Silverstein Properties unveils new outdoor sculpture at 7 World Trade Center in Manhattan’s financial district

An abstract sculpture by artist Frank Stella is now on display at 7 World Trade Center in the Financial District. Entitled “Jasper’s Split Star”, the sculpture is located in the Silverstein Family Park between West Broadway and Greenwich Street, a location that was previously occupied by Jeff Koons’ signature “Balloon Flower (Red)”.

For decades, Silverstein Properties has approved the installation of public works of art in their commercial properties in New York City. This latest installation, a metal-covered star sculpture, was inspired by “Jasper’s Dilemma,” a painting Stella completed in 1962 as a tribute to fellow artist Jasper John. Six of the star’s sides are solid aluminum and six are left open to reveal shades of blue, purple, and gray.

“Jasper Johns often played a grayscale against an obvious color scale of red, orange, yellow, green and blue,” Frank Stella said. “For the most part, it was on a two-dimensional surface. It’s hard not to think about transposing this kind of dynamic into three dimensions. The split star therefore appeared quite naturally as a play in Jasper’s early paintings.

Artist Frank Stella looks through his sculpture “Jasper’s Split Star” at 7 World Trade Center – Photo by Joe Woolhead

When Larry Silverstein, president of Silverstein Properties, opened the original 7 World Trade Center in 1987, he and his wife spent several years filling the lobby with contemporary artwork. The installations included “The Third Circle” by Al Held, an entablature by Roy Lichtenstein, “Cloud” by Louise Nevelson, “Crusading Euphoria” by Ross Bleckner and two large paintings by Frank Stella, among others.

When Silverstein Properties opened the new 7 World Trade Center in 2006, Silverstein collaborated with Jamie Carpenter and architect David Childs on the building’s stainless steel facade, as well as the display of artwork in the lobby. This includes “For Global Business” by Jenny Holzer, a collection of poetry written by 826 students that is displayed in changing LED lights. Additional works include two metal sculptures by Kenneth Snelson, two large paintings by Ran Ortner and a selection of works by renowned artists.

“Art has always played a big role in my personal and professional life,” said Silverstein. “It adds an exciting dimension to our lives and to everything we do. It broadens our thinking and offers insight into the creative minds of artists. I am delighted to bring this magnificent piece by Frank Stella to the World Trade Center for workers, residents and visitors to downtown to enjoy.

[From left to right] Klara and Larry Silverstein with Frank Stella at 7 World Trade Center – Photo by Joe Woolhead

Following on from Larry Silverstein’s legacy, his grandson Cory Silverstein recently launched Silver Arts Projects, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting emerging artists. Founded in partnership with Joshua Pulman, the nonprofit features a rotating selection of 25 young artists with a premier studio on the 28th floor of 4 World Trade Center.

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