16. Atlas: The Third Millennium by Artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez Coming to East Harlem
Atlas: The Third Millennium by renowned sculpture artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, will be installed in Marcus Garvey Park this month. The installation symbolizes the “magnificent multiplicity of Harlem and East Harlem, the cross-section through time of stellar individuals who have called Harlem and East Harlem their home, and those who continue to live, work and contribute to its cultural vibrancy.” The 14-foot tall steel sculpture, in the form of a ‘universe’ of stars, represents and pays homage to actors, writers, musicians, artists, educators, activists, entrepreneurs and leaders — an entire community, inspiring each other as they face present-day challenges.
The sculpture was constructed entirely out of steel, with six five-foot modules composed of 312 stars that were combined to form a huge orb. The orb is placed on the back and extended arms of a crouched human figure, and sits atop a 7-foot tall column, on a star based plate that spans 5-feet in diameter.
The artist has a forty-year connection with both East Harlem and Harlem: he recently presented four sculptures spread throughout the two locations (through The Public Art Initiative), as well as at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies Library and Archives (CENTRO). His first large-scale, permanent installation, Growth, is the first public work completed by the Percent for Art Program of the New York Department of Cultural Affairs in 1985.
Atlas: The Third Millennium is presented by NYC Parks Art in the Parks, and the Public Art Initiative (a program created by the Marcus Garvey Park Alliance). The installation will be installed in mid-October and on view through August, 2018 in Marcus Garvey Park (the Northeast lawn located near 123rd Streets, on the Madison Avenue side in East Harlem).