New York City Waterfalls draws different responses from public

NEW YORK - In the urban environment of New York City, many people are surprised to see signs of the natural environment. That contrast is what inspired artist Olafur Eliasson to design four massive falls as a work of public art for the city.

Eliasson, whose work is often inspired by elements such as wind, light and water, hopes the waterfalls can create a collective art experience for New York residents and visitors alike.

The four giant waterfalls scattered around the East River in New York City are drawing praise, criticism, but most of all, discussion – which is exactly what the artist had hoped for.

Thanks to organisations like the Public Art Fund – a non-profit organisation promoting exhibitions in public spaces – he was able to execute his vision.

Rochelle Steiner, director of Public Art Fund, said: "We went to great lengths to make sure it was constructed well, and also to make sure that environmental issues were taken into account. We wanted to make sure all the aquatic life is protected."

Towering as high as 36 metres, Eliasson chose to build the US$15 million New York City Waterfalls from scaffolding – a regular part in the Manhattan landscape.

Pumps in the East River suck up 132,000 litres of water a minute, which then flows from the falls right back into the river, so no river water is wasted and there is no harm to the natural environment.

The city hopes the exhibit will bring in more than US$55 million in tourism dollars, and the project is already attracting worldwide attention due to its ambitious scale and concept.

Doug Stoveland, a US tourist from California, said: "When somebody's wiling to give back to society like that, it's great to partake in it, and to see how people mix the natural and historical element of things to get their ideas across."

Some others, however, are less impressed.

"I actually think it ruins the appearance of the Brooklyn Bridge. I can understand what the artist is trying to capture, but I don't think he captured it," one tourist said.

The New York City Waterfalls is visible from many places in Manhattan, but most tourists choose to see them by boat to allow them a closer look, and maybe even a splash.