The artist Jim Hodges has unveiled a permanent installation inside Grand Central Station in New York in collaboration with Gladstone Gallery and MTA Arts & Design. Entitled I dreamed of a world and called it Love, the work activates the landing and mezzanine near the station’s 42nd Street entrance with a composition of mirrored glass, to be experienced by passersby.
Jim Hodges, “I dreamed a world and called it Love,” 2020; commissioned by MTA Arts & Design for NYC Transit Grand Central-42 St Station, © Jim Hodges, photo by David Regen, courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, New York and Brussels.
“Jim’s ethereal artwork, I dreamed a world and called it Love, shimmers and soars across the main entrance to Grand Central subway station,” said Sandra Bloodworth, Director at MTA Arts & Design. “The installation of Jim’s extraordinary artwork in this place and at this time inspires hope as we rise to the astounding challenges we are facing.”
Following the artist’s 2016 exhibition of the same name, the large-scale piece explores the transformative experience that can be accomplished by visual art. Taking cues from the original immersive environment and the Hodge’s ongoing exploration of camouflage, the swirling installment is comprised of more than 5,000 individually cut pieces of glass in more than 70 colors.
Jim Hodges, “I dreamed a world and called it Love,” 2020; commissioned by MTA Arts & Design for NYC Transit Grand Central-42 St Station, © Jim Hodges, photo by David Regen, courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, New York and Brussels.
Measuring in at over 700 square-feet in its totality, the sparkling work turns heads upward during the descent into the station. Beginning with swirling blues, it then transforms overhead with the introduction of hues like gold and green. I dreamed a world and called it Love mirrors the ceiling found in the station’s main concourse in both its celestial imagery and the brief moment of encompassing wonder invoked by the respite in an otherwise monotonous commute.
Jim Hodges, “I dreamed a world and called it Love,” 2020; commissioned by MTA Arts & Design for NYC Transit Grand Central-42 St Station, © Jim Hodges, photo by David Regen, courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, New York and Brussels.
“The site, a bustling corridor in the heart of New York City, prompted a gesture that might provide a momentary illumination, a split second of image and color that frames the moment in time between places,” said Hodges. “I dreamed a world and called it Love is intended as an offering to honor all citizens, neighbors and visitors who pass through the space. My desire was to rise to the occasion of the historic context of Grand Central Terminal and celebrate the people who give New York its identity for many years to come.”
