This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
City Hall Park in New York City is often home to public art exhibits. The current installment is Sol LeWitt's Structures.
LeWitt is the American artist often credited with creating minimalism and conceptualism. He is known for his sculptures—which he described as "structures." The installation shares a collection that spans his own transition as an artist. Largely geometrical in form, Lewitt's structures seem to strip the building blocks of civilization to their core. In the simplicity of a cube, for example, we see a building block from which whole cities can spring. As more complex shapes begin to emerge, introducing curves and seemingly abstract formations, we can see shifts in our own design sensibilities.
It's not as hard a stretch as one might think. Because the exhibit is housed in City Hall Park, there is an interesting mix between the City and art and a chance to see the City as art.
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Here are a few of the pieces that have been reproduced for display:
You can view additional pieces of the exhibit on the AiP fan page—or visit! The exhibit runs through Dec. 2, 2011.