sarah sze: still life with landscape at the high line

‘still life with landscape (model for a habitat)’ by sarah sze at the high line in new york city, USA above image courtesy sarah sze

conceived for the recently opened section 2 of the high line is ‘still life with landscape (model for a habitat)’, a sculptural installation by new york-based artist sarah sze that explores the notion of urban construction, scientific models, and the relationship between materials and open space. currently on view on the elevated urban park between west 20th and west 21st streets, the site-specific work highlights the open trajectory of the high line by visually delineating the concept of growth and development.

view from pathway image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

comprised of a system of stainless steel rods and wooden volumes, the highly architectural work reads as a perspective drawing in three dimensions. the installation begins at a narrow point in the ground and gradually accelerates to a height of over 2.4m tall. flanking the park’s pathway, the sculpture forms an open archway that frames views to the north and the south through its shooting perspective lines.

the wooden elements of the project is intended to provide shelter, food, and water to the wildlife of the high line. intentionally experimental and open-ended, the installation references the nature and function of the park which are completely up to the open operation of the users.

image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

detail image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

image by bill orcutt, courtesy of friends of the high line

sketch of installation image courtesy sarah sze