Dundee some years ago - lots of colourful posters presenting an homage to Allen Ginsberg's "Howl".  The DCA is another place well worth a visit)

Allen Ruppersberg - You & Me

Spencer Finch - The River That Flows Both Ways (part)

I took some photos of this before I realised it was an artwork.  This is Spencer Finch's The River That Flows Both Ways.  It is a glass installation based on a 700 minute journey on the Hudson river.  Finch took a photo every minute and the colour of each pane of glass is taken from a single pixel in each photo.  They are then arranged chronologically in the existing mullions (perhaps that's why I didn't realise) - looks good though!

Alessandro Pessoli - Lilliput: Old Singer With Blossoms

Alessandro Pessoli's figure, 9 feet tall, stands amongst the vegetation - cool knitted hat!

 









And I have to take my hat off to Manhattan Mini Storage for their amusing adverts!

For more info about the High Line

http://www.thehighline.org/ 

For more info about the DCA in Dundee

http://www.dca.org.uk/