Dazzling "Fata Morgana" Art Installation at Madison Square Park Takes Shape

Fata Morgana (A. Fine, 4/2015)

Fata Morgana Worker (A. Fine, 4/2015)

Fata Morgana Path (A. Fine, 4/2015)

"Fata Morgana" (referring to a mirage just above the horizon), an ambitious art installation by local artist Teresita Fernandez, is taking shape in Madison Square Park. The completed work, which consists of large golden polished metal disks shaped reminiscent of foliage, should be ready by June 1st. The installation will cover 500 feet of walkways with the fanciful disks and last through the winter.

I'm not an art aficionado, but from this layman's sensibilities I find the art both pleasant and intriguing. The warmth from the golden glow from the disks gives parkgoers a different perspective of the environment. The reflections also enhance the senses and alter your perception of your surroundings. It's different, interesting and ever changing based on your angle, the amount of light, and the season. This being New York, there are reports that some locals are "outraged" and "furious" about the shade that these disks create and the size of the project. As Artnews, that noted this anger points out, the installation covers just 9% of the park. Hey, this is New York, we love art, so to the sourpusses that have a problem with it, I say "Get-ova-it"!

Mad Sq Art: Teresita Fernandez (Madison Square Park Conservancy)
Parkgoers Furious Over Teresita Fernandez Sculpture at Madison Square Park (Artnews)