Oh Sit! 14 Sculptors Consider the Chair

New York City’s oldest standing bridge, which connects the Bronx and Manhattan, has been reopened after 40 years. The High Bridge, which was built in the 19th century, is open to the public along with an exhibition called “Oh Sit! 14 Sculptors Consider the Chair.” Chuck von Schmidt created this work with welded steel. (Story and photos by Greici Brito)

Exhibit organizers say the point of the collection is to get New Yorkers to really consider the concept of a chair. “In a frantic world, finding a chair can be almost impossible and settling comfortably into one can be an enormous satisfaction. Sitting in the wrong seat can cause anxiety and an even pain.”

The nine chairs are in the Tower Plaza along the esplanade. The sculptors use unique materials to fashion their chairs: metal, wood, acrylic, sequined panels, Mylar, potato chip snack bags, duct tape and galvanized wire. Each approaches the concept of chair differently, as a throne, a spying horse, a 19th century dress and a robot.

Siena Gillann Porta created "What is it? 2015" using metal, wood, acrylic mesh, electronics.

Creator Robert Dell fashioned this robot-like chair using stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. He calls his work “The High Seat, 2015.”

Herb Rosenberg sculpted this 90-inch chair with aluminum and brass. He calls his work “Horse named NSA - Keeping an eye on you, 2014.”

Gregoire Ferland forged "Body Memory" out of steel.

Esther Grillo sculpted "Cricket's Heart and Flowers" using painted wrought iron.

This fancy throne is named simply “Chair, 2011.” Creator Dan Bergman sculpted the chair using steel cable and square aluminum tubing.

This dress-like-chair was created by Christina Jorge and it’s called “Sunday in the Park with Jorge, 2015.” The materials are metal/wire armature, sequined panels, Mylar, potato chip snack bags, duct tape and galvanized wire.

Allen Cyprys formed “The Throne, 2011” from wood and door hinges. The New York Foundation for the Arts and the Rockaway Artist Alliance sponsored this exhibition, which runs from June 8, 2015 until November 8, 2015. It is located in High Bridge Park, at Amsterdam Avenue & West 172nd Street. The park is open to the public from 7:00 am to 8:00pm. For more information, visit 14sculptors.com.