I’ve only ever been to the High Line once before we all went as a group and then I was with my friends so I didn’t get to really focus on my surroundings and appreciate it as a work of art. Walking along the High Line I noticed the high contrast between the gentrified part of New York and the still run down part of it. I thought of all the people who had to move away because they couldn’t afford living there anymore. Can the beauty of the High Line and modernity justify the effect it had on other people’s lives? Do the ends justify the means? I can’t really say I have an answer to that as it’s not as black and white as I originally thought.
The High Line is quite beautiful. It created a transition and a connection between urban to rural, technology and nature. Something that really caught my eyes as I was walking was the mural on a building wall across from the High Line. It featured the profiles of Mother Teresa and Gandhi looking at each other and holding their hands up as in greeting and respect. This mural is spectacular. The artist laid a grid of color on top of the two profiles allowing the artwork to really stand out. There is so much attention to detail and the line work is very fine. At first glance the mural would look as if it was painted on a flat surface, however, if you look closer you’ll see that there is actually a fire escape stair that is also painted to help it blend in with the painting and make it look flawless.
This artwork really piqued my interest, the colors used translated a feeling of warmth, cheerfulness and hope. The two humanitarians depicted further enforce that message. When you think of New York you think tall skyscrapers and dazzling lights, but this mural captures something more special. It captures humanity, something that especially in this day and age we must never forget to show and act upon.
The High Line felt like I was having a museum experience out in the open, except everything was on display; the buildings, the plants, the people, and the art hidden everywhere in plain sight.
I didn’t even notice that mural when I took a similar photo of that area! It is a very interesting piece that is indeed relevant, especially in current times. I believe that what you stated in the beginning about it being unfair that individuals had to move out of their homes just because of the tourism brought by the High Line is truly justified. It is unfortunate that they had to sacrifice their lifestyles to allow for newer, more expensive housing. The mural you mentioned is successful in mentioning two of the most influential civil rights leaders which ties into the civil problems of gentrification produced.