Just got back from another visit to what is definitely one
of the most fascinating cities on the planet. With a population of nearly 9 million people in a total land
area of about 300 square miles, the population density is intense. Of course, there is then the population
of the broader region – the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) – that brings
you to over 20 million people. The
result is a dense node of economic activity, creativity, diversity and energy
and the views are spectacular.
What particularly struck me on this trip was the art available in New York both in public and private spaces. Art can speak to all of us on a number of levels. For example, these two sculptures on an outdoor terrace at the Whitney Museum were practically side by side and I found them inspiring.
The Whitney Museum also anchors the High Line which is an elevated park built on an old rail line. It is a walking trail that weaves about 1.5 miles through buildings and across streets offering unique views of the urban landscape. It is a park as well as a work of art on its own.
The High Line is also a home for growing amounts of public art and exhibits both formal and informal.
Samuel Johnson remarked that "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life." I suppose it is ditto for New York.
I'm not done with New York yet.