The High Line, a linear pedestrian park re-imagined from an abandon railroad line, is a spectacular way to experience the west side of Manhattan.
The park is adorned with interesting contemporary art and sculpture that has been commissioned in an effort to spark productive dialogue from its viewers. The High Line is the only park in New York City with a dedicated multi-media art program. With present works by national and international artists, the commissions established give the artists an emerging voice in both a creative and provocative way.
I was captivated by this particular art display where women of all skin colors were represented. My imagination was running wild with interpretation as I stood viewing the ‘doors’ strategically placed in between the old abandon rail tracks. Walking ‘The High Line’ from north to south, the first door you encounter seems to represent an Asian woman walking forward with purpose, and perhaps she has just walked through her door which is set to close behind her. In the same scene, another door, this one depicting a brown skin woman of perhaps Indian descent seemingly poised at the her door, hand on her hip, her face wearing an inquisitve look.
The next set of doors a walker encounters is a triad. The first illustrates what seems to be an African woman carrying her wares in a basket which is practical to her culture and well-suited to the objects she carries. Next in line, a white skinned woman dressed in 60’s mod fashion, who seems to be at the door’s threshold standing firmly before she proceeds. And last in the door series is a purposeful woman, who could be of any descent (or perhaps depicted as a ‘representation’ of all women), this woman is walking forward with great determination. Her hand gesture is instructing those approaching in her path. Her stride is as ambitious as her bold jewelry.
I loved the opportunity to view this display and ponder the artist’s imagination in creating it. When I finally walked away from it, I loved the feelings that it envoked in me. I felt enormously proud to be a woman, proud to know that there is a strong sisterhood which encompasses all of our cultures, circumstances, and skin-colors.
Yes, ladies, ‘We’ve come a long way, baby!’