Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

The Unisphere was created for the 1964 World’s Fair as an aspirational image of global unity at the height of the Cold War. It has become a proud icon for Queens, now one of the world’s most ethnically diverse urban areas. During our own period of increasing nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment, Ai draws renewed attention to its symbolism. His 1,000-foot-long Circle Fence uses a series of metal frames with interconnected netting to surround the site, creating a global border that can be seen as both playful and sobering.

Courtesy of the artist.

Photo: Timothy Schenck.