Dinosaur by Iván Argote

Not to be outdone by our friend in London, “Dinosaur” has made its debut on The High Line. The 16-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture is the newest High Line installation, surveying the city from 30th street. The name “Dinosaur” serves as a nod to the humble pigeon’s incredible origins, as the common birds descended from dinosaurs.

Artist Iván Argote noted that when developing the piece, he wanted to make something strange, funny, and provoking. With this installation, Argote places the pigeon on a pedestal, the kind of space usually reserved for leaders, heroes, or historical figures, and by doing so pushes New Yorkers to question who and what we commemorate. Pigeons, like many of the city’s residents, migrated here from abroad, and Argote highlights that “even the pigeon, a New York fixture, migrated here and made the city their home.”

“Pool Party” by Joel Mesler

Amidst the summer heat, the rink at Rockefeller Center is now a swimming pool. Well, a sort of swimming pool.

Until July 21st, explore artist Joel Mesler’s newest public art exhibit, a printed vinyl “pool” that has taken over Rockefeller Center. Mesler was inspired to create this fun interactive installation by memories of childhood pool parties, and used his signature water motif as the pool, a design that appears in many of his art pieces.

Flanked by flags and props, which read with joyful phrases such as “hope,” “love,” “hugs,” and “us”, the pool party is not to be missed, sparking some of that summertime joy to all who visit!

“Thank You Darling” by Lily Van Der Stokker

With its commitment to bringing contemporary art to all via public spaces, strolling through the High Line is a wonderful way to not only get our steps in but also to catch an array of ever-changing art installations. One of the newest additions along the High Line is a colorful, whimsical mural strategically painted on a building facing the High Line on 22nd Street stating “Thank You Darling” in bubble letters by Lily Van Der Stokker.

Ms. Van Der Stokker, who hails from the Netherlands, is known for using a confectioner’s pastel color scheme in her artwork to depict elements traditionally thought of as feminine such as clouds, flowers, and swirls as the backdrop to convey short messages like "Thank You Darling." Van Der Stokker’s work, which has been referred to as “feminist conceptual pop art,” is meant to be cheery but also aims to spark conversations regarding feminism and womanhood. "Thank You Darling" brings a moment of gratitude and joy to all who pass by it, serving as a delightful reminder to pause and take a moment of appreciation amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city!

Balloon Museum

Balloon Museum is far more than an immersive display that is fun for all ages, it is a collection of the works of fourteen international artists who have come together to create this extraordinary experience. Interactive installations, like the seemingly infinite mirror wall (first picture) by Tadao Cern. and the huggable inflatable blob beings by Rub Kandy (second picture), actively invite participants to engage with the art. With each artist offering their unique perspective on the shared theme of balloons, the museum unfolds as a vibrant celebration of artistic diversity. The integration of all these distinct art expressions into a cohesive display is truly what makes this exhibition exceptional.

The traveling museum has become an iconic backdrop for photos, even attracting attention from TV characters like one of our favorite expats, Emily, from "Emily in Paris," who visits Balloon Museum in Season Three of the show. After visiting the London exhibition, the Guardian proclaimed it "very Instagrammable.”  We agree! 

Whether you are looking for an interactive form of art, a viral-worthy pic, or just a good time, make sure you get to Balloon Museum before it travels to its next location on January 14.