New York Daily Photo Analytics

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Unexpected

You do the expect the unexpected in New York City, but when I overheard a conversation about waterfalls which were built and installed in the NYC waterways, I was quite astounded.
On my recent excursion to Coney Island, we took the back roads and ran across a pair of these waterfalls unexpectedly. I had completely forgotten about their existence. The lighting conditions were awful - shooting into direct sunlight in the afternoon is generally a photographic taboo, but duty called and I was fortunate that one of these photos actually added to the drama of the situation.
The setting for this waterfall was the Brooklyn waterfront - with the metal framework the entire scene had a very industrial tone. Not a touch of humanity or dramatic nature one would expect from a waterfall. I did not dwell there long - my compatriots were waiting in a car as I jockeyed into the best position for this photo op.
This is one of four waterfalls along the East River ranging from 90 to 120 feet tall - a $15.5 million art installation by artist Olafur Eliasson. New York City Waterfalls was done in collaboration with the Public Art Fund. They are on from 7AM to 10PM and illuminated after sunset. You can read more about them at the official website here - there is video and photos of the falls with an interview with the artist. When visiting or living in this city, the unexpected will happen and it's more fun when you are not expecting it ...

7 comments:

Beth in NYC said...

Brian, you're lucky you caught this when you did! The waterfalls project juste ended this past Monday, 10/13.

Thérèse said...

Incredible what could we add...you said it "unexpected."

Diederick Wijmans said...

I would indeed never have expected this!!

Virginia said...

$15.5 MILLION BIG BUCKS for this...temporary installation. And we wonder why......

Anonymous said...

The best photo of the waterfalls!
Thanks

Steve Rosenbach said...

Hi Brian - your photo is actually very good and shows the waterfall from what probably is its most dramatic viewpoint.

We visited NYC a few weeks ago and wanted to take the Water Taxi tour - big bucks! When we got to the dock by Castle Clinton, the line was far too long for our patience level - so I suggested to my wife that we first take the free ferry to Governors Island.

Well, from that ferry, we saw all four waterfalls, including the one *at* Governors Island close-up and personal.

I can tell you we were very disappointed. As a former engineer, I can tell you that this is engineering (and goofy engineering at that) and not art. What a spectacular waste of money!

Public Art Fund indeed! After more than 150 years, the best example of "public art" in the city remains Central Park.

Best regards,
SteveR

I love New York City said...

Utterly underwhelmed by the experience - a case over overhyping and under delivery.