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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 327-03
November 14, 2003

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND THE PUBLIC ART FUND ANNOUNCE "ROY LICHTENSTEIN AT CITY HALL"

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the Public Art Fund today announced that their next collaboration “Roy Lichtenstein at City Hall,” will be on view in historic City Hall Park, City Hall and at the Department of Education’s City Hall Academy located at the Tweed Courthouse from November 18, 2003 through October 2004.  This ambitious public art presentation of four sculptures by American artist Roy Lichtenstein is the second exhibition organized in concert with the Public Art Fund at City Hall Park.  “MetroSpective at City Hall Park,” was the first temporary public art exhibition in City Hall Park since 1992.  City Hall and Department of Education’s City Hall Academy are open to the public year round for tours on Fridays, and anyone interested in viewing “Roy Lichtenstein at City Hall” can do so by calling 311.

“‘Roy Lichtenstein at City Hall’ is a part of our ongoing effort to bring contemporary art to the City’s parks, public spaces and treasured landmarks,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “Public buildings belong to the people of New York City, and I hope that this exhibition will attract New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to Lower Manhattan.  I want to thank the Public Art Fund for their unwavering support and for bringing so many quality public arts programs to this City.”

“The late Roy Lichtenstein was undoubtedly one of New York’s most important artists, a figure who established Pop Art as a central movement of modern art and who helped bring New York City to the forefront of the international arts community,” said Public Art Fund President Susan K. Freedman. “It is therefore most fitting to celebrate his work at City Hall, the heart of government and downtown New York.”

“New York’s parks play host to hundreds of permanent sculptures and temporary works of art, and City Hall Park is a premiere public venue,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe.  “Roy Lichtenstein was a great New York artist and this exhibition reflects Mayor Bloomberg’s continuing support of bringing world-class art to public spaces throughout the city for New Yorkers to enjoy.”
 
The centerpiece of “Roy Lichtenstein at City Hall,” is Element #E from the artist’s Five Brushstrokes (1983-1984), shown for the first time in its full-size version.  More than 50 feet tall, this monumental sculpture of four colorful brushstrokes will stand dramatically in the Italianate rotunda at City Hall Academy in the Department of Education.  Element #E is a painter’s action shot, portraying the moment when a brush is drawn across the canvas in remarkable three-dimensional form.  It was fabricated by the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein for this special loan to City Hall Academy.

The three other Lichtenstein works on view include Brushstroke Group (1986) and Endless Drip (1995) located in City Hall Park, and Lichtenstein’s bronze bust, Woman: Sunlight, Moonlight located in the lobby of City Hall.  The works Brushstroke Group and Endless Drip display the signature colors and mirror-smooth finish of Lichtenstein’s sculpture. Woman: Sunlight, Moonlight is a uniquely two-sided piece: one side shows the darkened, moonlit face of a woman; the other, her face basked in sunlight. Central to the work is the figure’s long flowing hair, which, like the brushstroke, is a common Lichtenstein motif.

“Public art has long played a critical role in shaping New York City’s urban landscape, helping residents and visitors to re-envision familiar surroundings in ways that are both provocative and exciting,” said Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate D. Levin. “Roy Lichtenstein’s works in particular have such wit and energy in engaging viewers in the process of making and enjoying art.”

Born in New York City, Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) had his first solo exhibition here in 1951.  He began making sculptural works in the early 1960s, just after his first exhibition of paintings at the prestigious Leo Castelli Gallery.  His earliest sculptures were renderings of utilitarian objects and mannequin-style heads, both directly influenced by the representation of commercial techniques in his painting. As his career progressed, Lichtenstein’s sculpture evolved with his painting.  In the 1980’s this convergence of mediums culminated in his monumental brushstroke sculptures.  Evoking the movement and color of paint on canvas these, totem-like works suspend the artist’s sweeping brushstrokes in midair, balancing one on top of the other in dynamic sculptural spectacles.  Working until the time of his death in 1997, Lichtenstein created a unique and broad range of painting and sculpture that continues to have a profound effect on the artists of today.

Also on view at the Department of Education’s City Hall Academy is a Studio in a School (STUDIO) exhibition featuring the work of New York City public school students. The highlighted works, created by young artists from kindergarten through 7th grade, include self-portraits, representations of animals and scenes of the City.  STUDIO is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creative and intellectual development of young people through visual arts.  For more information on STUDIO, please visit www.studioinaschool.org or call (212) 765-5900.

“Arts education is a strong priority for students in all New York City public schools,” said Schools Chancellor Klein.  “We are honored to have this important piece of public art at the Department of Education at the same time that we are showcasing works of art by our very own students.”

City Hall and Department of Education’s City Hall Academy are open to the public year round for tours on Fridays, and City Hall Park is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week.  Anyone interested in viewing “Roy Lichtenstein at City Hall” can do so by calling 3-1-1. 

The Public Art Fund is New York’s leading presenter of artists’ projects, new commissions, installations, and exhibitions in public spaces.  For more information, log onto their website at www.publicartfund.org.  “Roy Lichtenstein at City Hall” is made possible by the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein and Forest City Ratner Companies. Special thanks to Dorothy Lichtenstein, Bruce Ratner, Stephen Mazoh, and Lucy Mitchell-Innes. 







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jennifer Falk   (212) 788-2958

Anne Wehr (Public Art Fund)   (212) 980-4575




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