Recent visitors to Madison Square Park have likely noticed a curious change to the leafy environs just north of the Flatiron Building: a series of scaffolding stretching up on both sides of the winding pathways, some topped by massive, mirrored discs. Meet Fata Morgana, a public art installation by the Miami-born, Brooklyn-based Teresita Fernández — and the largest installation ever in the park’s history. Named after an Italian phrase for “mirage,” which in turn references that legendary King Arthur antagonist Morgan le Fay, the work creates a beautifully surreal canopy throughout; each disc, moreover, is variously perforated so that dappled sunlight filters through, creating a rainforest refuge of sorts in the heart of Manhattan. Except here, viewers can look up and see themselves reflected back. Fata Morgana officially launches on June 1st and will be on display till January 10, 2016 — making this artwork one that offers not only different experiences throughout the day (e.g. high noon vs. sunset) but through all four seasons, too.

Digital rendering of Fata Morgana, by Teresita Fernández, at Madison Square Park

More to explore in Culture