Public Art

Public Art Monday: Teresita Fernandez at Madison Square Park

On Mondays, we share our favorite public art works from Houston and around the globe with you. We believe passionately in the transformative power of public art for both the individual and in communities. Check out previous Public Art Monday posts here.

This week, we’re taking you north, and previewing a new work to be installed in Madison Square Park. Artist Teresita Fernandez’ work “Fata Morgana” is only days away from install, with the expected unveiling to take place on April 30. Since 2004, Madison Square Park has seen the installation of more than 30 public art works by critically acclaimed international contemporary artists, including Orly Genger, Jaume Plensa and Bill Fontana, to name just a few.

Fernandez’ work, “Fata Morgana” is described as a massive canopy covering the park.

In my work, I’m often not referring to a particular landscape per se, but rather trying to create a visual catalyst that prompts our thinking of places and how we imagine them. I’m much more interested in the construction of ideas about landscape: it’s such a completely rich, subjective, internalized exercise that can function almost like poetry—an exercise about “placement” that becomes a mirror to all kinds of things. 

Source: Sara Roffino (July 15, 2014), In Conversation: Teresita Fernández with Sara Roffino Brooklyn Rail

Fernadez’ work will do just that. The 500-foot-long sculpture is designed using golden, mirror-polished discs, with six sections of the canopy. Each disc is perforated with designs that will allow light to filter through, creating an abstract flickering of light reminiscent of foliage.  Passers through will be bathed in a rich, golden glow.

“Fata Morgana” will be on view at Madison Square Park through January 2016.

Image Credit: Madison Square Park