Developers Reveal Large-Scale Public Art Installation in Downtown Jersey City

Downtown Jersey City will soon be home to a large outdoor sculpture commissioned by Le Frak and Simon. Titled “Water’s Soul,” the sculpture will stand 80 feet tall and resembles a woman, eyes closed, coyly shushing pedestrians walking around her.

The developers worked with sculptor Jaume Plensa and Richard Gray Gallery to bring the project to life at the waterfront edge of Hudson River Pier. The pier is a major public component of the surrounding Newport development, a mega-complex that spans roughly 600 acres.

“Over the course of three decades, Newport has blossomed into a vibrant, diverse community,” said Richard LeFrak, chairman and CEO of LeFrak. “We are proud to welcome Jaume Plensa’s breathtaking sculpture to this one-of-a-kind neighborhood as we continue to establish Newport within the growing art scene taking shape in Jersey City.”

The sculpture is Plensa’s second major, permanent installation in the New York metropolitan area, following the 2018 installment of “Voices” at 30 Hudson Yards. A dedication of “Water’s Soul” will be held in the third week of October 2021, after which the landscaped walkway will open for year-round public access. The pier’s walkway was designed by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects and connects to Newport’s existing mile-long Hudson River waterfront walkway.

“It is my wish for Water’s Soul to become an icon for Newport and a landmark that visually connects it with New York City across the Hudson River,” said Plensa. “Just as Water’s Soul acts to unite the City of Jersey City and New York City, we are reminded that water is the great public space that unites and embraces communities as well as people around the world.”

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