Art in the Parks

Flushing Meadows Corona Park lacks a true contemporary art homage to the legendary Tent of Tomorrow, which will now itself be lit at night for the city's new program. The Tent of Tomorrow was designed by Philip Johnson for the 1964 World's Fair, however it is modeled off its Russian predecessors, namely the Shukhov Rotuna for the All-Russia Exhibition of 1896. Light Portal incorporates several elements of the original physical structure in a new design, with the many colors of the light disc above audiences to represent the diversity of languages and cultures in Queens. During our current period of closed borders around the world due to politics, it is important to remember periods of greater international exchange of ideas, and collaboration. Light Portal envisions hope, progress, and growth, creating a meditative and playful space. The work casts a kaleidoscope of healing colors onto viewers and the ground below during the day and is lit by solar-powered LED lights at night.

This exhibition is made possible by the Art in the Parks: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park Grant, which supports the creation of site-specific public artworks by Queens-based artists for two sites within Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

This series of murals depicts various landmark areas of Forest Park, including Oakridge, The Overlook, the Carousel, the Nursery, the Golf Course, the Bandshell, Strack Pond, the Buddy monument, and the Pine Groves, as well as the natural beauty of the trails including the bridle path. The goal of the mural is to promote all the different amenities in the park and draw visitors to areas of the park that they may not frequent.

This exhibition is presented by the Forest Park Trust.

This mural is meant to invoke smiles, gentleness, and happiness. The hummingbird welcomes children to play and invites families into a public conversation on community and how we use public spaces. The bees and butterflies weaving through the flowers remind us of the vital task of caring for one another. For Project Attica, creating this mural was an act of increasing our sensibility to the interconnectedness of nature and the role that we play in caring for that balance amongst ourselves.

This exhibition is presented by Project Attica.

Hey Neighbor NYC connects New Yorkers across cultural communities and boroughs using photographic portrait-making, conversations, and public art. New Yorkers from all five boroughs were nominated by cultural hubs in their communities because they are a ‘connector’ – someone who brings people together through organizing, advocacy or fellowship.

This exhibition is made possible by the Art in the Parks: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park Grant, which supports the creation of site-specific public artworks by Queens-based artists for two sites within Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Suchitra Mattai: We are nomads, we are dreamers is a solo exhibition of newly commissioned works by Suchitra Mattai, celebrating the migratory oceanic journeys of past, present, and future diasporic communities. Inspired by the Park’s position along the East River, which flows into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, Mattai’s installation features a series of monumental, soft sculptures made from vintage saris. Activated by monthly dance performances, this exhibition pays homage to the artist’s Indo-Caribbean ancestors and the stories of many Queens residents.

This exhibition is presented by Socrates Sculpture Park.

This sculpture is based on origami studies and is composed of broken steel planes that cause the sculpture to change and come to life with sunlight. It reflects in an abstract way the fractal system of matter, looking for a simplicity that reflects the interior of every being. It is a work inspired in the study of the nature, in particular of a shell: the volume is reduced to its fractal structure, to it geometry.

Sing for Hope places artist-designed pianos throughout NYC’s parks and public spaces for anyone and everyone to play. The pianos bring individuals and communities together in an open festival of art for all. After their time on the streets, Sing for Hope transports the instruments to NYC public schools, where they become hubs for Sing for Hope’s ongoing creative programs and enrich students’ lives for years to come. The pianos can be played at various sites across the city, including four Parks sites. For more information and a list of locations visit Sing for Hope’s Pianos webpage.

This exhibition is present by Sing for Hope.