maya lin curates a 'ghost forest' of trees killed by climate change in new york city

standing tall in new york city’s madison square park is the latest thought-provoking work by american artist and activist maya lin, called ghost forest. commissioned by madison square park conservancy (MSPC), the public installation is composed of 49 atlantic cedar trees that have all died due to rising sea levels and saltwater inundation. populating the park from may through november, the trees will slowly lose their color and turn ghostly gray as the months pass, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery. the work aims to raise awareness of the consequences of climate change, and the rising number of freshwater-dependent trees that are turning into ghost forests.

images by maya lin studio / andy romer, courtesy of MSPC

in addition to the six-month-long installation, maya lin and MSPC have organized a series of public programs that will take a look at nature-based solutions to climate change. MSPC is also asking for public participation on a reflection board that will be located in the north corner of the park’s oval lawn from june 1 – june 11. people will be invited to answer the question: ‘how has climate change altered your daily life?’

ghost forest  will also be accompanied by a ghost forest timeline and a soundscape featuring sounds of native animal species that were once commonly found in manhattan. furthermore, maya lin and MSPC have considered the environmental impact of installing the trees and therefore teamed up with natural areas conservancy, who is planting 1000 trees and shrubs within the five boroughs of new york city to offset any carbon emissions caused.

project info:

name: ghost forest, 2021

location: madison square park, new york city, NY, the US

commissioned by: madison square park conservancy (MSPC)

artist: maya lin

dates: may 10 – november 14, 2021

photography: maya lin studio / andy romer, courtesy of MSPC