(Photo: Walking Figures (Group of 10) by Magdalena Abakanowicz, 2009. Courtesy of Marlborough Gallery, New York)
Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz has been selected for the next installment of the New York Avenue Sculpture Project, a collaboration between the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), the DowntownDC BID, the D.C. Office of Planning (OP) and other local agencies.
The project seeks to strengthen New York Avenue’s arts and culture presence and support the street as a pedestrian-friendly corridor by adding public art created by female artists to the medians on New York Avenue NW between 12th and 13th streets.
“The sculptures along New York Avenue have become a must-see public art installation in the DowntownDC BID area,” said Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. “We are thrilled to be a part of the New York Avenue Sculpture Project and herald its ability to be at the forefront of placemaking projects and programs in the Downtown.”
The BID facilitated the preliminary design and engineering of the project and shepherded it through the approval process. The BID continues to maintain the median’s landscaping and provide cleaning services by the BID’s Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees (SAMs).
The artist selection process was conducted by an advisory board comprised of representatives from NMWA, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the DowntownDC BID, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), OP, the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, local museums and public art experts.
Abakanowicz’ figurative work includes grouped human figures and birds in flight, subject matter influenced by her experiences during and after World War II. Her work has been featured in over 150 solo international exhibitions, she remains recognized as a world-renowned artist and has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Her New York Avenue installation will feature five artworks comprising 14 individual sculptures. It will be on display from Sept. 27, 2014 to Sept. 27, 2015.
Abakanowicz’ work will create the third installation of the New York Avenue Sculpture project. From 2010-2012, work by Niki de Saint Phalle was featured and since early 2012, sculptures from Chakaia Booker have been on display.