15 Outdoor Art Shows to See in NYC This Summer
Slide through a teddy bear, get weird with a neural network’s hallucinations, play ping-pong on an artist-made table, and so much more.
As the summer heat subsides, New York City comes alive with a variety of outdoor art installations, each offering a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings. From giant kaleidoscopes to ping-pong tables and giant teddy bears, there is no shortage of artistic experiences for visitors to enjoy.
In Pelham Bay, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is hosting two monumental kaleidoscopes by Argentina-born artist Graciela Cassel. These steel and mirror pieces refract the landscape, inviting viewers to see the natural world through a new lens.
On the beaches of Rockaway, several sculptural ping-pong tables stand ready for interactive play, created by a collective of artists including Moko Fukuyama, Ilana Harris-Babou, and SUPERFLEX. These tables serve as a refreshing blend of art and athletics, encouraging visitors to bring their own paddles and balls for a fun afternoon of competition.
Meanwhile, in Queens, a massive teddy bear awaits in a courtyard, providing a cozy and intimate setting for contemplation. This moving sculpture, by artist Genesis Belanger, prompts reflections on personal beauty and the broader ecosystem, reminding viewers of the lightness and joy in life.
Further uptown, in Midtown Manhattan, three sculptures by Genesis Belanger invite both reflection and recreation. These pigmented cast concrete pieces, with stainless steel legs and armature, spark conversations about individual worth and the interconnectedness of all life.
Higher still, in the Museum of Modern Art's courtyard, visitors can engage with the work of Pierre Huyghe. His installation, UUmwelt, utilizes generative artificial intelligence and neural network interpretations of human brain activity to create a dynamic, ever-changing experience.
Lastly, in Madison Square Park, artist Roberto Lugo pays tribute to Puerto Rican pride with his colossal sculpture series, Alfarero del Barrio (Village Potter). This joyous display subverts traditional notions of pottery's association with aristocracy, instead honoring the community's heritage and renowned figures like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Broadway composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.
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