New Artwork Now Floating Above Union Square: The Space Between Us by Risha Gorig
We announce today the installation of The Space Between Us (TSBU), as it soars above Union Square Park from now through May 2025. Brooklyn-based Multimedia Artist, Composer, Filmmaker, and Sculptor Risha Gorig brings TSBU to Union Square, elevating the reciprocal act of conversation above the cacophony of the city. TSBU is presented by NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program and USP.
Gorig’s art takes an ethereal and whimsical approach to sad and dark themes, making complex topics more easily approachable. Pink and curiously floating 15 feet in the air, TSBU consists of twin chairs rising above the surrounding area, artistically representing public discourse. New Yorkers may recognize TSBU as it was previously shown at the Fulton Ferry Landing at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2000. At that time, the work highlighted the divides within the country and the gap between the working class and financial power.
Gorig has recontextualized TSBU, leaning into the neighborhood where it stands today: Union Square, a historic place for people to gather together and advocate for conversation and transformation. The space between TSBU’s twin chairs, however, is no longer divided; instead, the art now features a meaningful opening with the capacity for grace and generative change. Gorig sees TBSU as a powerful metaphor, cutting through the city’s noise and society’s urgent need for deeper dialogue.
“It brings me great excitement to unveil The Space Between Us in Union Square, particularly with the neighborhood's legacy as a vibrant hub where people from all walks of life converge,” said Risha Gorig, artist of The Space Between Us. “From the Climate Clock directly behind TSBU to the chess matches that take place daily, New York City embodies a noticeable, consistent cycle of give-and-take that extends beyond its boundaries. When this cycle is interrupted, the flow of progress falters. This reality makes The Space Between Us even more relevant today than it was 25 years ago, serving as a poignant reminder of our essential need for communication. I’d like to express my gratitude to Union Square Partnership and NYC Parks for their support in bringing my reimagined piece of art to Union Square.”
“With a rich history rooted in the power of free expression, Union Square is an evergreen site for dialogue and civic engagement. Union Square Partnership is honored to feature Risha Gorig’s work, which illuminates the importance of communication,” said Julie Stein, Executive Director of Union Square Partnership. “Our hope is that The Space Between Us inspires conversation and sparks curiosity – abstractly depicting the legacy of people gathering and conversing in Union Square. Gorig’s work is the latest contribution to the USQArt program, which enhances our neighborhood through creative and engaging public work. USP is dedicated to showcasing emerging and established artists, transforming our public spaces into enriching experiences for locals and visitors alike.”
The product of artist parents Myra and Alfred Gorig, Risha Gorig grew up in Munich, Germany, and is currently based out of Brooklyn, New York. Gorig works in various mediums, such as large-scale painting, kinetic outdoor sculpture, video, music, and performance. Gorig has performed and shown her work throughout the Manhattan area and Germany, and is collected by the Wurzburg Museum. Debuting her artwork to Union Square, TSBU will be on view for millions of New Yorkers and visitors, including 370,000 who pass through the Union Square neighborhood each day.
“Throughout New York City’s history, our public parks have served as vital town squares, providing a space for expression, protest, and exchange. ‘The Space Between Us’ both pays homage to Union Square’s rich legacy of public dialogue and encourages visitors to engage deeply with one another,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “At Parks, we’re committed to enhancing our shared public spaces with world-class art, and I’m grateful to Risha Gorig and our partners at Union Square Partnership for making this inspirational installation possible.”
Together with City partners, USP works to reimagine public spaces with bold and beautiful artwork that reflects community priorities and local context. Union Square Park has been a venue for renowned works of public art in recent years, from sculptures (in partnership with NYC Parks) including NYC Legend by Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor in collaboration with Mollbrinks Gallery, Unity on Union Square: Love-Ego=LOV created by Manhattan-based sculptor and performance artist Pasha Radetzki, the critically-acclaimed Confront Art’s SEEINJUSTICE series, and New York City artist MIDABI’s The Only Other to street murals by Afro-Dominican artist Talisa Almonte, Spanish artist Vanesa Álvarez, Sunset Park artist Ji Yong Kim, and the renown street artists GERALUZ and WERC (in partnership with NYC DOT Art).
The Space Between Us is on display now through May 2025.