Arriving at the installation was the first challenge of my experience. Max Neuhaus’s “Times Square” installation is unmarked and abstract. It’s presence although at first seemed to be non-existent, once realizing its pre-determined connotations and significance, the installation shone through. The installation was not a typical obvious statue, carving or image. It was a sensory representative as an entity encompassing the visual imagery, the sounds, the smells and feeling of being at times square. The triangle or “island” representing this installation is not obvious however its importance shows exactly how Neuhaus wanted to portray his admiration and opinion regarding this area of New York.
Once I comprehended and experienced the installation, the second thing I found challenging was processing the overwhelming senses of my surroundings. The abundance of cars and their sounds were extremely prevalent. The music blaring from the cars, the honking and general sounds of traffic became a sort of white noise piercing at the back of my mind. The music escaping the stores encompassing the installation would perpetually be there but it’s disregarded and overwhelmed by the loud and vibrant sounds from the streets. The sound of peoples non-challant chatter incessantly fluttered in my ear, with the irregular sounds of shouting or advertisement from those giving out flyers on the installation itself. The sound of the subway beneath my feet rumbled systematically, its creaky wheels screeching along the old iron railways.
The vents from the subway brought me to think about the feeling of being at the installation. A harsh gust of warm wind would rise from the rusty metal vents, allowing me only to imagine the worst of the scents and air being released. This discomfort was contradicted by the fresh breeze coming from the alleys and streets that all seem to be ending at the installation, allowing for a clear path of cool air to waft through. The smells were also an overwhelming feature of the installation. Like the sweet smelling fragrance of coffee and freshly baked pretzels circulating from the nearby stores and food carts encircling the installation. The general smells of New York are however also prevalent, the stench of urine and garbage lingers around the installation, furthering the idea that it has become New York’s most common odor.
The most determining sense was the sight around the installation. I was completely astounded by the masses of people, vehicles and stores around me. The billboards stretching across the faces of building, bright and flamboyant. The neon and shining lights coming from the store advertisements were almost blinding. The screens depicting different images and commercials, confusing my mind as they rushed past my eyes. The different multicultural people by my side, all dressed in their own different and unique fashions. The street performers outfitted in costumes all painted in gold or silver adding an irreplaceable aspect to these streets in comparison to those around New York.
As a whole, Neuhaus’s installation was an abstract and clever representation of the overwhelming and chaotic aspect of New York, incorporating all the sounds, sights, smells and touch of New York in one designated area.
