Ana María Hernando’s Tulle Installations Burst with Spring Color in Madison Square Park

Art

#Ana María Hernando
#installation
#public art
#textiles

Ana María Hernando’s Tulle Installations Burst with Spring Color in Madison Square Park

January 25, 2024

Grace Ebert

“To Let the Sky Know/Dejar que el cielo sepa” (2024), tulle, wood, steel, fifteen parts, up to 12 x 10 feet each. All images courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy, shared with permission

Like fiery sunbursts radiating above the landscape, Ana María Hernando’s new installation in Madison Square Park adds a bright, summery buoyancy to the drab winter environment. Titled “To Let the Sky Know / Dejar que el cielo sepa,” the public work comprises 15 fluffy bunches of tulle atop steel posts, appearing to float like colorful clouds across the lawn.

Another piece, “A Spring of Wild Kindnesses/Un manantial de bondades agrestes,” stands nearby, with its soft, cascading textiles in pale pinks and purples reminiscent of spring flowers. When New York City finally broke its 701-day streak of minimal winter precipitation earlier this month, a thin layer of snow blanketed the works.

Tulle figures prominently in Hernando’s practice. Associated with ballet tutus and wedding gowns, the thin textile was historically used to hide women’s bodies under puffy skirts or veils. By highlighting the often-concealed material in a public space, Hernando subverts traditions of women’s work, fashion, and modesty.

The installations are on view as part of Madison Square Park Conservancy’s art program through March 17 and are the first of four projects slated for 2024. Hernando is also participating in a panel discussion and embroidery workshop in conjunction with the installation in February. Follow Hernando’s work on Instagram.

“To Let the Sky Know/Dejar que el cielo sepa” (2024), tulle, wood, steel, fifteen parts, up to 12 x 10 feet each

“A Spring of Wild Kindnesses/Un manantial de bondades agrestes” (2024), tulle, wood, steel, approximately 12 feet

Detail of “To Let the Sky Know/Dejar que el cielo sepa” (2024), tulle, wood, steel, fifteen parts, up to 12 x 10 feet each

“To Let the Sky Know/Dejar que el cielo sepa” (2024), tulle, wood, steel, fifteen parts, up to 12 x 10 feet each

Detail of “To Let the Sky Know/Dejar que el cielo sepa” (2024), tulle, wood, steel, fifteen parts, up to 12 x 10 feet each.

#Ana María Hernando
#installation
#public art
#textiles

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, read articles and newsletters ad-free, sustain our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited-edition print releases, and much more. Join now!