Amidst the ongoing cold snap here in New York, this week offered a much-needed reset through joy, color, and creativity. To embrace this optimism, we visited Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink, a neighborhood-wide celebration designed to lift spirits during the darkest stretch of the season. Central to the festivities is “Mr. Pink,” an installation featuring ten larger-than-life sculptures of Mr. Pink, a figure that embodies Mignonisme, or Cuteism, created by French artist Philippe Katerine. From narrow spaces between buildings to rooftops and courtyards, the sculptures are scattered across the neighborhood, delighting passersby. At first glance, the figures radiate playfulness and whimsy, filling the streets with bold color and a sense of lighthearted surprise. But look a little closer, and Mr. Pink reveals something deeper. A visible scar on his chest symbolizes the wounds we all carry, while his expressions, ranging from inquisitive to ecstatic to quietly melancholic capture the full spectrum of human emotion. Together, the sculptures celebrate vulnerability, resilience, and the beauty of everyday life. We hope you’re able to visit this vibrant, free public installation before it closes on February 28, and until then, stay warm and keep seeking color wherever you can.

Though the holiday season is over, we are happy to see the light displays continue setting NYC aglow on these short winter days. In downtown New York, visitors can bask in “Winter Glow,” a collection of interactive art installations lighting up Flatiron Plaza . Two exhibitions, “The Diamonds” and “Spectrum,” use movement and light to dazzle spectators. “The Diamonds” by Perséides Studio consist of three colorful structures that light up when they spin, featuring music by Stefie Shock that changes as the speed of rotation varies. Across the plaza is “Spectrum,” by Mirari from QDSinternational, which plays off of communication as it lights up to show sound waves pass through its circles. These interactive exhibitions are perfect for a little light therapy to brighten winter’s gloomy evenings.