Recent Yorkers—and visitors—will soon have a new reason to look up. Starting Tuesday, March 10, two towering steel sculptures, each reaching 30 feet in height, will be installed in Manhattan, transforming the Flatiron and Meatpacking District plazas into open-air art spaces. The public art installation, titled Chasing Rainbows, marks the global premiere of artist Charlotte Colbert’s newest work and her first-ever public art presentation in the United States.
The ambitious project isn’t just about adding striking visuals to the city landscape; it represents a unique collaboration between two Business Improvement Districts and the city itself. According to organizers, this is the first time the Flatiron NoMad Partnership and the Meatpacking District Management Association have partnered with the NYC DOT Art Program to link two neighborhoods through a single public installation.
Colbert, a multimedia artist and filmmaker whose work has been exhibited internationally at institutions like the V&A, Frieze, and Art Basel, aims to create a moment of shared wonder amidst the city’s relentless pace. Her sculptures, constructed from reflective steel, are designed to contrast with Manhattan’s existing architecture, drawing inspiration from fairy tales, archetypal symbols, and dreamlike storytelling. The polished surfaces will reflect the surrounding cityscape, while the whimsical forms invite passersby to pause and engage with the art.
A Dialogue Across Neighborhoods
The two sculptures, “Dreamland Sirens” and “Where Angels Live,” aren’t meant to be viewed in isolation. “Dreamland Sirens” will find its home at Flatiron South Plaza, located at 23rd Street and Broadway, while “Where Angels Live” will be installed several blocks downtown in the plaza at West 14th Street and Ninth Avenue in the Meatpacking District. Together, they form a visual conversation spanning the city, encouraging viewers to consider the connection between these distinct areas.
Beyond the Steel: The Vision Behind Chasing Rainbows
The exhibition is curated by public art agency New Public, in partnership with art-world figure Simon de Pury. Colbert’s broader artistic practice blends surrealism, narrative, and philosophy, often exploring themes of dreams, identity, and storytelling through large-scale installations, film, and sculpture. She has described the intention behind Chasing Rainbows as a simple one: to create a moment of shared wonder in the midst of everyday city life.
The choice of location is also deliberate. Both plazas are designed for high foot traffic, ensuring that the sculptures will be accessible to a wide audience—commuters, tourists, and local residents alike—all free of charge. The installation aims to disrupt the usual flow of urban life, prompting a moment of reflection and appreciation for art in public spaces.
A First for NYC Business Improvement Districts
The collaboration between the Flatiron NoMad Partnership and the Meatpacking District Management Association highlights a growing trend of cross-neighborhood initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s cultural landscape. This partnership with the NYC DOT Art Program demonstrates a commitment to bringing art directly to the public, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. The project also underscores the role of Business Improvement Districts in fostering community engagement and supporting artistic expression.
What to Expect When Experiencing the Sculptures
Visitors to the installations can expect to encounter imposing, yet inviting, structures that play with light and reflection. The steel surfaces will mirror the surrounding buildings and sky, creating a dynamic interplay between the artwork and its environment. The sculptures’ forms, rooted in imagery drawn from fairy tales and dreams, are intended to spark the imagination and encourage viewers to interpret the work in their own way. The scale of the pieces—30 feet tall—is intentionally dramatic, designed to command attention and offer a fresh perspective on the urban environment.
The installation of Chasing Rainbows is scheduled to begin next week, with the sculptures officially debuting on Tuesday, March 10. Those interested in learning more about Charlotte Colbert’s work can visit her website at charlottecolbert.com.
As New York City continues to evolve, public art installations like Chasing Rainbows play a vital role in shaping the city’s identity and enriching the lives of its residents. The sculptures will remain on display for an unspecified period, offering a continuous opportunity for engagement and reflection. The next update regarding the exhibition’s duration will likely come from the Flatiron NoMad Partnership and the Meatpacking District Management Association.
What do you think of this new addition to the New York City art scene? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
