The public will be able to walk freely in and around the five masks, which range in height from 14 1/2' to 16 1/2 '
The public will be able to walk freely in and around the five masks, which range in height from  14 1/2′ to 16 1/2 ‘

The Thomas Houseago outdoor art installation Masks (Pentagon) will be unveiled at Rockefeller Center on Tuesday, April 28th. This site-specific installation consists of five masks cast from clay in industrial-strength synthetic plastic and stand in height from 14 1/2 feet to 16 1/2 feet. They are set on a stepped base pedestal of unfinished redwood and, blending in beautifully with their surroundings, in an installation organized by Public Art Fund and Tishman Speyer.

Entering the plaza from   Avenue of the Americas
Entering the plaza from Avenue of the Americas, the new exhibit overlooks the skating rink, which is being readied for the Summer with plantings, tables and chairs

Thomas Houseago positioned the pieces so that viewers can walk freely in and around each, looking through the eyes of the masks and seeing a different perspective of the surrounding plaza and cityscape. While you are on the inside of the installation, try to find the artist’s hand print and his young daughter’s footprints.  They’re a nice touch to give the viewer a sense of being in his studio.

Thomas Houseago's new installation at Rockefeller Center
Thomas Houseago’s new installation “Masks (Pentagon)”  at Rockefeller Center

Born and raised in Leeds, England, Mr. Houseago now lives and works in Los Angles. His recent exhibits have included work at Storm King Art Center, Galleria Borghese, Rome, Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts, Norwich, and Palazzo Grassi, Venice to name a few. His work was also included in the 2010 Whitney Biennial.

Set in such a way that you can view a different Cityscape through the eyes of the five faces
Masks (Pentagon) blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape and will be on display for six weeks

On your way out, head toward the Fifth Avenue entrance and take in the pink rubber ducks in each of the fountains of the Channel Garden.  Masks (Pentagon) will run from April 28th to June 12th.

Rubber ducks
Rubber ducks in the fountains at the Channel Garden

Get in touch with the author at AFineLyne.