Art of the Year - 1971

The 1970’s art world showed the continued influence of movements from the 1960’s such as Minimalism, Post-Minimalism and Performance Art. The mid-70’s brought the return of painting as a serious medium for avant-garde artists. Feminist Art, Land Art and Photorealism also became increasingly prevalent during this era, largely due to evolutions in the broader social and political climates. 

The Sphere, Fritz Koenig, Bronze sculpture, 1971.

The Sphere, officially Sphere at Plaza Fountain is German artist Fritz Koenig’s 25 foot (7.6 m) high, cast bronze sculpture. It is located in Liberty Park at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Originally the Sphere was placed in the Austin J. Tobin Plaza between the former twin towers of the World Trade Center. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, The Sphere was recovered from the rubble, visibly damaged but largely intact. Six months later, The Sphere was relocated to a temporary location in Battery Park, where in unrestored condition it was re-dedicated on September 11, 2002 with an eternal flame. The unrestored sculpture was re-dedicated on August 16, 2017 by the Port Authority at a permanent location in Liberty Park, overlooking the September 11 Memorial and its original location.