“Unity On Union Square: Love-Ego=Lov” Sculpture Unveiled in USQ Park
Selected as the first public artwork to be displayed in Union Square’s center lawn, “Love-Ego=LOV” marks a significant expansion of public art programming by Union Square Partnership and NYC Parks
Credit: Jane Kratochvil
Union Square Partnership (USP) and NYC Parks today announced the installation of a new large-scale outdoor sculpture, experimental garden initiative and performance series known as “Unity on Union Square: Love-Ego=LOV.” Created by Pasha Radetzki, a Manhattan-based sculptor and performance artist, the public art project will introduce a new venue for public art within Union Square Park’s center lawn seating area. Standing at almost eight feet tall and 21 feet wide, the sculptural installation features three free-standing interlocked letters, assembled from colored plywood, that spell out “LOV.” “Love-Ego=LOV'' debuted on May 5, 2024, and will remain on display in the park for six months.
As an interactive public art site, “Love-Ego=LOV” is inspired by the notions of egoless love, unity, freedom and the interdependence of human lives placed within the context of contemporary volatile social and ecological conditions. Its timing and content aim to counterbalance the divisive rhetoric of the presidential election campaigns by sharing some thought-provoking alternatives and unexpected observations. The audience is invited to enact the eclipsed letter E, representing one’s self or ego, by striking a letter E pose to the right of the sculpture to interplay the words “LOV” and “Love.” Selected for exhibition by NYC Parks and Union Square Partnership, the sculpture’s arrival at Union Square Park marks a significant expansion of public art within the district, a place where New Yorkers and visitors have long come together in the name of community, discourse and enjoyment.
The sculpture features a miniature garden titled “Three Sisters-Americas,” which is inspired by the notion of ‘Abya Yala,’ a single vitality continent in the Kuna language that combines the plants native to the Central, North and South Americas. The first garden performance took place on May 5 during the public opening of the artwork, and the next performance is scheduled for June 20. Additional summer public programming will be hosted at the site on Thursdays in June-July and will be announced on Instagram at @ra_detzki.
“It’s been a joy and inspiration to work with Pasha to bring ‘Unity on Union Square: Love-Ego=LOV’ to Union Square Park,” said Julie Stein, Executive Director of Union Square Partnership. “We are proud to support artists expressing their visions and important messages with Union Square’s live-work-play-learn community. Public art is an essential part of Union Square’s identity, and Pasha’s artwork will be on display in a unique setting under the park’s tree canopy and close to public seating for optimal viewing. We look forward to welcoming park-goers and celebrating ‘Love-Ego=LOV’ as the neighborhood’s newest immersive art experience this season.”
“Creating ‘Love-Ego=LOV’ has been a deeply personal exploration of unity in the lively tapestry of our urban NYC environment,” said Pasha Radetzki, artist of “Love-Ego=LOV.” “This project represents my journey as an artist and a first-generation American to find connection and collaboration in my new home. I want to thank NYC Parks and Union Square Partnership for their help in bringing the sculpture and performances to everyone who comes to Union Square –– I’m beyond excited for all visitors to Union Square to experience ‘Love-Ego=LOV.’”
Main support for the “Love-Ego=LOV'' artwork comes from reState, a non-profit foundation dedicated to reimagining the future of governance and global collaboration. reState promotes LOV as a response to the current state of the world not only in the field of arts but also in international affairs.
Additional support is provided by the New York Foundation for the Arts fiscal sponsorship program, Radetzki studiO and Art Yard LLC. The related performance series, titled “Unity on Union Square,” was awarded a Creative Engagement Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and City Council in 2023.
Union Square Park has a rich history of public expression and has presented many public artworks from renowned and emerging local and international artists in recent years. Most recently, in October 2024, Union Square welcomed “N.Y.C. Legend,” a bronze statue paying homage to one of New York City’s most beloved folktales at Triangle Park. Street murals by Queens-based artist Talisa Almonte, Brooklyn-based Spanish artist Vanesa Álvarez, Sunset Park artist Ji Yong Kim, and the street artist team GERALUZ and WERC have brightened 14th Street’s busway over the last two years. In the fall of 2021, Confront Art’s SEEINJUSTICE series was presented, featuring three 12-foot bronze sculptures of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Congressman John Lewis by artist Chris Carnabuci.
“Love-Ego=LOV'' will be on display in Union Square Park from May 5 through November 5, 2024.