Elevar La Cultura NYC” by Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez

Over the summer, we took in Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez’s “Elevar La Cultura NYC” which was housed  at The Shed, an NYC cultural and artistic center in the heart of Hudson Yards, for a limited run through the end of August. Quiñonez, who is professionally known as Marka27, is a Mexican-born, Brooklyn-based artist, who fuses street culture with ancestral tradition in his bold “Neo Indigenous” style. From graffiti roots to large-scale murals, sculptures, and installations, his work pulses with cultural pride, social justice, and community spirit.

“Elevar La Cultura NYC” (or Elevate the Culture NYC)  is no different and reimagines the iconic Mayan pyramids, which he built entirely from portable coolers. These humble containers honor NYC’s immigrant street vendors, the unsung heroes selling water, fruit, and tamales on city streets. The pyramid’s base displays the goods of these vendors along with symbols of the artist’s Mexican heritage. Summoning the sweet nostalgia of summer through sun-soaked memories of picnics and beach trips, Marka27’s installation isn’t just art; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and playfulness, all wrapped in color, culture, and creativity.

“Mil Veces un Instante” (“A thousand times an Instant”) by Teresa Margolles

As the days get shorter and summer draws to a close, we are back to our regular selection of public art installations. This week we visited the Fourth Plinth, a blank slate for exciting exhibitions located in London’s Trafalgar Square. Currently on display is “Mil Veces un Instante” (“A Thousand Times an Instant”) by acclaimed artist Teresa Margolles.

This powerful installation features plaster casts of the faces of 726 transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in a rectangular prism atop the plinth. Each cast took over an hour to create, offering Margolles a moment of connection with every participant. The choice of plaster, strong yet fragile, mirrors the resilience and vulnerability of community. Over time, the sculpture will wear as a result of the elements and time, a quiet reminder that visibility and solidarity must be actively nurtured. This piece is a call to reflect on who we stand beside, and how we can hold space for one another, one instant at a time.

Summer Holiday

As August rolls in, we will be taking some time off on our blog and social media for summer holiday. (Well, we may have the occasional photo on Instagram!) However, we will post especially timely or urgent news items on our blog. Whether manufactured or real, like the rainbow we recently caught a glimpse of over the Statue of Liberty, we hope the rest of your summer brings rainbows and sunshine!

Farewell Feast and Celebration

Last week, we had the absolute pleasure of celebrating some of our wonderful colleagues as they embark on their next big adventure—law school! While we’re sad to see them go, we couldn’t let them leave without a proper send-off. To mark the occasion, we gathered for a sunny summer feast at Shuka in NYC, a Mediterranean gem that should be on everyone’s foodie bucket list. The table was a parade of vibrant dishes including creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, and an unforgettable steak skewer that had us all swooning. Laughter, stories, and a few misty eyes filled the evening as we toasted to the memories we've made and the exciting futures ahead. While saying goodbye was bittersweet, we’re beyond thrilled to cheer them on as they take on this next adventure and look forward to celebrating the evolution of the DLG team. Here's to bold beginnings, big dreams, and many more tasty meals to come!

“San Juan Heal” by Nina Chanel Abney

Lincoln Center, renowned for its world-class performances, is now showcasing its vibrant artistic side to the public with no ticket required. Outside David Geffen Hall, the home of the New York Philharmonic, a bold graphic façade wraps the building, transforming its exterior into a vibrant tapestry of vivid colors, dynamic patterns, and striking imagery that brings the energy of the arts into the streets.  “San Juan Heal” by Nina Chanel Abney, who previously shared some “NYC LOVE”  with us,  pays tribute to what existed before the urban renewal project that transformed 16.3 acres of the San Juan Hill neighborhood into Lincoln Center: a culturally rich, densely populated, working-class community. Within the piece, you’ll find glimpses of those who once called this area home, including jazz and bebop legends like James P. Johnson and Thelonious Monk, dedicated schoolteachers, and pioneering healthcare workers such as Edith Carter and Elizabeth Tyler. Through vivid colors, graphic shapes, and bold typography, “San Juan Heal” reclaims this important history and invites New Yorkers to remember the rich cultural spirit that still resonates throughout the neighborhood.

The Sun King Dreams of Peace

In between some exciting tennis matches and the summer heat kicking in, we took a little detour to London’s beautiful Berkeley Square —and we’re so glad we did. Nestled among the greenery is “The Sun King Dreams of Peace” a breathtaking sculpture by the incredibly talented free carver, Emily Young which captures the essence of celestial deities. Crafted from Giallo di Siena stone, this piece practically glows in the sunlight, reminding us to slow down and reconnect, both with nature and with one another. Ms. Young’s work always carries a deeper message, and this sculpture is no exception. While the exact reference of the golden head is open to interpretation, the sculpture serves as a beacon of hope, evoking light, beauty, and a sense of peace amid the hustle of the city. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just someone looking for a quiet moment in the park, this piece is worth a visit. We left feeling refreshed and inspired—and we hope you do too!

Moments of Peace

Between the East Coast heat wave and busy summer preparations, it seems we are all looking for a moment of respite. We asked around the office for people to submit photos of their versions of peaceful moments, and what came about is a lovely collection of images. We have captured moments from around the globe, from Italy to South Korea to Brooklyn, featuring birds in flight, lighthouses, and sunrises. The underlying theme seems to be the great outdoors, since every photo was taken outside! As the sweltering heat at our New York office starts to break, we hope wherever you are in the world you get a chance to step outside this weekend and enjoy everything summer has to offer. We are taking a break from social media until after the 4th so we can find some more peaceful moments outside. Happy July 4th!! 

Foot Fountain (pink) by Mika Rottenberg

As you know, we love covering the ever-changing art installations on The High Line. However,  when “Foot Fountain (pink)” by Mika Rottenberg first stepped onto the scene in April, we weren’t exactly sure if we wanted to feature it. Now months have gone by and we just can’t turn away from the pink foot statue, finding ourselves frequently intrigued by the display. We thought that it was time to share, especially with the hot days of summer approaching. The ten foot sculpture doubles as a fountain spouting out water from the top which Rottenberg explains saying, “on the High Line, instead of nurturing the well-tended gardens, I thought it should nurture and cool passersby on hot days, and share some of its overenthusiastic spirit!” Luckily when we snapped this photo the foot didn’t spray us, but we imagine on a really hot summer’s day one might actually find some relief in the foot’s spray. The sculpture will be on display until May 2026, if you find yourself on the High Line you can’t miss it!

“The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night” by Tai Shani

We were walking through New York’s Chelsea neighborhood recently when we looked up to see a glowing candle, lighting our way. The mysterious light is part of the new art installation on the High Line, “The Sun Is a Flame That Haunts The Night” by Tai Shani. For this piece, Shani drew upon one of her recurring motifs, candlesticks, to create cartoon-like sculptures which glow at night. Though candles usually drip and melt, reminding us of the passing of time, these candles stay the same, unchanging on the High Line. The installation will light up the Highline through March 2026. We recommend art lovers catch these beautiful sculptures at night when they’re aglow.

Art Vending Machines

Ana Inciardi, an artist who hails from Brooklyn, has been installing print vending machines across the country for the last three years. A machine recently opened at Artists & Fleas in Chelsea market, a perfect location for the Italian American artist who celebrates food, community, eating, and accessibility. We knew we had to take a visit! Usually, the Friday photo gives us a chance to appreciate art displays, but this week we got to take the art home with us. All you need is four quarters to get a surprise print. Inciardi said the inspiration for the machines came from a sticker and temporary tattoo vending machine at the supermarket where she grew up. One week when she was short on quarters for the laundromat, she realized she could use the format of those childhood vending machines but put a twist on them, filling the machines with her prints to make art accessible for people across New York. The idea has been a massive success, and now her linocut prints can be found across the country. We were excited to bring home our New York themed images of a hot dog, ice cream, bagel, and Italian spritz, some of the best treats for a New York summer day!