8. Approach at Newark Liberty International Airport
Traversing all three of Newark Liberty International Airport’s accessible terminals is Approach, an installation of two sculptures suspended 50 feet in the air. Approach merges history and collective memory with present-day narratives, capturing the spirit of flight and New Jersey’s rich topography. While creating Approach, artist Karyn Oliver captured photographs of Newark and the surrounding area to depict New Jersey’s skyline, infrastructure, and natural landscape.
The installation consists of slices of land and sky suspended in two helix-like structures; one depicting daytime and the other night. Double-sided, each ring presents two distinct views, one when looking up toward the ceiling and the other looking down at the installation from above. Approaching the sculptures causes the rings to align concentrically, revealing the rich topographical mosaic within. The effect produced mirrors the experience of traveling between time zones. The sculptures are presented by the Public Art Fund and will be on permanent display in the airport.
