JOEL MESLER AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER
NEW YORK, NY - Rockefeller Center and Art Production Fund invite the public to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of hope, joy, and love at “Pool Party,” a public installation by renowned artist Joel Mesler. The refreshing oasis, set against the backdrop of New York City, will open on July 2 and remain on view through July 21, 2024. This immersive public artwork, a centerpiece of Rockefeller Center’s Summer at The Rink program series, is free and open to the public for all to enjoy.
Mesler's "Pool Party" activates numerous locations throughout Rockefeller Center, creating a full takeover of the artist’s playful vision. At The Rink, visitors will find a meticulously crafted "pool" surrounded by lush turf grass, and filled with sculptural floaties and beach balls. The “pool” itself will be a printed vinyl of Mesler’s signature water motif which is the backdrop of several of the artist’s pieces. Inspired by Mesler’s memories of childhood pool parties, the installation invites visitors to kick off their shoes and “dip their toes” into a whimsical representation of summertime bliss.
The sculptural elements encourage engagement and an environment of play, leisure and repose, transforming the urban landscape of Rockefeller Center. Surrounding The Rink, Mesler has designed 193 flags featuring phrases of community and hope, such as “hugs,” “love,” “hope,” and “joy,” in Mesler’s playful signature style. These flags serve as beacons of positivity and personal reflection, providing a welcoming environment for all who visit.
Mesler’s artistic takeover will continue throughout Rockefeller Center with vinyl imagery throughout the Rockefeller Campus. These dynamic installations further amplify the themes explored in "Pool Party," creating an interconnected narrative that spans the iconic landmark. Mesler’s artistic practice is rooted in introspection, often drawing inspiration from childhood memories and personal experiences.
Coinciding with the public installation, Art Production Fund, Rockefeller Center and Joel Mesler will host an Art Sundae children’s workshop on July 2 where children will have the opportunity to collaborate with Mesler on a public art project. This workshop is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome.
“Presenting this work publicly at Rockefeller Center is a dream come true. I hope visitors take the time to immerse themselves in the themes of love, joy and community in the height of the summer months. Come and play!” - JOEL MESLER, ARTIST
“There’s nothing like summer in New York City, and Joel’s pool transforms the iconic Rockefeller Center Rink like never before. We are thrilled to present this joyful and refreshing work to the diverse visitors of Rockefeller Center. and we hope that these symbols of hope and happiness resonate with the public.” - CASEY FREMONT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ART PRODUCTION FUND
“We are delighted to welcome Joel Mesler and his joyful ‘pool party’ to Rockefeller Center as part of our Summer at The Rink experience. New Yorkers can play, dine, reflect, and enjoy the best of the season right here in the heart of the city.”- EB KELLY, HEAD OF ROCKEFELLER CENTER AND SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR AT TISHMAN SPEYER
JOEL MESLER (b. 1974, Los Angeles) paintings shed light on universal themes by filtering them through autobiography, humor, self-deprecation, and surprising compositional juxtapositions. Joel Mesler has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the Long Museum West Bund, Shanghai (2023); David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles (2023); Lévy Gorvy, Hong Kong (2021); Harper’s Books, East Hampton, New York (2020); and Simon Lee, London (2018). Mesler lives and works in East Hampton, New York. This summer, the artist will present an activation with the New York Mets. Mesler will also open a solo exhibition at Lévy Gorvy Dayan, New York, as well as a project at Château La Coste, France.
TISHMAN SPEYER is a leading owner, developer, operator and investment manager of first-class real estate in 35 key markets across the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Our portfolio spans market rate and affordable residential communities, premier office properties and retail spaces, industrial facilities, and mixed-use campuses. We create state-of-the-art life science centers through our Breakthrough Properties joint venture, and foster innovation through our strategic proptech investments. With global vision, on-the-ground expertise and a personalized approach, we are unparalleled in our ability to foster innovation, quickly adapt to global and local trends and proactively anticipate our customers’ evolving needs. By focusing on health and wellness, enlightened placemaking and customer-focused initiatives such as our tenant amenities platform, ZO, and our flexible space and co-working brand, Studio, we tend not just to our physical buildings, but to the people who inhabit them on a daily basis. Since our inception in 1978, Tishman Speyer has acquired, developed, and operated 556 properties, totaling 225 million square feet, with a combined value of over $128 billion (U.S.). Our current portfolio includes such iconic assets as Rockefeller Center in New York City, The Springs in Shanghai, TaunusTurm in Frankfurt and the Mission Rock neighborhood currently being realized in San Francisco.
ART PRODUCTION FUND is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to commissioning and producing ambitious public art projects, reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art. Past projects include: Elmgreen & Dragset,“Prada Marfa,” Valentine, TX, Ugo Rondinone, “Seven Magic Mountains,” Las Vegas, Jeff Koons, “Seated Ballerina,” Rockefeller Plaza, NYC, Zoe Buckman, “CHAMP,” LA; Raul de Nieves “When I Look In To Your Eyes I See the Sun,” Miami; Nancy Baker Cahill “Liberty Bell”, multiple cities; Sanford Biggers “Oracle”, Rockefeller Center, NY; Lucy Sparrow “Tampa Fresh Foods'', Tampa, FL. Derrick Adams “Funtime Unicorns”, Rockefeller Center, NY, Sanford Biggers “Oracle”, Hammer Museum. www.artproductionfund.org
For news and updates, follow Rockefeller Center on Instagram @rockefellercenter and @topoftherocknyc, TikTok @rockefellercenter, Twitter/X @rockcenternyc, and Facebook @rockefellercenternyc.
