Zhan Wang in the 590 Madison Ave Atrium

Zhan Wang, Jiashanshi No 106, stainless steel, 2006.
Zhan Wang, Jiashanshi No 106, stainless steel, 2006.

In the 90s, Zhan Wang caused a stir in China by intervening in the landscaping around new, modern buildings by replacing natural rock formations with his large, chrome-covered stainless steel scholars rocks.  In the atrium of 590 Madison Ave, the ‘stones’ are in keeping with the glass wall and bamboo plantings, but they still have a ghostly, shape-shifting presence.