‘Reclaiming Remnants’ hangs in Lewes Canalfront Park

The second of two temporary art installations is now on display in Lewes.

Artist Niki Lederer arrived at Canalfront Park early June 6, to put up the work called "Reclaiming Remnants.” 

The piece is actually three separate strings of discarded plastic bottles – orange, blue and yellow.

Lederer got help attaching the pieces to trellises from Lewes Parks and Marina Administrator Giulia Kirsch and Heidi Lowe, chair of the Lewes Public Art Committee, which is a leader in bringing contemporary art to the city.

A bucket truck provided by the Lewes Board of Public Works gave them a big lift.

Lederer said Lewes had the perfect setting for her work, which contrasts refuse with the natural environment.

“I use all this material that was thrown out in a way that brings attention to the beauty of the color and shapes of it. The color of the flowers really mimic and enhance the color of the sculpture,” she said. “So, outside, the color is very bright and draws people to the work. I want them to come in and be curious. And they can touch it.”

Lederer said she does not paint any of the bottles, which she rescues from the street.

“I collect all this plastic from curbside recycling in Brooklyn, New York City. I take it back to the studio, clean it, cut out the branding and put it back together in these configurations,” she said

Lowe said the annual temporary art installations allow people to see art they would not see otherwise.

“We’re excited to have it in Canalfront Park. It’s such a great contrast, and it highlights the use of plastics versus this beautiful, natural surrounding,” Lowe said. “The fact that the town supports us bringing an artist like Niki here just makes my heart smile.”

Lederer’s piece will hang in the park until the end of September.

Another temporary sculpture called "Ciel du Soir” by artist Shelley Parriott is on display in George H.P. Smith Park. The perforated steel piece will remain there until at least September, according to Lowe.