BY ALICIA GREEN | It was an afternoon stacked with creativity, excitement and nostalgia, as visitors to the West 30th Street stretch of the High Line happened upon a public art project designed to help them express their love of LEGO.
Even with loud construction going on right next door, people were focused on “The collectivity project” — an interactive art installation by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson made from two tons of white LEGO bricks.
Since its unveiling on May 29, High Line Art — the program responsible for commissioning and producing art projects on and around the High Line — has urged the public to “build with us” by entering the space where three tables of imaginary cityscape await them. They are encouraged to build their own structures or add to already existing ones, like the Empire State Building — and many did just that, as children, teenagers and adults came in waves to take photographs, play with the LEGO bricks or look on in curiosity and amazement.
Linda and Julio Arguello of Hollywood, Florida say they came across the installation as they walked the High Line after Linda’s boss back home recommended a visit to the elevated park. She said they had already been there for two hours.
“This is amazing,” said Mrs. Arguello. “This is our first time in New York.” She continued, “We’re kids at heart. We saw it and just started building.”
Mr. Arguello shared his wife’s sentiment saying, “This is so much fun” while cracking a smile.
Although she described herself as “not a good builder,” Mrs. Arguello managed to get her husband’s help in putting together LEGO bricks that read “J hearts L,” which they eventually put on top of one of the existing buildings.
Then there was Uptown resident Sheryl Rubinstein, who brought her LEGO-loving grandson to the High Line after seeing the installation featured on a television report.
“It’s shocking to find something in New York that’s free. There’s no line, you’re welcome to come in right away [and] you can get involved,” Rubinstein said.
Rubinstein noticed the positive atmosphere, saying, “Look how happy everybody is. Totally involved. Focused.”
Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit, is inviting the public to be a part of free weekly public programs and educational activities that “will further activate the installation,” which include kids and family programs, teen and adult workshops, and discussions on urbanism, architecture and the growth of our cities.
“The collectivity project” is part of “Panorama,” a group exhibition by High Line Art that includes 11 international artists and can be found at various locations on the High Line until March 2016.
Free. Through Sept. 30 on the High Line (at W. 30th St. btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). Daily from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Appropriate for ages 4 and up (ages 4 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Share your experience with “The collectivity project” by using the social media hashtag #collectivityproject. For more info, visit art.thehighline.org.
