Baseera Khan, an artist known for their compelling exploration of identity and societal structures, has installed a thought-provoking piece, Painful Arc II (Shoulder-High), on the High Line at Little West 12th Street, nestled under The Standard, High Line. This monumental archway, part of the High Line’s celebrated public art program, invites viewers to reconsider the very foundations of monuments and the often-unseen labor that shapes our shared spaces, particularly in iconic locations like the High Line around The Standard High Line Washington Street New York Ny.
Khan’s artistic practice delves into the complex interplay of desire and surveillance, using their own body as a lens to examine identity, gender, and Muslim representation. Drawing inspiration from ancient Middle Eastern cultures and museum archives, Khan abstracts architectural forms to humanize collections and artifacts. Their large-scale installations are known for their inviting nature, often employing rich colors and striking adornments to encourage reflection on challenging themes such as xenophobia, spirituality, and the often-invisible labor that sustains our world.
Painful Arc II (Shoulder-High) is a testament to this artistic approach. Created specifically for the High Line, this archway is constructed from inscribed tablets made of recycled granite and a composite stone material, commonly found in kitchen countertops. This material choice itself is significant, subtly referencing domestic labor, often performed by women, and the unseen circulation of materials within the park’s ecosystem. The inscriptions on the arch are derived from interviews with High Line staff members and photographs of shipping boxes used to transport supplies throughout the park. Packaging labels and handwritten notes from staff members, normally overlooked, are given prominence, transforming the arch into a monument for the park’s everyday operations.
Further enriching the artwork are perforations inspired by punctuation symbols from the Quran, interwoven with motifs of the High Line’s flora and fauna. This delicate combination of cultural and natural elements adds layers of meaning, prompting viewers to consider the diverse influences and intricate systems that converge in a public space like the High Line, especially in the vibrant area near The Standard High Line Washington Street New York NY.
Historically, archways have served as monuments to nobility and power, inscribed with the names and symbols of leaders. Khan subverts this tradition, creating a monument dedicated to the collective labor and global network of individuals who contribute to the High Line’s existence. It’s a tribute to the ecosystem of labor, from the park’s maintenance staff to the distant manufacturers who produce and ship the goods that arrive at our doorsteps and sustain places like the High Line and The Standard, High Line hotel. By highlighting these often-unseen contributions, Khan’s Painful Arc II encourages a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our urban environments and the human effort that underpins them.
Baseera Khan (born in Texas, living and working in Queens, New York) has an impressive exhibition history. Recent solo exhibitions include showcases at Art Basel, Switzerland (2023) with Simone Subal Gallery, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington D.C. (2023), and the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York (2021). Their work has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi, India, and the Sharjah Art Foundation, United Arab Emirates. Khan’s art is part of prominent public collections such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, solidifying their place as a significant voice in contemporary art.
Visiting Painful Arc II (Shoulder-High) at the High Line offers a unique opportunity to engage with public art that challenges conventional notions of monuments and celebrates the often-invisible work that shapes our shared spaces. Located on the High Line at Little West 12th Street, under The Standard, High Line, this artwork is a must-see for anyone exploring art in New York City and the innovative use of public space exemplified by the High Line around The Standard High Line Washington Street New York NY.
