New York Waterfalls

July 3, 2008

Governers Island Waterfall by Olafur Eliasson, Photo: © Bernstein Photography

After wowing audiences at the Tate Modern in 2004 with his epic installation, The Weather Project, Danish artist Olafur Eliasson has turned his attention to New York, where he continues his interest in natural phenomena in this series of four enormous waterfalls that he has created across the city.

Brooklyn Bridge Falls, Photo: © Art Fund

Funded by the Public Art Project, the waterfalls are located at the Brooklyn Anchorage of the Brooklyn Bridge; between Piers 4 and 5 in Brooklyn, adjacent to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade; on Pier 35 in Manhattan, north of the Manhattan Bridge; and on the north shore of Governors Island. What is perhaps not fully evident from these pics is the sheer scale of the falls, which range from between 90-120 feet tall.

Brooklyn Piers Falls, Photo: © Bernstein Photography

Importantly, considering that Eliasson is interested in making art that explores our environment, the Falls are environmentally sound with all electricity used offset by ‘green power’ electricity generated from renewable resources, and special filters and pumps used to protect aquatic life.

Installation of the waterfall on Pier 35. Photo: © Bernstein Photography