The captivating installation, auruBOROS – Urban Memory and Collective Dream, by Berlin-based artist duo Plastique Fantastique, now graces New York’s High Line beneath The Standard. This magnificent golden serpent was commissioned by Bvlgari as part of its Serpenti Infinito art series. The temporary marvel reimagines the ancient symbol of the Ouroboros—a serpent eating its own tail—through a monumental pneumatic structure. The piece cleverly integrates architecture and public space with a continuous cycle of transformation.
The Dynamic Urban Reflection: A Symbol of Continuity
Stretching 30 by 10 by 10 meters, auruBOROS is constructed from lightweight reflective membranes, positioned within the urban landscape. Supported by ventilators, it retains form without any rigid structural system. Its golden surface mirrors the city around it, capturing fluctuations in light and movement, and offering a dynamic engagement with its surroundings. This radiant installation reflects light, allowing it to alternately stand out and blend into its High Line setting.
This concept of dynamic transformation is echoed in PITAKA’s transformation of a Berlin bunker, offering another perspective on interactive public art.
The Latin word for gold, “aurum”, combines with Ouroboros to form the installation’s name, embodying the transformation of matter—a theme reflected in its ever-altering surface. The artists, Marco Canevacci and Yena Young, have thus created a living organism-like presence that evolves throughout the day, responding to natural and human factors alike, proving a perfect representation of the ouroboros concept.
Positioned as part of the High Line’s living environment, auruBOROS coexists with the flowing pedestrian traffic, urban skyline, vegetation, and architecture. It operates from September 10th to September 20th, 2026, for a brief but immersive experience. As visitors encounter and interact with its reflective skin, they partake in what the artists describe as ‘Public Love’—a shared moment that remains vivid in memory even after the physical structure disappears, thanks to the installation’s unique allure.
By adding a temporary layer of urban memory, auruBOROS not only enhances the High Line but also proposes a collective vision of urban experience. It’s part of a broader art narrative, following Bvlgari’s previous Serpenti Infinito installations in Shanghai, Seoul, and Mumbai, marking its first public art engagement in the United States.
For those fascinated by transformative urban experiences, delve into Jeanne Vicerial’s textile sculptures that similarly reimagine public spaces with artistic flair.
The project’s seamless integration into its environment reflects a thoughtful design process, led by a dedicated team including Lavinia Freitas and documented by photographers like Swan Park. As this mesmerizing ouroboros captivates passersby, it marks a significant moment in the confluence of nature, architecture, and human interaction.
With special thanks to collaborators like Brett Fahlgren and Susan Sellers from Bvlgari, auruBOROS stands as a testament to the possibilities of transient art and collective urban consciousness—a fleeting dream left to the memory of New York.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the name of the installation on the High Line?
The installation is called auruBOROS – Urban Memory and Collective Dream.
Who commissioned the golden serpent installation?
The golden serpent was commissioned by Bvlgari as part of its Serpenti Infinito art series.
When is the golden serpent installation on display?
The installation operates from September 10th to September 20th, 2026.