New Yorkers stumped by massive ‘LOV’ sculpture in Union Square Park: ‘Why no E?’
All you need is L-O-V.
Dozens of New Yorkers are scratching their heads over a new sculpture in Union Square Park that appears to be missing something important.
The multi-colored art installation spells out “LOV” without the “E” in three nearly 8-foot-tall interlocked letters — leaving many park goers stumped about what it was all supposed to mean.
“Why love without an E?” voice-over artist Henry Jeannerot, 47, told The Post Thursday as he enjoyed a sandwich on a park bench.
“It’s just squares. I love the colors. But it’s kind of odd-looking. It does say ‘Lov’ but without an ‘E.'”
The missing letter is not an oversight, but an integral part of the piece — meant to signify love without the ‘E’ for ego.
Titled “Love-Ego=LOV,” the work was inspired by the “notions of egoless love, unity, freedom and the interdependence of human lives placed within the context of contemporary volatile social and ecological conditions,” according to Manhattan-based artist Pasha Radetzki.
The interactive piece, which debuted in the public park May 5, invites visitors to insert their own ego into the sculpture by striking their best “E” pose next to the three letters, transforming “LOV” into “LOVE.”
For many park goers, their egos weren’t too big to admit that they had no idea what the bright green, yellow and pink letters represented.
“It wouldn’t have known that it says love without an “E” if you hadn’t told me. But I appreciate art in all its forms,” Native New Yorker Michelle Miller, 34, told The Post, adding: “I think it’s trying too hard.”
Miller hadn’t even noticed the sculpture, which was clouded by the tree’s lush foliage from the park bench she was recording a podcast on with friend Annika Horn.
Dale Good, 77, and his wife Shirley, 76, who were visiting the Big Apple from Pennsylvania, also were perplexed.
“I think someone needs to take spelling lessons. Or spell it Luv,” said Good, a retired newspaper publisher.
While the older park-going crowd needed help understanding the message, a trio of middle-schoolers understood right away.
“That says Love,” said Jonah, 13, who was walking through the park with Gemma, 12, and Laura, 13, after a day of classes at nearby The Clinton School.
The clever crew didn’t initially understand why the “E” was missing, but when told, they perked up.
Jonah said: “I think it’s a good place to put it here. It’s a good reminder for people that they should lose the ego.”
Fortunately for those Union Square Park visitors not as bright as the teens, Radetzki plans on installing signage for the project next week so that the “work’s message will be crystal clear and well understood.”
“The Love-ego=LOV Sculpture is a public artwork which encourages the viewers to inquire proactively about the work’s intention, to engage with its art and its statement,” Radetzki told The Post.
“The LOV sculpture is inviting the viewer to make a step forward toward public art and inquire into its theme.”
Other than appreciating signage, upcoming performances within Union Square Park will better relay the sculpture’s message, he added.
In the meantime, parkgoers who spoke with The Post fell in love with the artwork — once they were explained the meaning behind it.
Josh G., a Brooklyn-born and Queens-raised entertainment worker, said the message was especially poignant for his fellow New Yorkers.
“We definitely have a lot of ego. It’s nice to remove it out of the equation,” the 31-year-old said.
Laura Rankin agreed, saing: “Because Lov doesn’t need an E.”
Even Jeannerot, who initially called the sculpture “just squares,” softened at the uplifting premise.
“That’s beautiful. Love without the ego — that’s beautiful. I do take something positive out of that expression.”
