I Love New York-3) Library Way

 Walking out of the grand central terminal, the New York Public Library's main branch, the Stephen  A. Schwarzman Building is just around the corner where you can reach by following the library way.  

Library Way is lined with a series of bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalk. Each plaque features a quote from a notable author or literary figure, celebrating the written word and literature. This unique installation creates a literary pathway that captures the spirit of learning, culture, and knowledge that both Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library represent.

The plaques are designed to pay homage to various authors and their contributions to literature, making the walk from Grand Central Terminal to the library an inspiring and thought-provoking experience. The quotes range from poetry to prose and are often in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse literary heritage of New York City and the world.

Library Way adds an artistic and intellectual dimension to the journey between these two iconic landmarks, reminding pedestrians of the value of literature and the power of words. It has become a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike, offering a moment of reflection and inspiration in the midst of the bustling city.

On my walk to the Library, I also admired the architectures of the buildings I passed by.

I Love New York-2) Grand Central Terminal

Designated New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, Grand Central Terminal, often simply referred to as Grand Central, is a historic and iconic transportation hub located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. 

Grand Central Terminal was originally constructed in 1871 as Grand Central Depot, a railroad terminal. However, due to various expansions and renovations, the current terminal that we see today was completed in 1913.

The terminal's design is a blend of architectural styles, including Beaux-Arts and neoclassical influences. It was designed by the architectural firms Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore.

The exterior of Grand Central features a grand façade with a massive central arch flanked by columns and statues. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a large main concourse with a celestial-themed ceiling, a clock, and elegant marble finishes.

The main concourse is the heart of Grand Central Terminal. It's a vast and stunning space with a vaulted ceiling painted with constellations, making it look like a starry night sky.

The iconic four-sided clock, located atop the Information Booth in the center of the concourse, is a popular meeting point for visitors.

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The grand staircases that lead to the lower levels are a prominent feature of the concourse, and they are often used for various events and gatherings.

Grand Central Terminal serves as a major transportation hub for commuters and travelers. It primarily serves Metro-North Railroad lines heading to the northern suburbs of New York, including Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, as well as parts of Connecticut.

The terminal also connects to the New York City Subway system, making it a crucial transit point for both local and regional travel.

Grand Central Terminal is known for its diverse range of retail shops and dining establishments. The lower levels of the terminal house the Grand Central Market, offering various fresh produce, specialty foods, and artisanal products.

Grand Central Terminal faced the threat of demolition in the mid-20th century due to the decline of rail travel and proposed urban development projects. However, a successful preservation campaign led by activists and historic preservationists, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, saved the terminal from destruction.

The terminal underwent an extensive restoration in the 1990s, which brought it back to its former glory. The restoration focused on repairing and cleaning the architectural elements, including the iconic ceiling.

Grand Central Terminal has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and works of literature, becoming a symbol of New York City and its history.

I Love New York- 1) Metropolitain Museum of Art (continued) -The Roof Garden Commission: Lauren Halsey

 The Roof Garden of the MET is currently showing Lauren Halsey's Commission.  The artist (b. 1987, Los Angeles) has been commissioned to create a site-specific installation for The Met's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden. Halsey will create a full-scale architectural structure imbued with the collective energy and imagination of the South Central Los Angeles Community where she was born and continues to work. Titled the eastside of south central Los Angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I), the installation is designed to be inhabited by The Met’s visitors, who will be able to explore its connections to sources as varied as ancient Egyptian symbolism, 1960s utopian architecture, and contemporary visual expressions like tagging that reflect the ways in which people aspire to make public places their own.  Here are some photos taken visiting this roof garden with view of central park in the background.

I love New York- 1) Metropolitain Museum of Art (continued)- Van Gogh's Cypresses exhibit in the MET

Van Gogh’s Cypresses is the first exhibition to focus on the trees—among the most famous in the history of art—immortalized in signature images by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). Such iconic pictures as Wheat Field with Cypresses and The Starry Night take their place as the centerpiece in a presentation that affords an unprecedented perspective on a motif virtually synonymous with the Dutch artist’s fiercely original power of expression. Some 40 works were presented in this exhibit.

Here are the photos I captured of Van Gogh's work from my visit of this exhibition.  You can also check out some of the images posted on the MET's website at Van Gogh's Cypresses - The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org).

Stairs in the Garden of the Asylum, May-June 1889                             

Landscape from Saint-Remy, June 1889

Field with Poppies, June 1889

The Starry Night, June 1889

Wheat Field with Cypresse, June 1889

Cypresse, June 1889

Cypresses and Two Woman, February 1890

Farmhouse among Olive Trees, December 1889

Country Road in Provence by Night, May 1890

Reminiscence of Brabant, March-April 1890

Landscape under Turbulent Skies, April 1889

Still Life of Oranges and Lemons with Blue Gloves, January 1889

Drawbridge, May 1888

Orchard Bordered by Cypresses, April 1888

Garden at Arles, July 1888

The Public Garden, October 1888

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Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who is now considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art. Despite struggling with mental health issues and facing little recognition during his lifetime, his work has since become iconic and highly regarded, and he is known for his unique style and emotional intensity.

Van Gogh was born in Zundert, Netherlands, in 1853. He came from a family with a background in art dealing. He had a difficult and somewhat troubled life, marked by periods of mental instability.

Van Gogh's artistic journey began relatively late in his life. He initially worked as an art dealer and a teacher. He started seriously pursuing art in his late 20s, initially producing dark and somber works influenced by realist and Barbizon styles.

Van Gogh is often associated with the post-impressionist art movement. He developed a unique and highly recognizable style characterized by bold brushwork, vivid colors, and a strong emotional intensity. He sought to convey his emotional experiences through his art.

Some of van Gogh's most well-known paintings include "Starry Night," "Sunflowers," "The Bedroom," "Irises," and his series of self-portraits. His use of vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes set his work apart.

Throughout his life, van Gogh suffered from mental health issues, including episodes of depression and anxiety. He famously cut off a portion of his own ear during a period of emotional turmoil.

Van Gogh had a tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. They spent time together in Arles, France, where they had artistic disagreements and eventually parted ways after a heated argument.

In 1889, van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, where he continued to paint prolifically. He produced many of his iconic works during this period. He died in 1890 at the age of 37 from a gunshot wound, which is widely believed to have been self-inflicted.

Van Gogh's work was largely overlooked during his lifetime, and he struggled financially. However, after his death, his art gained widespread recognition and appreciation. His innovative style influenced later movements like expressionism and fauvism.

Today, Vincent van Gogh is celebrated as one of the most important artists in history. His works are housed in prestigious museums around the world, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

I love New York- 1) Metropolitain Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The Met, is one of the most renowned and largest art museums in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a cultural treasure that attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. Its vast and varied collection makes it a hub for art enthusiasts, scholars, students, and the general public interested in exploring the rich tapestry of human artistic expression throughout history.  

During the past week, I was among the visitors who were enticed to visit it, primarily due to the Van Gogh's Cypresses exhibit scheduled to conclude on August 27, 2023 as well as the roof garden's Lauren Halsey' exhibition/installation.  I am delighted to have made it right in time to experience these two remarkable exhibitions.