Art in the Parks

Through collaborations with a diverse group of arts organizations and artists, Parks brings to the public both experimental and traditional art in many park locations. Please browse our list of current exhibits and our archives of past exhibits below. You can also see past grant opportunities or read more about the Art in the Parks Program.

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Image credit: Image courtesy of NYC Parks

Joseph La Piana, Tension Sculptures

March 5, 2019 to August 11, 2019
53rd Street, 57th Street, 60th Street, 67th Street, and 70th Street
Park Avenue Malls, Manhattan

Please note: This is a past exhibit that is no longer installed in the park.

Description:
Tension Sculptures is a series of five sculptures of varying dimensions that bring together Joseph La Piana’s conceptual heredity and interest in activating passive materiality. With Tension Sculptures, the rigid, linear nature of La Piana’s ongoing Tension Paintings series exploring the boundaries of tensile strength is translated into three dimensions, comprising monochromatic yellow rubber stretched between and wrapped around stainless steel armatures, akin to a cats-cradle. The sculptures’ need to remain in a constant state of tension is essential to their physical composition, and as a result the artist refers to them as “living sculptures.” The artist finds parallels between the sculptures and the current experiences of individuals on a global, social scale. Every day, tensions are promulgated by conflicts—whether political, social, environmental, or interpersonal. La Piana’s sculptures, stretched to their capacity, echo this state of cultural and emotional disruption.

This exhibition is presented with the Fund for Park Avenue.