Man and nature have long been thought to be adversaries, caught in a continuous struggle for dominance over the landscape in which they exist. Yet, they persist in harmony together along the tracks of the High Line. This paradoxical state appeals to observers with its uncanny marriage of two dualities, and entices us to consider how two chaotic forces that are so different can coexist as one entity. This image is a physical embodiment of that question, compelling the viewer to examine such possibilities in depth. There is a clearly defined clash between the natural and manufactured, very literally split in two by a glare of light. The bottom half of the photo is drowned in murky green water, turning what once was a bustling New York City street into a lake. This could be thought of as the re-appearance of nature in the urban space, much like the evolution of the train tracks from a synthetic man made structure to a park bursting with greenery. Both spaces still retain their old metallic and concrete elements, yet now they also share their areas with more organic components. The water does not fill the entirety of the space in the image, once again portraying the concept of compromise by allowing the upper half of the photo to remain as it was. In making such allowances for each other’s existence, nature and man have found a way to live together. This principal can also be applied to New York itself. We are a melting pot of different cultures who now have to learn to live with each other, and this endeavor has been something we’ve been struggling to achieve for decades. Yet, the High Line shows that coexistence is a possible and worthy goal, which if accomplished can result in something beautiful that we can all appreciate.
You did an excellent job of articulating how duality between man and nature is paramount to the structure and art of the High Line. As you effectively expressed when pointing out that “This principle can also be applied to New York itself. We are a melting pot of different cultures who now have to learn to live with each other,” the conflict and cooperation between opposing or simply differing forces such as nature and man is central not only to the High Line but also to New York City as a whole. I believe these themes are at the heart of all other art forms as well.