The Girl Puzzle, soon to open in Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island, arrives from a seed planted by Susan Rosenthal. While still RIOC President/CEO, she imagined a tribute to pioneering journalist Nellie Bly and made an artists’ call for ideas. Once they rolled in, she convened a team of reviewers made up of residents and RIOC staff. They made the final design choice.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Susan Rosenthal and The Girl Puzzle
“Because the idea of a memorial to Nelly Bly on the north end of Roosevelt Island was mine, meeting Prometheus, understanding and appreciating their remarkable concept, choosing and advocating for them to realize their vision, was one of the most exciting projects of my time as president of RIOC,” Rosenthal told The Daily.
Prometheus Art is a Kentucky based studio and foundry. One of the owners, Amanda Matthews designed The Girl Puzzle.
Even so, the current RIOC administration did not invite her to the opening on December 10th. Nor have they credited her efforts, without which the installation would not exist. But she’s coming anyway.
“While it has been disappointing not to be involved in its development,” Rosenthal added, “I am so excited to see— and walk through— The Girl Puzzle.
“I am certain this amazing public art will have an extraordinary impact on the Island.“
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Before the Door Closed
The May 14 RIOC board meeting began with public concern over the steam plant and ended with two votes that revealed more than any report could. Some meetings announce themselves by what is said. This one announced itself by what the room permitted to move and what it stopped before it could breathe.
The Girl Puzzle is an ugly, embarrassing example of cheap trash posing as “Art”. It’s an eyesore. Get rid of it and all who took part in choosing it.
Thanks for your thoughts. Yours is a decidedly minority opinion, but that’s art, isn’t it?