Gowanus Smith-9th Street Bridge Transforms into Light Installation for One Week

From tonight until January 23rd, the Smith-9th Street bridge transforms from its typical concrete structure to a background of colorful pattern. A half-mile wide and 90-feet tall “photographic monument” drenches the bridge as George Del Barrio, of creative agency Vanderbilt Republic, and San Francisco-based Colin Bowring, “Spectrum II” project a beam of lights on the concrete bridge.

Rather than a static arrangement, “Spectrum II” is re-created each night, as new patterns and colors make for a dynamic work of art. Using colored gels and motion, the artists create a piece of constant change. The lights themselves project from the nearby Gowanus Loft, also run by Vanderbilt Republic.

George Del Barrio, Vanderbilt Republic

“Spectrum II” is on view every night until January 23rd after sundown. Exact times vary but expect to see it around 7 to 10 pm. While viewers can head over to get a street-level sighting, the bridge itself is used by the F and G lines, giving commuters a change of scenery from above ground.

“Spectrum II” is, as expected, the second in a series of art installations by the two artists. The first involved the now-gone Kentile Floors sign.  They expect to continue the project so we’re keeping an eye out for their next change to the urban landscape.

On a visit, don’t miss the nautical maps that adorn the renovated Smith-9th Street station and note that it’s the highest station in the NYC subway system.