UPPER WEST SIDE — For artist Don Gummer, the inspiration for many of the large metal sculptures now lining the Broadway malls came from his careful study of their surroundings.
The nine pieces — which stand along the medians of Broadway between Columbus Circle and West 157th Street — were installed early this month and will remain there through October.
The new public art display marks the ninth exhibition by the Broadway Mall Association, the organization that helps beautify and tend to the malls.
Gummer made five of the nine sculptures, which range in size from 14 to 8 feet tall, specifically for this exhibition. They were inspired by the city and what he experienced at each site, he said.
The other four were made in 2011 and 2012.
In creating "Complex Apartment," which is located on the median between West 71st and 72nd streets, Gummer referenced the modern apartment building on the block above Trader Joe's, he said.
Gummer drew on "the colors from that building," and the fact that "it's so geometric," he explained.
The result is a tower-like sculpture that undulates at the top.
"Maybe if you had a few drinks, this is what your building would look like," he mused at a ribbon-cutting for the exhibition on Friday.
Gummer was first inspired to start sculpting by a 1968 trip to Lincoln Center, where he was so moved by Henry Moore's "Reclining Figure" that he changed his major to sculpture, he said.
He said the exhibition, his first outdoor one in New York City, would cause people to "stop and pause," and "slow down...during your busy rushing day."
Manhattan Borough Commissioner Bill Castro of the Parks Department said he hoped the sculptures enhanced daily life for passersby.
"When you come upon something that's whimsical and interesting and different, it really makes it a special day for you," he said.
The sculptures were funded, installed and insured by Gummer's gallery, The Morrison Gallery, located in Kent, Conn.
People interested in learning more about the sculptures can use the app bma.toursphere.com to access a tour by Gummer in English and a Spanish translation. They can also call 347-640-5102 for the English audio guide or 347-640-5103 for the Spanish version.
