15.  The DNA Totem Arrives in Marcus Garvey Park

The DNA Totem located at the 120th Street and Fifth Avenue in Marcus Garvey Park

Marcus Garvey Park has become another destination for sculpture artists within the New York City Parks Department. The DNA Totem, by local sculptor artist Suprina Kenney opens a discussion on the subject of human evolution and the footprint humans leave behind. The ten-foot tall spiral form, which makes up the DNA Totem, is fixed with discarded items donated by local residents, and found objects from the artist. Bringing to the viewer’s attention unwanted objects that show how we are “beautiful, horrid, tragic and profoundly funny” in our sampling of objects, it also represents the 102 tons of trash we each create in our lifetime.

A close-up of the DNA Totem, overlooking Fifth Avenue

Spearheaded by the Marcus Garvey Park Alliance, in conjunction with the New York City Parks Department, The DNA Totem sits on the first level of the Acropolis, overlooking Fifth Avenue on 120th Street, a few levels below the sight of the historic Harlem Fire Watchtower, which is currently being restored, and a half block away from the Maya Angelou townhouse. The DNA Totem will be on view through September 30.

An opening reception will take place on April 9 from 4:30-6 pm, with the reception beginning at the DNA Totem, and continuing across the street at Heath Gallery, where Suprina will have other pieces on display. A series of related talks and activities are also scheduled.

The current installation, Caesura: a forum, which is located at the top of the Acropolis in Marcus Garvey Park, will be coming down in mid-April.