Public art is an integral component of Hudson River Park. The Park’s design process has included the creation and installation of place-specific public sculpture in a number of locations. In addition, the Park also proudly hosts two public memorials that were carefully planned to be integrated into the Park landscape, as well as other permanent installations that enhance the Park environment.
When traveling the esplanade in Tribeca, you’ll encounter several intriguing steel, curvilinear sculptures. Collectively known as the Serpentine Structures (2008), these industrial trusses assume evocative forms related to the estuarine environment of the neighboring river. Arranged north to south, the sculptures are called Twister (the double-stemmed unit), Torque (the bench), and Offshoot (a single-stemmed cantilever).
Created by Marc Gibian, each sculpture is built of steel pipe which has been rolled, notched and welded. The two larger structures were divided by flanges into several components in order to be transported and galvanized. The middle unit has woven steel forged onto its ribs which invites sitting. The overhead works function to provide shade, with their living plant fabric.
Serpentine Structures was commissioned with funds provided by Friends of Lower Manhattan.