“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.

“The Great Elephant Migration” by The Coexistence Collective

After a long journey, “The Great Elephant Migration” has finally made its way to New York City. The herd will call the Meatpacking District home for the next few weeks, inviting us all to walk alongside the elephants as they explore the neighborhood. The traveling herd of 100 pachyderm models are each inspired by an individual living elephant in the Nilgiri Hills region of Southern India, and the sculptures are constructed by indigenous artisans and contemporary artists. The majestic elephants are meant to mimick “how it is when you’re in India, with the elephants walking through the streets” according to Dodie Kazanjian, the founder of the Rhode Island nonprofit Art&Newport, who curated the elephants’ US tour.

We last caught up with the elephants in London back in 2021 and are thrilled to visit them again in our backyard! A must see for kids of all ages, the installation will leave us October 20th and travel throughout the US through 2025.

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.

“Wildlife Wonders” by Gillie and Marc

We can never get enough (see our Wildlife, Paparazzi Dogs, and most recently Herd of Hope posts) of artists Gillie and Marc’s works. Now, Rabbitwoman and Dogman have returned to The World Trade center, bringing along some endangered friends to shine a light on wildlife conservation efforts.

At the center of “The Arms of Friendship,” sits the world’s largest octopus sculpture. Surrounded by a group of his wild animal friends, he welcomes all to climb aboard and explore. If climbing is not your thing, feel free to sit at “The Wild Table of Love” alongside bronze sculptures of various animals currently facing extinction enjoying teatime. We encourage you to go enjoy these immersive sculptures as Gillie and Marc bring us face to face with wildlife, urging us all to take action and protect the wild before we lose these beloved creatures.