Long Island City in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Stefania Urist
Desire Lines
— Phragmites, steel wire, and rebar —
Formed from the shape of historic New York waterway maps, these fences are handwoven with phragmites, an invasive European reed grass now thriving in North American wetlands. When phragmites impose monocultures and suppress native flora, they also, paradoxically, serve as a carbon sink, absorbing emissions, cleaning waterways, and enhancing storm resilience. This work addresses the complex factors of human-defined borders and migration of species. In an era of rapid global change, the artist prompts us to consider who has the authority to determine the habitats for certain species.
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[Caption:]
1874 Waterway Map of New York City with overlay of phragmites fence installation.
Erected by Socrates Sculpture Garden. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 40° 46.128′ N, 73° 56.173′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Long Island City.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ashley Harris and Ndivhuho Rasegani (within shouting distance of this marker); Lighthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Octagon Tower (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); William Bayard Cutting (approx. 0.6 miles away); Gracie Mansion (approx. 0.6 miles away); Henderson Place Historic District (approx. 0.6 miles away); Sophocles (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
