The New York City Waterfalls
If you're in New York right now, you've most likely noticed four spectacular waterfalls dotted around the city. The work of Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, The New York City Waterfalls are cascades of water 90-120ft tall, and decorate the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, Brooklyn Piers and Pier 35.
The idea behind the waterfalls was to bring nature into an urban space. The falls cascade over scaffolding - a symbol of constant urban renewal. By day they're left in their natural state, but at night they're illuminated. Just in case you're worried, the water is filtered first to make sure fish don't get sucked through, and all the electricity used has been offset by green power from renewable resources..
The waterfalls were brought into existence by New York's Public Art Fund. They're only temporary, so you have until October 13 to see them. RM
Images:
Top: The New York City Waterfalls (Brooklyn Bridge at night), photo: Julienne Schaer
Second: The New York City Waterfalls (Brooklyn Bridge), photo: Julienne Schaer
Third: The New York City Waterfalls (Brooklyn Piers), photo: © Bernstein Photography, courtesy of Public Art Fund
Bottom: The New York City Waterfalls (Pier 35), photo: © Bernstein Photography, courtesy of Public Art Fund/ The New York City Waterfalls (Brooklyn Piers), photo: Julienne Schaer/ The New York City Waterfalls (Pier 35), photo: Julienne Schaer
All commissioned by Public Art Fund, © Olafur Eliasson, 2008
2008 Aug 5
2 responses.
2 COMMENTS
Manzanero
August 6, 2008
Ive been in NYC since the waterfalls were erected and have read more articles about them (4) then I have heard people talk about them (1). And I have yet to see any of them. The feeling that I get is thats its primarily for tourists. But thats just lil ole me.
Alvaro
August 7, 2008
NY Post article describing an unexpected arboreal casualty of the falls:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08052008/news/columnists/a_salt_ed_by_the_falls_123118.htm