Analogia Art Installation

The west side of Bryant Park is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with the addition of a very interesting structure on the Fountain Terrace. When construction of the structure is finished later this week, the project will consist of two towers, measuring fifteen by fifteen feet at the base and rising sixty feet, surrounding a ziggurat frame comprised of bamboo, with a steel and wood base. The frame holds twelve paintings, based on famous sculptural works from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, made using tar, aluminum paint, and mineral spirits on burlap canvases.

A rendering of the installation

It’s Analogia, a large-scale art installation by native New York artist Ben Tritt, who is using 1.5 miles of bamboo, 200 gallons of tar and enamel, 600 yards of burlap, and 30,000 pounds of steel to create the work specifically designed for Bryant Park. Perfectly timed to mark the end of a long, cold winter, Analogia will provide visitors with an exciting visual experience, as the park undergoes its annual transition from winter wonderland to spring greensward.

Many of the paintings were prepared at 5 Bryant Park in a vacant retail space.

Mr. Tritt’s transdisciplinary work is the largest free-standing structure of its kind, combining painting, architecture, and sculpture. Additional components, curated by project producer, Jodi Kaplan, include dance, music, and spoken word performances. Special events in conjunction with the installation include an Opening Celebration, March 8, timed to correspond with the Armory Show, and a Closing Celebration, March 16.

Producer Jodi Kaplan with Artist Ben Tritt

Watch the construction of Analogia, to be completed on February 28. It will remain in Bryant Park until March 18, when it will be taken down over a day and a half. For more information on this exciting public art event, visit www.InstallationatBryantPark.com.


This is an excerpt from Bryant Park's weekly newsletter, MidCity News, written by Terry Benoit. MidCity News keeps park enthusiasts informed about our events, milestones, operations, and all of the detailed maintenance work that goes into caring for the park. Weekly updates are sent with our sister organization 34th Street Partnership. 

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