Tuesday, July 27, 2010

New York Ave Sculptures: Up Close

Pictured are the sculptures on New York Ave NW between 13th and 12th Streets.  I have to say I wasn't a big fan initially, but after seeing them for a few months on my regular bike route, I've grown to appreciate them.  They definitely add something to a block that is  really divided into two separate spaces with a wide median splitting a fairly busy thoroughfare. 

The sculptures are part of a multi year, four block long project to populate that stretch of New York Avenue (b/t 13th and 9th) with public art.  The city is working with Downtown BID and the National Museum of Women in the Arts; it's at the corner of 13th and New York Ave.  This is phase one.  Once the rest of the blocks are activated with art, the installations will change every few years to keep the landscape fresh.  This will be a living project; sort of like an extension of the Museum itself, although I don't think they'd put it that way.

These four are by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
Nana on a Dolphin, 1998
Les Trois Grâces (The Three Graces), 1999

Arbre Serpents (Serpent Tree), 1999

#23 Basketball Player, 1999