One January day, a large red metal object suddenly appeared on Cadman Plaza in the space normally occupied by the Greenmarket. No fanfare, no announcement, no sign, no plaque.
When the farmers arrived, they shrugged their shoulders, set their stands up and carried on with business as usual. The curious peered closely at the large red object, circled it and guessed at its meaning.
Was it a part of something bigger? The beginnings of a machine or a building? A fountain? A sales display? A work of art? The base bore what appeared to be a signature or brand name – C.F. Smith — but no official explanation was forthcoming.
Finally, this week, I did some research. It wasn’t easy, but I learned that the big red object, a sculpture entitled Leaning Firm by Cheryl Farber Smith, is here only temporarily and will be leaving Brooklyn in July.
From the artist’s Web site:
Cheryl Farber Smith’s aluminum sculpture fuses simple geometric shapes to create a composition that simultaneously suggests motion and repose. Painted with a high-gloss red finish, it stands 9′4″ high, 7′5″ wide and 5′7″ deep.
Post office in the background
Originally uploaded by annulla.
Looking towards the Commerce Bank
Originally uploaded by annulla.
In front of the Courthouse
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Looking towards Borough Hall
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The signature on the base: C.F. Smith
Originally uploaded by annulla.
Posted by annulla 
