I couldn’t help but notice this incredible piece of artwork decorating the Main Street lawn in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The bright yellow structure, titled “OY/YO,” was created by artist Deborah Kass. It's eight feet tall.
Commissioned by Two Trees Management Company, Kass’ piece takes on a different meaning depending on which way you look at it. From Manhattan, the sculpture obviously reads “YO.” However, from Brooklyn, the word flips and reads in reverse as “OY.”
According to the press release, "OY/YO is sourced from urban and Brooklyn slang, the statement 'I am' in Spanish, and the popular Yiddish expression, and as a riff on Ed Ruscha’s iconic word painting OOF.”
Its effect is similar to the “Leaving Brooklyn: Oy Vey!” sign, which can be found on the Williamsburg Bridge or the “Leaving Brooklyn: Fuhgeddaboudit” sign displayed on the BQE.
Using just two measly letters, the sculpture ingeniously characterizes New York City from multiple perspectives.
It will remain on display through August.
