Behold! A 26-foot-tall steel rose blooms amidst the skyscrapers. This is Isa Genzken’s “Rose III”. It stands in Zuccotti Park. It is a permanent installation.
The Rose III sculpture was created by German artist Isa Genzken. Lonti Ebers donated it to Brookfield Property Partners. The sculpture challenges Lower Manhattan’s inorganic textures. It complements the slender sky-reaching structures.
Genzken crafted “Rose III” from custom-manufactured steel. It was modeled after a rose she picked. The artist sculpted it for development. The Rose III is not the only “Rose”. There is also “Rose II”. “Rose II” was Genzken’s first public sculpture in New York. It was installed at the New Museum from 2010 to 2013. The Museum of Modern Art then acquired it.
Zuccotti Park gained another monumental sculpture. Besides “Rose III” there is also Mark di Suvero’s “Joie de Vivre”. And there is Seward Johnson Jr.’s “Double Check”. After 9/11, “Double Check” became a memorial. It honored those who perished.
Some see political meaning in “Rose III”. Some speculate it is a nod to Occupy Wall Street. In 2011, Zuccotti Park was taken over by the 99 percent. They sought to change capitalism. A rose symbolizes democratic socialism. The sculpture’s unveiling was near the 10th anniversary of Lehman Brothers’ collapse. It also coincided with the 7th anniversary of Occupy.
Laura Hoptman curated the first exhibition of “The Rose”. She said Isa Genzken has a brave vision. It is a vision for public art in tune with its environment. Genzken said New York has a direct link with sculpture. She finds the city has incredible stability and solidity.
Isa Genzken’s other monumental works have been installed in major urban centers. An edition of her first “Rose” is in Roppongi Hills in Tokyo. Another edition of “Rose II” is in MoMA’s sculpture garden. “Two Orchids” stands in Central Park.
Ric Clark is senior managing partner and chairman of Brookfield Properties. He called the work a captivating addition to Zuccotti Park. He also said it enriches Lower Manhattan’s landscape. Manhattan’s skyline inspired Genzken’s work. Many of her sculptures stand tall and narrow.
Laura Hoptman organized the installation of “Rose II” at MoMA. She said “The Rose” is an homage to New York. It is a statement for unity and equality. It reflects the artist’s empathy and humanity. It is great art.
So, as you gaze upon “Rose III,” remember its message. It is a symbol of unity and equality. It offers a moment of reflection in the heart of the city. It merges nature and urbanity.