In partnership with designer Félix Marzell, of the Canada based studio World of Marzell, and manufacturer DIX2, presents the Big Apple – the latest temporary public art installation in Bella Abzug Park. The Big Apple is a creative, inspiring new meeting place for imagining your best self in the middle of the city’s newest park and neighborhood. Sponsorships from Amazon NYC and the Québec Government Office in New York made this commission possible.
BIG APPLE invites guests to dream their biggest dreams in the heart of Hudson Yards/Hell’s Kitchen. To dream as big as “The Big Apple” itself. More than a sculpture, BIG APPLE is an addition to the park’s seating and can seat guests who are looking for a more immersive experience, inside its wooden structure. Guests are invited inside whether alone, with a friend, or even a small family to share good times and create new stories together.
This latest addition to Bella Abzug Park’s landscape comes from HYHK’s ambitious public art program that seeks to continually beautify and uplift the neighborhood. In partnership with NYC Parks, funding from the Québec Government Office in New York, and sponsorship from local stakeholder Amazon NYC, HYHK was able to bring this project to life.
“One of Amazon’s guiding leadership principles is the challenge to Think Big. The BIG APPLE sculpture is paying homage to all the New Yorkers who think big and dream big, while offering an exciting new immersive experience for New Yorkers,” said Carley Graham Garcia, Amazon’s New York Head of External Affairs. “We’re proud to support initiatives like these that improve our public spaces across the city.
Nikkole Mojica, Director of Communications and Cultural Engagement for HYHK said “We hope this site-specific exhibit will provide more incentive for residents and visitors to spend more time in New York City’s green/public spaces. Public art remains a dynamic way for people to explore their surroundings and themselves, while also honoring spaces and the communities it reaches. We will continue to focus programming on enhancing the park, expanding our audience, and highlighting the need for more public spaces in this amazing city.”
Sculpture Details:
BIG APPLE is a custom made sculpture consisting of various layers of coated plywood fixed around a central axis. Each wooden wedge is designed to create a seat once assembled. It celebrates the quintessential nickname for New York City, “The Big Apple”. BIG APPLE was manufactured by Montreal based studio DIX2.
The Big Unveiling for Big Apple was held on October 13th at 11:30am on Block 2/SW corner of 34th Street and Hudson Boulevard East in Bella Abzug Park, just steps from the beautiful #7 Subway Station, with MTA artwork by Xenobia Bailey. The Big Apple will be on view for 11-months.