It took my breath away when I rode through last night. The structures are much more monumental than I had realized from viewing all the sketches. And most of the park is car-free to boot!

hannah

in re the resource allocation:
Firstly the installation is being privately financed. But even if that were not the case I am softened not hardened by an installation (I don't care whether its Art with a capital A or not) that is (1) meant for public not private consumption (I am more disturbed by the amount of money spent on unnecessary consumer goods in this country) and (2) accessible and open to the taste and enjoyment of a broad public spectrum (unlike either a new jazz hall or football stadium).
Finally, in a city and time and among a people that are probably the most jaded and cynical to have ever roamed the earth, I think the Gates will elicit a child-like merriment.

"The 7500 Gates, 16 feet (4.87 meters) high with a width varying from 5' 6"" to 18 feet (1,67 m to 5,48 meters) will follow the edges of the walkways and will be perpendicular to the selected 23 miles of footpaths in Central Park. Free hanging saffron colored fabric panels suspended from the horizontal top part of the gates will come down to approximately 7 feet ( 2,13 meters) above the ground. The gates will be spaced at 12 foot (3,65 meter) intervals, except where low branches extend above the walkways allowing the synthetic woven panels to wave horizontally towards the next gate and be seen from far away through the leafless branches of the trees. The temporary work of art The Gates is scheduled for February 2005, to remain for 16 days, then the 7,500 Gates shall be removed and the materials will be recycled.
"

The February edition of the TIME'S UP! Riverside Ride will also showcase the Gates (at night!).

http://www.times-up.org/riverside.php

hannah