13. Bombora House by Tom Fruin at Gansevoort Plaza
Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media
Bombora House is the latest New York City installation by Brooklyn-based sculptor Tom Fruin. The colorful piece at Gansevoort Plaza takes inspiration from Fruin’s artist friends. Melinda Brown, a fellow artist, says that in her native land of Australia, “Bombora refers to a large wave with its own frequency. Surfers will wait for the bombora to roll in.” Brown adopted that name for the building she lived in on the corner of 13th Street and Ninth Avenue where artists would gather and create together.
Fruin’s own Bombora House represents the wave of cultural and architectural evolution rolling through the Meatpacking District. The tiny house-like structures are meant to also convey feelings of hope, joy, and stability. You can interact with the sculpture by sending a text message to 347-328-2636. You will get a response with more information about the sculpture or things to do in the Meatpacking District, and the sculpture will light up! Bombora House will be on view throughout the winter of 2021. Check out Tom Fruin in our latest podcast episode of Secrets of New York!