Long island Quote by Marshall Berman
““The Bronx Mural would end at the end of the Expressway itself, where it interchanges on the way to Westchester and Long Island. The end, the boundary between the Bronx and the world, would be marked with a gigantic ceremonial arch, in the tradition of the colossal monuments that Claes Oldenburg conceived in the 1960s. This arch would be circular and inflatable, suggesting both an automobile tire and a bagel. When fully pumped up, it would look indigestibly hard as a bagel, but ideal as a tire for a fast getaway; when soft, it would appear leaky and dangerous as a tire, but as a bagel, inviting to settle down and eat.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Bronx Mural” by Marshall Berman, 1970s
The proposed mural’s end would be marked by a massive, inflatable arch symbolizing both a tire and a bagel, reflecting the tension between speed and settlement, mobility and stability.
In simple terms: A giant arch would represent both movement and home.
Key Takeaway
Consider how symbols can embody opposing ideas.
Themes
art
urbanism
symbolism
public space
culture
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
conceptual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- city planning
- public art installations
- community identity
- urban renewal
Key Concepts
architecture
public art
metaphor
dualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can public art balance multiple meanings?
- What does the tire‑bagel metaphor say about urban life?
A Different Perspective
The arch’s dual nature may confuse rather than clarify its message.
