West Harlem gets its own artistic landmark with Bentley Meeker’s massive light installation,“The ‘H’ In Harlem.”
Meeker, known for his large-scale lighting rigs and temples at Burning Man, creates a bold statement with this illuminating sculpture of a giant letter "H" surrounded by an aluminum oval truss, suspended from the viaduct at 12th Avenue and 125th Street.
“I really wanted to do something that was extraordinary for the community,” said Meeker about the city-wide beacon that can be viewed from Morningside to 12th Avenue on 125th street.
The project is a collaboration between the Manhattan Community Board 9 (MCB9), the 125th Street Business Improvement District, West Harlem Art Fund and the New York City Department of Transportation. Meeker, who is also a Harlem resident, hopes the installation will bring attention to the community and its eagerness to embrace economic growth and positive social change, while celebrating the rich cultural heritage and diversity that defines the area.
Erecting the white LED light sculpture and full-spectrum plasma lighting fixtures was an overnight process, but it took Meeker almost a year of planning to make it weather and hurricane proof, an engineering feat never attempted before in his previous works.
“It is unbelievable at night,” said Meeker. “It’s just a bright beacon and symbol in Harlem.”
The installation is on view now through September 25 in West Harlem at the viaduct on the corner of 12th Avenue and W125th Street.
