After touring the world with stops in Athens, Brussels, Jerusalem, Moscow, Washington, Mexico City, Medellín, Houston, and Beijing, moonGARDEN has made its way to New York City. The art installation features glowing, color-changing spheres which were created by Lucion, a multimedia production firm based in Quebec. Currently planted at the Seaport District, the spheres are inspired by set theory, a branch of mathematics that Lucion says “illustrates the notions of sets and belonging.” Each city gets a new perspective, and New York’s installation is titled “Chronicles of the Abyss Walkers,” featuring an underwater themed marine exploration. A peek inside the porthole of one sphere reveals a new world, with giant jellyfish, robotic fish, and an intricate coral reef. The installation is sure to delight visitors of all ages, and art lovers can catch the exhibit through February 2025, before the garden travels to its next destination.
Women’s Book Battles
The New York Historical Society is currently showcasing “Circulating Control: Women's Book Battles, 1880-1930,” which explores the influence of New York City’s first librarians – women. In the late 1870s, women in New York started the New York Free Circulating Library, creating the largest network of literature in the city. By managing and keeping this library system, these women naturally began influencing and mediating the kinds of books New Yorkers had had access to.
In the nineteenth century, Christian reformers targeted these efforts, attempting to censor books and publications they saw as immoral. However, the women who ran these libraries resisted control, and still found ways to circulate literature on controversial topics of the time. The exhibit highlights how censorship often sparks greater public support for the ideas censors seek to suppress, a trend we still see to this day.
Visitors can explore preserved texts, photographs, and relics from New York City’s first librarians through November 30, 2025.
“Untitled (America/Me)” by Glenn Ligon
For decades New York based artist Glenn Ligon has explored issues of race, sexuality, and identity in his art through a historical lens, drawing on literature and sources from the past. Using text in his work, he plays with language to make us think about shifting meanings in different contexts. Now, Ligon has once again drawn attention to what America means as our nation struggles to maintain unity.
“Untitled (America/Me),” is a new 25 x 75 foot billboard viewable from the High Line at 10th Avenue and 18th Street. The installation revisits Ligon’s iconic 2008 neon sculpture, “Untitled,” which featured the word AMERICA in bold neon caps that flickered on and off. Ligon has modified his original piece by crossing out most letters in AMERICA, leaving behind only the word “ME.” As the artist explains, “The word ‘America’ is eclipsed, and the blackening of the letters adds a layer of ambiguity… It’s timely as we reflect on our purpose as a nation and as individuals.” Timely indeed as we ponder the election this coming November 5th and what America means to each of us.
DLG Annual Boat Cruise
As the sun sets on summer, we gathered for a much-anticipated tradition: the DLG annual end of summer sunset cruise. We were rewarded with beautiful weather this year as we sailed around majestic New York City landmarks. Taking in views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Downtown Manhattan from the Hudson is nothing short of magical. We love taking a moment to pause from our hard work to enjoy food, drink, and each other’s company. Now we look forward to what autumn and winter have in store for us all.
Summer Streets
Photo and Video by Rebecca Collins-Pfeiffer
Though many New Yorkers try to escape the city in the summer, we are enjoying all the city has to offer this season. For most of the year, outdoor activities are not conducive to busy New York streets, but for a few weekends of the summer the Department of Transportation runs “Summer Streets,” shutting down miles of city streets to traffic for residents to enjoy.
Walkers, runners, bikers, and even roller skaters can take advantage of these street shutdowns for a few more weeks and take in the city from a different perspective. The last days to enjoy the closures are August 17th in Manhattan, and August 24th in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Whether you go by foot, bike, or roller skate, you are sure to enjoy the summer treat.
The City
We came upon this mural in Hudson Yards. Created by the Bronx-based artist, Marsh Made Art, the goal of the art according to Marsh, “is to make people happy. I want to capture the feeling you get when you look at something and smile (inside and out). What better way to do that than through LOVE?”. Wishing everyone a happy Friday!
A Post-Thanksgiving Stroll
After your Thanksgiving feast or holiday celebration, what about a stroll through the Marsha P. Johnson Park in Brooklyn if you are in the area. We loved our recent visit which was supremely relaxing.
In this season of thanks, we extend our sincere appreciation to the exceptional individuals who contribute to the success of Daryanani Law Group—from our dedicated team and valued clients, to our families, friends and extensive support network. Your commitment and partnership make each day extraordinary. From all of us at DLG, we hope you are enjoying a lovely Thanksgiving holiday weekend!
"Everyday Heroes" by Katya Leonovich
Katya Leonovich's "Everyday Heroes" exhibition is a poignant tribute to the often-overlooked individuals who keep New York's vibrant rhythm alive. With her artistic roots in Moscow, Russia, Katya's journey took her to the bustling streets of Rome, where she thrived in the world of fashion design, collaborating with icons like Madonna. In 2008, she brought her immigrant perspective to New York, where her art now celebrates the essential roles played by the city's everyday heroes, such as cleaners, construction workers, barbers, taxi drivers, electricians, policemen, firemen, and waiters.
This exhibition not only pays homage to these unsung individuals but also resonates with aspects of the immigrant experience, reflecting the diverse narratives that enrich New York. In "Everyday Heroes," Katya Leonovich's portraits offer a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who often remain unseen in the urban hustle, capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her work mirrors the resilience and creativity of New York, presenting a heartfelt narrative of the city's heroes who go unnoticed. Don't miss the chance to experience this compelling gallery, as it closes its doors on November 13th!
“The Apple” by Stephan Weiss
At the heart of Hudson River Park’s Apple Garden, sits “The Apple”, a nine feet tall, three ton ode to the city where visitors can sit upon the circular bench at its base and enjoy the pleasant views of the Hudson River. “The Apple” was designed by artist Stephan Weiss, a New York native and the late husband of renowned fashion designer Donna Karan. While Mr. Weiss played a large role in launching and running his wife’s famous fashion label, he never stepped away from his art. He spent much of his time working on his sculptures and abstract paintings in his art studio on Greenwich Street in the West Village. As part of Mr. Weiss’ Larger than Life series, “The Apple” honors our beloved New York City and symbolizes both the city’s heart and the core of life. Mr. Weiss’ structure truly brings to life what it means to live in “The Big Apple.”
Soul Ancestors by Magda Love
One of the largest murals in New York is painted on the wall of a public school in the West Village. The mural at City-As-School consists of three enormous compositions by well-known muralists Kobra, Cern, and Magda Love. “Soul Ancestors” is the name of the portion painted by artist Magda Love. Born in Argentina, the artist has lived in New York City for more than 15 years, and is dedicated to adorning the city with colorful, captivating work. With the goal of giving New Yorkers a moment of thoughtful pause in their hectic day, her work draws on her own experiences to portray themes of “vulnerability, strength, nostalgia, sorrow and joy.” The artist says that “Soul Ancestors” is a celebration of femininity, “a song to all women who are putting their souls in what they do.” The colorful artwork is a bright addition to the school building and the neighborhood.