Brooklyn Bridge Park has just given us another reason to swing by for a visit ASAP. "Descension," a public art installation in the shape of a giant whirlpool, just opened up at Pier 1 and it is quite captivating—especially if your little one is into the soothing sounds of water or is in that phase where flushing is the greatest thing since sliced bread. The piece, created by artist Anish Kapoor, features a 26-foot-diameter pool of water that's endlessly spiraling down into a center void, energizing the negative space left in its wake. It would be borderline terrifying if it wasn't so mesmerizing. Never fear, parents...there's a safety rail!
Photograph: Courtesy James Ewing
The artist's name might not sound familiar, but if you've ever been a tourist in Chicago, chances are you've seen Kapoor's work up close; he's the artist who created Chicago's mirrored "Cloud Gate," also known as "The Bean," that's installed in Millennium Park. "Descension" was originally created in 2014 as a smaller installation in India and was later included in Kapoor's 2015 exhibit in Versailles, France. This is the first time it's being unveiled in North America.
"Descension" will be on view until September 10. If this inspires your little one to go on a hunt for more public art around the city, check out our list of outdoor art in NYC for families.