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Public Pianos: Yay or Just Plain Annoying?
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 21, 2010
Modified May 21, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published May 21, 2010
Modified May 21, 2010
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Beginning June 21st, British artist Luke Jerram will have installed 60 pianos throughout city parks and public spaces as part of an interactive public art installation (which has already hit London). And before you start plotting out some space for an upright in your studio apartment, yes, they will be chained to 90-lb cinder blocks to deter ambitious thieves.
Of his "Play Me, I'm Yours" project, Jerram told the Daily News, "The pianos act as a blank canvas for others' creativity." And one man's creativity is another man's headache! On top of being in louder areas like Times Square and the Coney Island Boardwalk, more serene spots will also get pianos—like Fort Greene Park, McCarren Park and Prospect Park.
Allegedly strangers won't be the only ones pounding away on the ivories, some famous faces may also drop by for an impromptu concert (Alicia Keys has already been named as one). At the end of the summer the instruments will be donated to schools and community groups.
Speaking of pianos! This must be their year—we recently saw a proposal to turn the Pearl Street Triangle in DUMBO into some sort of Big-esque interactive piano (see after the jump).
Photo by Jen Carlson/Gothamist
Tagged
art installation
Luke Jerram
pianos
Play Me I'm Yours
public
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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