Seth Chwast: Manhattan Floating

Seth Chwast‘s Manhattan Floating is a 10.5 ft. high and 26 ft. long oil painting depicting Manhattan wedged between the expansive East and Hudson Rivers. Humorous details add spunk to an already daring piece. Comprised of 104 individual panels, the mural-like artwork takes into account many major landmarks of New York, including the Empire State Building (with King Kong atop it), Central Park (oasis-like with a canopy of organic trees and swirling pools), and the infamous pigeons whom, perched regally atop the broad expanse of colorful buildings, are the protectors of the urban landscape. In addition, one sees the artist’s interest in roller coasters and travel; a ride twisting in and out of buildings and waters as an imaginative form of mass-transit. Surrounding the city itself, giant sea creatures, mythic unicorns, and jellyfish swim playfully while in the horizon, the smiling Sun shines as it shares the sky with the Moon, other planets, thundering rockets, and shimmering stars. His largest piece to date, Chwast combines his passion for painting with his love for life and imagination.

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Manhattan Floating is curated by Elisabeth Akkerman and is sponsored by the Time Equities Inc. (TEI) Art-in-Buildings Program. TEI is committed to enriching the experience of our properties through the Art-in-Buildings Program, an innovative approach that brings contemporary art by emerging and mid-career artists to non-traditional exhibition spaces in the interest of promoting artists, expanding the audience for art, and creating a more interesting environment for our building occupants, residents, and their guests.