LONG ISLAND CITY — The new water jet sculpture that just popped up in a local park isn't just for keeping kids cool — it's also intended to spur creative thought.
"Meridian (Gold)" by artist Mika Tajima, which just went up in Hunters Point South Park, features a large square installation with jets that shoot mists of water vapor into the air — as lights inside change the mist into different shades of pink and blue to reflect the real-time changes in the price of gold.
"Gold is a peculiar material that derives its value from the social perception of its qualities and collective 'moods' toward geopolitical and economic events," an announcement about the work explains.
The square structure around the jets of water was designed for people to sit on and "reflect on the fleeting materiality of contemporary life," according to the sculpture's description.
Local resident Ilona Roach called the installation a welcome addition to the neighborhood,
"I always thought we needed to have something wet here for the children," she said.
The installation is from local art institution SculptureCenter, and was selected from a group of proposals by students enrolled in the organization's program for high school kids.
"Meridian (Gold)" will be on display until Sept. 25, according to SculptureCenter.