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Room of Tranquility

161 St-Yankee Stadium (B/D/4)

Room of Tranquility

Helene Brandt
Artwork in mosaic by Helene Brandt showing landscapes in forms abstractly interrupted by Vito Acconci artwork.
“Room of Tranquility” (2002) by Helene Brandt at NYCT 161 St–Yankee Stadium. Photo: MTA Arts & Design

About the project

At the Yankee Stadium elevated station, walls that open in Vito Acconci's shifting architectural forms reveal Helene Brandt's "Room of Tranquility," where all is peaceful, still, and reassuring. Trees and sky seem real; the space appears to expand and depth is convincingly suggested. In Brandt's words, "I envisioned an imaginary room revealed behind the sliding tile walls — a quiet, restful space with a radiant view to the outside, a room of tranquility. I wanted the room to have illusionary windows that would seem to let the outside world penetrate into the station." Brandt rose to the challenge of responding to the site with a work that relates to Acconci's in counterpoint. As she stated, "I want my 'Room of Tranquility' to look as if it has always existed and is only now exposed to view by the sliding tile walls." Her site-specific artwork achieves a place of serenity, yet close to the roar of the crowds.

About the artist

Helene Brandt was a sculptor who's large body of work spanned 45 years and many mediums: welded steel sculpture, maquettes, drawings, illustrations, and public art. Brandt studied at St. Martin's School of Art in London, England; Columbia University; and City College at the City University of New York. Her work has been exhibited extensively nationally and internationally. Brandt passed away in 2013.