A 27-foot-tall Buddha sculpture will soon grace Manhattan's High Line, marking a significant new installation for the elevated park's rotating Plinth program. The towering sandstone statue, titled "The Light That Shines Through the Universe," comes from artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen and will replace the giant pigeon sculpture currently on display.
Key Takeaways
- A 27-foot-tall Buddha sculpture will be installed on the High Line.
- The artwork, by Tuan Andrew Nguyen, is called "The Light That Shines Through the Universe."
- It replaces a 16-foot pigeon sculpture and pays tribute to the Bamiyan Buddhas.
- The sculpture's hands are crafted from melted artillery shells, symbolizing healing.
- This is the fifth commission for the High Line's Plinth program.
A New Landmark for the High Line
The new sculpture, standing at an impressive 27 feet, will take its place over the intersection of 10th Avenue and 30th Street. It is expected to be installed this spring and will remain on view for 18 months, offering a powerful visual statement to park visitors and city residents alike.
The piece is the fifth commission for the High Line's innovative Plinth program. This initiative brings large-scale art installations to the park, engaging with public space and offering diverse artistic perspectives. The program ensures a fresh and evolving artistic landscape for one of New York City's most popular green spaces.
Quick Facts
- Sculpture Height: 27 feet
- Material: Sandstone
- Artist: Tuan Andrew Nguyen
- Installation Location: Over 10th Avenue and 30th Street
- Duration: 18 months
Tribute to Lost Cultural Heritage
The sculpture carries deep historical and cultural significance. It directly pays tribute to the Bamiyan Buddhas, two monumental sixth-century statues located in central Afghanistan. These ancient treasures were tragically destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, an act of cultural devastation that resonated globally.
The spaces where the Bamiyan Buddhas once stood are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving their memory and highlighting the importance of cultural preservation. Nguyen's work serves as a powerful reminder of this loss and a symbol of resilience.
"The work’s title directly references the affectionate nickname local communities used for the larger Buddha: ‘Salsal,’ which translates to ‘the light shines through the universe.’"
Symbolism in the Sculpture
Nguyen, who resides in Vietnam, has infused his creation with profound symbolism. The Buddha's hands are sculpted from melted artillery shells, transformed into traditional "mudras." These ritual gestures represent key Buddhist concepts: "fearlessness" and "compassion."
The use of melted artillery shells also connects the artwork to the legacy of the Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975. This choice acknowledges the continued violence and trauma that has impacted communities for decades. The artist highlights how art can transform instruments of destruction into symbols of peace and healing.
The Bamiyan Buddhas
The Bamiyan Buddhas were two colossal statues carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan Valley of central Afghanistan. Dating back to the 6th century, they were significant examples of Gandhara art. Their destruction in 2001 sparked international outrage and highlighted the vulnerability of cultural heritage in conflict zones.
Art as a Counterpoint to Extremism
The positioning of the Buddha's hands, with a visible gap from the body, further emphasizes themes of resilience and the potential for healing after destruction. This thoughtful detail adds another layer of meaning to the already powerful piece, suggesting that even immense loss can lead to new forms of growth and recovery.
Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R. Mullen, Jr. director and chief curator of High Line Art, commented on the sculpture's timely message. She described it as a "powerful and poetic counterpoint to extremism and iconoclasm we continue to witness globally." The artwork aims to foster reflection and promote understanding in challenging times.
The Departing Pigeon
The new Buddha sculpture replaces "Dinosaur," a 16-foot sculpture of a pigeon by artist Iván Argote. This previous installation had been a fixture on the High Line since October 2024. The Plinth program's continuous rotation ensures that the public art offerings remain dynamic and thought-provoking.
High Line visitors can anticipate a dramatic shift in artistic focus with the arrival of "The Light That Shines Through the Universe." It promises to be a contemplative and visually striking addition to the urban landscape, inviting viewers to consider themes of history, resilience, and the enduring power of art.
- The sculpture represents a global perspective on cultural preservation.
- It encourages dialogue about peace and recovery from conflict.
- The High Line's Plinth program continues to bring diverse art to public spaces.
This installation underscores the High Line's commitment to showcasing art that not only beautifies the park but also sparks meaningful conversations among its diverse audience. The sandstone Buddha will stand as a beacon of cultural memory and a testament to the human spirit's ability to create beauty even in the face of adversity.