Reviewed by: Danii Oliver 9/15/08
In theory the concept of having Waterfalls in New York City is exciting. A place to go and experience one of nature’s beauties, even if unnaturally, brings to mind the sound of a great big sigh of relief for this City bustler. The concept creates an opportunity for so much creativity that I don’t feel was truly tapped.
That was what I expected from Olafur’s waterfall exhibit at the Hudson River. That was only one quarter of what I found. The show was aesthetically unpleasing. The exhibit was arbitrarily placed along the south Hudson River without consideration for placement design or environmental function. The fact that there was very little form or function destroyed the beauty of the experience of being at a waterfall, especially a waterfall in New York City.
The exhibit consisted of four waterfalls, of which one was not on at the time of my visit. Either it was malfunctioning or it had to be shut down due to concerns about the sea salt mist harming the surrounding flora. Two were placed just off the edge of the river on the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides. Neither invoked a feeling of relaxation nor were they interesting to look at. They each just stood there – still. They were so formless that they were unnoticeable at first glance. This was surprising for a waterfall, an event that is dynamic by nature.
The waterfall under the Brooklyn Bridge however, saved the show. The waterfall draped the under belly of the bridge so marvelously. I was transported to another place just standing on the pier. As I took in the experience the sun began to set. A high contrast shadow and glow rose diagonally over the falls. Then the wind picked up and the water shifted so elegantly it was as if a beautiful goddess had stepped out from behind the bridge and the water refused to spray her.
That made me think, were the other falls put up to provide contrast. Were they static even in the wind to comment on the rigidity of both boroughs in their structural sense? On both ends of the river cars flew by not noticing that nature have been altered. Not noticing how they were affecting nature; the air and water surrounding them. On the bridge walkers strolled, rode, stopped, breathed. It seemed to me that Eliasson had mocked those who didn’t stop to take in life and gave to those who did. For, the walkers of the bridge had the best complement to their long stroll.
With all considerations for licenses set aside, the show could have been designed better. In my opinion, the waterfalls could have been a greater part of the environment. One could have been draped over the FDR into the river, another placed adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge falls under the Williamsburg Bridge.
Overall the concept was a truly genius idea but, I believe it was not executed properly. It provoked some thought of annoyance but, no lasting impression. I thought it would be an attraction to draw me to the downtown area more often, needless to say, I would not bring my friends here and I feel bad for wasting the time of those who did go with me.