In the mid-1970s, New York City was facing a multitude of challenges, including a fiscal crisis, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising crime rates. Amidst this turmoil, a group of police officers distributed “survival guides” titled “Welcome to Fear City” to visitors, painting a grim picture of the city as a violent and dystopian place to be avoided at all costs.
However, artists Mimi Gross and Red Grooms took a different approach with their art installation, “Ruckus Manhattan,” which debuted at 88 Pine Street in the Financial District. This massive 3D cityscape depicted a vibrant and bustling version of New York City, filled with exaggerated characters and local color. Constructed from a variety of materials, the installation invited visitors to walk through and immerse themselves in the lively scenes of city life.
Today, two selections from “Ruckus Manhattan” are on display at the Brooklyn Museum in an exhibition titled “Red Grooms, Mimi Gross, and The Ruckus Construction Co.: Excerpts from Ruckus Manhattan.” The artworks, along with a film documenting the making of the installation, capture the playful and whimsical spirit of the original piece.
One of the featured artworks, “Dame of the Narrows,” showcases a Staten Island ferry with intricate sculptures of passengers and crew inside. Another piece, “42nd Street Porno Bookstore,” humorously portrays the seedy adult entertainment venues of Times Square in the 1970s. Despite the explicit content, the installation invites viewers to engage with the art and explore the quirky details.
Through their collaboration on “Ruckus Manhattan,” Gross, Grooms, and the Ruckus Construction Co. celebrate the diversity and energy of New York City, offering a refreshing perspective amidst the city’s challenges. The exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum provides a glimpse into this iconic artwork and invites visitors to experience the magic of this whimsical tribute to the Big Apple.
“Red Grooms, Mimi Gross, and The Ruckus Construction Co.: Excerpts from Ruckus Manhattan” is on display at the Brooklyn Museum until November 2. Curated by Kimberli Gant and Indira A. Abiskaroon, the exhibition showcases the enduring legacy of this collaborative project and its lasting impact on the art world.
