Tag: high line art

Gabriel Chaile on the High Line

Inspired by pre-Columbian ceramics in his native country of Argentina, Gabriel Chaile’s High Line sculpture ‘The Wind Blows Where it Wishes’ turns a vessel-shape into a living form with a delicate face positioned both front and back on the neck.  Made from steel and adobe, the sculpture recalls ancient handcrafting processes while being protected and animated by an undulating ribbon of dark metal which ends at the front in two small hands holding a tube-like instrument.  Towering yet humble, an object yet miraculously living, Chaile’s enchanting sculpture uniquely engages the park’s visitors.  (On view on the High Line over 24th Street through April ’24).

Gabriel Chaile, The Wind Blows Where it Wishes, adobe and steel, 2023.

Tony Matelli in ‘Wanderlust’ on the High Line

Tony Matelli pioneered his hyper-realistic sculptures before the social media era, yet they seem made for photographing and sharing. This bronze sleepwalker is a major traffic-stopper on the High Line not just as an art object in its own right but as a catalyst for audience interaction. (In ‘Wanderlust’ on the High Line through March 2017).

Tony Matelli, Sleepwalker, bronze, acrylic, paint, 69 x 21 x 34 inches, 2014. In ‘Wanderlust’ on the High Line through March 2017.
Tony Matelli, Sleepwalker, bronze, acrylic, paint, 69 x 21 x 34 inches, 2014. In ‘Wanderlust’ on the High Line through March 2017.

Jonas Woods on the High Line

New residential buildings are springing up on 10th Ave like weeds, making this billboard-sized domestic scene by LA artist Jonas Woods strangely appropriate.  The personality of each plant is enhanced by quirky pots – most of which resemble creations by Wood’s wife, ceramic artist Shio Kusaka.  (On the High Line at 18th Street through Feb 3rd.)  

Jonas Woods, Shelf Still Life, print on vinyl, 25 x 75 feet, 2013.

Andra Ursuta in ‘Busted’ on The High Line

Andra Ursuta’s giant marble nose begs the question of what Ozymandias-like character would deserve such a large portrait sculpture and what went wrong, leaving only the nose behind.  It’s a highlight of the High Line’s group exhibition ‘Busted,’ which reimagines public portrait sculpture. (Through April 2014).  

Andra Ursuta, Nose Job, white marble, wheelbarrow, variable dimensions, 2013.

Frank Benson in ‘Busted’ on The High Line

Swept-back hair and blocky shades give this graceful dancer a back-to-the-future vibe that’s complicated by the possibility that she’s a street mime, a mannequin or neither.  (Featured in the group exhibitions ‘Busted’ on Chelsea’s High Line through April 2014.)  

Frank Benson, Human Statue (Jessie), bronze, acrylic polyurethane, 2011.