High Line Art Seeks Public Input on 62 Proposals for 2029-2030 Plinth Commissions

High Line Art is inviting public feedback on 62 proposals for the upcoming public artwork commissions for its plinth, set to debut in 2029 and 2030. The initiative, launched earlier this spring, aims to gather community insights on potential artworks that will enhance the park's visual landscape.

Significant Past Commissions and Future Expectations

Since its inauguration in 2019, the High Line's plinth has showcased notable sculptures, such as Iván Argote's giant pigeon titled Dinosaur (2024) and Pamela Rosenkranz's Old Tree (2023). The most recent addition, Tuan Andrew Nguyen's The Light That Shines Through the Universe (2026), premiered on April 24, 2023, featuring a massive sandstone Buddha that draws inspiration from the historic Bamiyan Buddha reliefs.

This year, the High Line aims to finalize its selection for the seventh and eighth commissions, following Nguyen's work. The chosen pieces will reflect a diverse range of artistic expressions and concepts.

Public Involvement in the Selection Process

The High Line has actively sought public opinions on plinth proposals since 2020, allowing the community to influence the selection of artworks. Participants can review the proposals and submit their feedback by September 8. This public engagement is crucial as it helps the committee narrow down the options to a shortlist that will ultimately guide the final decisions.

Diverse Artistic Proposals for Consideration

The 62 proposals include works from a variety of artists such as Nina Chanel Abney, Kelly Akashi, and Anicka Yi. These submissions range from conceptual to material diversity, encouraging innovative interpretations of themes relevant to New York City.

• Nina Chanel Abney: Hold – a flat teddy bear referencing historical figures.
• Selma Selman: Nike 2.0: Sleeping Guards – a reimagining of the Greek sculpture using airplane wings.
• Kathleen Ryan: Red Delicious – a beaded sculpture that addresses themes of decay.

Artists like Kei Imazu are also presenting proposals that connect historical narratives with contemporary ecological themes, emphasizing the complexities of New York's colonial past.

All proposals can be explored on the High Line's official website, where the public can engage with the artistic visions set to grace this iconic site in the coming years.