I have to admit that my experience was a drive-by one, more in keeping with L.A. culture than that of New York, but I was taken by The Gates just the same. Driving down Fifth Avenue in the on-coming dusk, a fresh coat of snow from the night before still melting, grey buildings in the distance disappeared in a mist, saffron celebrations made the wind visible.
The installation created a burst of life, a breath of peace and turned the drive into a bit of a game. Could I get past the bus in time to see the next set of gates coming up on my right. Could I stay in the far right hand lane all the way down the edge of the park. Should I turn right and cut through the park to the West Side, or continue on my southerly route? (I chose to stay my course, not wanting to get mired in more than my share of traffic.)
I noticed a couple taking pictures of one another in front of one gate and imagine there were many more shutters snapping than usual in Central Park throughout the installation. I just wish it were up longer. This time of year in the city is particularly desperate in a way. We've been pent up too long in offices and indoors. Even though it's been a mild winter, February I think is the longest month, not April.
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