Whimsical, vibrant colors draped across a New York City pool deck on a hot day are nothing but a blissful sight. For the fifth year in a row, Citi Habitats in partnership with K&Co and Pliskin Architecture have collaborated to resurrect the captivating Pop-Up Pool Party at Roosevelt Island‘s Manhattan Park rental apartments. Each summer since 2015, a new artist has been commissioned to transform the pool deck into an alluring and mesmerizing work of art that lasts only for each pool season. Previous artists such as HOT TEA, Andrew Farris, Gregg Emery, and Technodrome1 have each incorporated unique elements to the project but maintained a bright summertime feel. The design of the installation spans across the entirety of the pool deck allowing spectators to not only admire but also feel immersed within the art as they walk on top of it.
Photo by Max Touhey
This year’s work is by local artist Elizabeth Sutton, who is part of the NYDesigns program and has a background in both business and mathematics. The range of Sutton’s past influences converges to concoct a unique pop-art design that both incorporates sharp geometric lines and adds a colorful twist to create a work that utilizes the space in an encompassing way.
Sutton expressed, “I love playing with patterns, focal points, scale, and color contrast/depth within my work,” she explains. “All of these elements are included in this design. This project was laborious but such a cool experience – a painting session and workout all in one. I hope it brings some good energy to those enjoying poolside.”
Photo by Max Touhey
The vibrant and bold colors of the entire deck give Sutton’s series of cascading stripes a modern and captivating feel. Her sunburst pattern required 60 gallons and 18 shades of Benjamin Moore patio paint for Sutton to cover the entire pool deck with her design.
Photo by Max Touhey
In concocting the project’s creation Krista Ninivaggi (founder of K&Co) stated that “This project began when we were hired to help reimagine and renovate the Manhattan Park community. Our team was immediately drawn to this gem of a pool deck with sweeping Manhattan skyline and East River views. However, the space was not as inspired as its setting. Without giving the deck a complete makeover, we wanted to make selective improvements that would reflect our excitement, and help it reach its potential. It’s the city, summer, nature, fun – all coming together.”
Photo by Max Touhey
“The first year we painted the deck was special because the transformation was really a surprise to people. After the overwhelmingly positive reaction to year one, we knew this would be an ongoing initiative. We are constantly looking at artists – and trying to imagine how their work might translate to a spectacular design. Our office spends nearly the whole year debating who we should commission next.”
Photo by Max Touhey
Photo by Max Touhey
Although initially intended for Manhattan Park residents, the pool deck installation is accessible to all for $40 on weekdays and $60 on weekends. With views of the city skyline, the popup pool party art installation is the perfect place on a summer day to bask in the sun and marvel at Suttons larger than life vibrant piece.
Beat the summer heat at 30 River Road on Roosevelt Island in the Manhattan Park complex.
