Union Square Celebrates the Essence of Love, Welcoming Bright and Whimsical Sculpture “Love Continuum” by Artist Yoni Alter
Image of Love Continuum in Duke of York Square in central London.
Union Square Partnership (USP), in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art), today unveils Union Square’s latest public art, Love Continuum. An interactive sculpture by multimedia artist Yoni Alter in association with Artmax/Andrew Logan Projects, Love Continuum captures the spirit of humanity’s most universal emotion and invites visitors to explore different perspectives of the word “love.” The whimsical sculpture arrives in Union Square on Feb. 20, 2025 and will be viewable at University Place Plaza between 13th and 14th Streets through August 2025.
Alter is known for his colorful, out-of-the-box ideas that add a sense of joy and play with scale. Guided by experimentation and semiotics, Alter passionately seeks new ways of creating visual representations, working across sculpture, painting, print, and digital media. The installation is produced by Artmax/Andrew Logan Projects, a Brooklyn-based gallery owner and industry expert in fine art and architectural installation. Together with Artmax/Andrew Logan Projects, Alter brings his artistic vision to Union Square, in the heart of New York City.
Love Continuum stretches nearly 25 feet long and features a dynamic, bold design that beckons viewers of all ages to engage with the sculpture and discover its hidden message. Only from a distinct vantage point does Love Continuum’s bright color and abstract squiggly line reveal the word “love,” symbolizing how love can take on many shapes and forms depending on how one looks at it. And the physical sculpture isn’t the only presence that Love Continuum will have in the neighborhood. Community partners are teaming up with Alter to enliven the art throughout Union Square–thematic, limited-edition cookies adorned with the sculpture’s design, will be available at Newsbar beginning on February 24; disposable cups featuring Love Continuum will also be available at the cafe as of early March. Starting March 15, with support from Gordon Property Group, Alter will showcase an alternative version of Love Continuum in the storefront window at 860 Broadway. This location, once home to Andy Warhol’s Factory in the 1970s, holds special significance for Alter, as Warhol is one of his favorite artists.
"I can’t wait to introduce Love Continuum to New Yorkers and visitors alike, with Union Square being the ideal central location," said Yoni Alter, artist of Love Continuum. "When I created this work, I hoped people would interact with the sculpture physically, exploring it from every angle to unlock its deeper meaning. I would like to thank Union Square Partnership and NYC DOT Art for giving Love Continuum a presence in this beloved Manhattan neighborhood–knowing that thousands of people will reflect on its message every day is incredibly fulfilling.”
“We’re thrilled to unveil Love Continuum—an iconic, interactive sculpture that celebrates love in all its forms,” said Julie Stein, Executive Director of Union Square Partnership. “This joyful installation is a testament to the transformative power of art, creating a vibrant destination where visitors of all ages can connect, explore, and experience the excitement of seeing ‘love’ come to life. Love Continuum is a must-see moment that showcases the joy and connection that art brings to our community.”
“Put a little love in your heart and be sure to check out Love Continuum, New York’s newest interactive sculpture on display at University Place Plaza,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Now more than ever, I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to take time to explore this installation, which highlights that love, actually, is all around us. We thank the Union Square Partnership and artist Yoni Alter for their collaboration and urge all community organizations to explore how the NYC DOT Art Partners initiative can help them to display similar installations in their communities. ”
“University Place welcomes Love Continuum, blending the power of public art with the pulse of New York to create an inspiring new gateway to Union Square,” said Bob Fisch, President of RNF Group. "I'm grateful to all the collaborators who helped make this vision a reality."
In collaboration with City partners, USP works to transform its public spaces with inspiring pieces of art that foster dialogue and cultivate a sense of community. Each year, Union Square plays host to public art installations throughout the neighborhood, including an annual 7,500 square foot street mural on 14th Street, that has featured artworks by Afro-Dominican artist Talisa Almonte, Spanish artist Vanesa Álvarez, Brooklyn-based artist Ji Yong Kim, and celebrated street artists GERALUZ and WERC. Partnering with NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program, USP has also recently welcomed sculptures such as The Space Between Us by Brooklyn-based artist Risha Gorig, NYC Legend by Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor in partnership with Mollbrinks Gallery, Unity on Union Square: Love-Ego=LOV by Manhattan-based artist Pasha Radetzki, and the critically acclaimed SEEINJUSTICE series by Confront Art.
A thank you and acknowledgement to the funders that helped bring Love Continuum to Union Square: Bob and Stephanie Fisch, Union Square Partnership, Buchbinder & Warren, Jennifer and Heath Terry, 38 E. 14th Street Associates LLC, Lisa and Kenneth Salzman, and others.
Love Continuum will be on display at University Place Plaza from Feb. 20, 2025 through late summer.