While waiting in the lavatory line, during a trans-Atlantic flight from Paris to New York in April, I was struck by the image before me, of numerous seatback TV screens illuminated in the dim light of the aircraft interior, passengers having been requested to lower their window shades.
Forfeiting my place in line, I dashed back to my seat to collect my camera (in this case, my iPhone) to get the shot. I could remember flights long ago where everyone watched one movie projected on a screen in the center of the cabin. How different from the fragmented dis-unity of each viewer absorbed (or perhaps only half-interested) in a separate film, in a separate world.
A random glance at the span of cloud and blue through a semi-opened shade made me realize how easy it was to forget that during these eight hours, we all were actually wending our way across a portion of a planet.
My trip happened to coincide with Earth Day, the global event promoting awareness of the environment. I realized the day was just as much about celebrating the “one-and onliness” of the planet as it was about diversity of the life on it.
During the two weeks that followed I found myself appreciating the city of my birth for its iconic imagery – many of the views that have been place-matted, post-carded and coffee-mugged to death, I experienced as sole, powerful in their impact, full of meaning.
1. United Nations
“The United Nations is built upon principles that will outlast the steel and stone of any structure," said America’s first Ambassador to the UN, Warren R. Austin in 1946. "As the United Nations stands, held in God’s law, as the foremost man-made instrument for the solution of problems and for unifying the peoples of the world”. Established by the signing of the UN Charter on 26 June,1945, one can not help but be invigorated and inspired by the physical building of the offices of the United Nations Secretariat, the executive organ of the United Nations. The building, designed in the International Style, by an international team including the legendary Le Corbusier, was constructed between 1949-52.
2. Actors’ Studio
Founded in 1947 by American directors Elia Kazan, Cheryl Crawford, and Robert Lewis, the Actors Studio began as "a place where theater artists could gather privately to explore new and deeper connection to the work." The work here is rooted in the Russian theater, in particular the work of Konstantin Stanislavki, who wrote, "In every physical act, there is an inner psychological motive which impels physical action." Under the teaching of Lee Strasberg, the school's director from 1949 until his death in 1982, the studio adopted an approach known as "The Method", emphasizing psychological depth and personal authenticity. The school remains free of charge to this day, although admission is highly selective.
3. Rockefeller Ctr
Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, completed in 1939, encompasses 14 Art Deco buildings on 22 acres, whose architects welcomed the addition of sculpture and paintings to their buildings. Marked for its “cool, unfussy elegance,” Rockefeller Center has been described as one of the greatest ptojects of the Depression era.
3.5. Atlas
No Earthday tribute would be complete without paying homage to the magnificent Atlas in bronze by sculptor Lee Lawrie. Installed in pride of place on Fifth Avenue directly opposite St. Patrick's Cathedral, the 14,000 pound titan was cast in 1937 at the Roman Bronze Works in Corona Queens (photo courtesy of J. Vinyl).
4. Wisdom & Knowledge
“Wisdom with Light and Sound” (1933) by Lee Lawrie is emblematic of the style and humanist approach that viewed technological advances as the fruit of human achievement in service to the public good. “The central figure of this work represents the genius which interprets to the human race the laws and cycles of the cosmic forces of the universe, and thus rules over all of man’s activities. On the right of the central panel is represented Light, and on the left, Sound — two of these cosmic forces. The compass of the genius marks, on the glass screen below, the cycles of Light and Sound.” from an undated brochure for Rockefeller Center published in the 1930s. Cited in Art and Theology by Victoria Emily Jones (2024)
5. Channel Fountain
The Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center offer pedestrians a refreshing stroll. The fountains divide the walkways which were dedicated to France and England and attracted European shops. One iconic bookstore, “Librairie de France” held pride of place from its opening in 1935 until 2009, when it closed due to a hike in annual rent from $360,000 to $1,000.000.
6. Dublin House
The Neon harp at the famous Dublin House Irish Pub made its first appearance in 1933 at the end of Prohibition, and it is one of the oldest neon signs in Manhattan. Owned and operated by the Irish Caraway family for the first 100 years, the establishment began in 1921 as a Speakeasy, and continued to serve alcohol by “Special Arrangement” during the dry years.
7. Lexington Candy
Still known for its milkshakes, the Lexington Candy Shop was founded in 1925 by Greek immigrant Soterios Philis and is still owned by his grandson, John, who began working at the luncheonette “as soon as he was old enough to take the subway.” Historic NYC luncheonette’s sweet recipe for success. Serving breakfast and lunch, the manufacture of sweets came to an end in 1948.
8. ESB Knicks Victory
The Empire State Building needs no introduction. The first building in the world over 100 stories tall, this architectural marvel designed in the Art deco style was constructed between 1930 and 1931, rising at an unheard of pace at nearly one floor per day. Since 1977, the spire has been lit in colors chosen to match seasonal events and holidays, as well as in colors of New York sports team. In this shot, the colors of the NY Knicks celebrate their victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
9. ACME ESB
The Empire State Building has what is considered by many New Yorkers to be a magical quality in its ability to pop into view at random locations, as in this photo seen in the distance from a bus ride through Jersey City. Some explanation for this phenomenon lies in the symmetrical massing of the structural elements which “influence the sense of space it encloses and helps to define both the interior space and the shape of the building: a large relatively short base, articulation of three horizontal sections and capital are similar to the components of a column.” Landmark Preservation Commission 1981
10. Kosmo
The New York City Skyline is a backdrop for London born New York City artist, Kosmo Vinyl, pictured here on the Metropolitan Museum roof Garden with a Lauren Halsey sculpture.
Resist
Neon still packs a punch like nothing else can. Pictured here, “Resist, Red white and Blue” by Kosmo Vinyl, 2026.
