Kathleen Ryan Named Finalist for High Line Plinth Commissions in New York
The Facts
Kathleen Ryan has been invited to submit a proposal for the seventh and eighth High Line Plinth commissions, to be installed in 2029 and 2030 in New York. Her proposed sculpture, "Red Delicious," is a monumental apple core with a glossy red exterior and a luminous interior composed of abalone shell, crystals, and stone, drawing on the fruit's layered symbolism as an emblem of New York City, a sign of desire, and a marker of consumption. Ryan was nominated alongside sixty-one other artists by an international advisory committee convened by High Line Art. In fall 2026, High Line Art will select a shortlist of finalists to move to the next stage of the competition, with public feedback on proposals accepted online by September 8.
The Signal
The selection of Ryan, known for her oversized fruit sculptures that critique consumer culture and desire, signals High Line Art's continued commitment to public art that engages with urban identity and material excess. The plinth program, which has featured works by artists such as Simone Leigh and Sam Durant, offers a high-profile platform for emerging and mid-career artists in a highly visible public space. For collectors, Ryan's nomination may increase interest in her studio production, as public commissions often precede gallery market momentum. The open call for public input also reflects a growing trend in institutional commissioning processes toward community engagement.
- Artists: Kathleen Ryan
- Locations: New York
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