Sheep Station Getty Station W 24th Street Chelsea NYC Untapped Cities

At the site of a former gas station on the corner of West 24th Street and 10th Avenue right under the High Line in Chelsea, a flock of sheep stand grazing on grassy hills. Paul Kasmin Gallery (which also represents Kenny Scharf) and real estate developer/art collector Michael Shvo are responsible for placing “Sheep Station” by the late artist François-Xavier Lalanne on the site. We previously covered the station in September but go see it now before it gets taken down: Sheep Station will remain on display until November 24th.

Sheep Station Getty Station Kasmin Gallery Chelsea NYC Untapped Cities

The epoxy-stone and bronze “Moutons” juxtaposed with the industrial structure of the gas station create a surreal landscape out in the open for all to see. Part of Lalanne’s mission was to demystify art and make people smile–a feat he has surely accomplished with this pop-up work. With twenty-five sheep, it is the largest collection of Lalanne’s “Moutons” to be shown publicly in an outdoor setting. The Sheep Station reminds us of Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoë’s decision to use sheep to mow the lawn of the Municipal Archives in Paris. Also note the mural by JR and José Parlá in the background.

Sheep Station at Getty Station Kasmin Gallery Chelsea NYC Untapped Cities

Earlier this year, Michael Shvo purchased the Getty Station, which will be turned into a luxury residential building. The pop-up gallery will feature exhibitions for the duration of the construction and will eventually be incorporated into the building.

Get in touch with the author @lauraitzkowitz.