There are over 2,000 handball courts scattered throughout the five boroughs. Who knew?
According to NYC Parks, handball is actually one of New York’s most popular outdoor activities. The sport was initially introduced to New York City by Irish immigrants at the end of the 19th century and has since become a true past time.
This May, a new art installation will give a nod to the popular hobby. “Subliminal Standard” by Belgian artist Harold Ancart will be opening for the year doubling as a handball court for use. According to the Public Art Fund,
“inspired by NYC’s ubiquitous handball courts, artist Harold Ancart will construct a large scale (playable!) painted concrete handball court in Downtown Brooklyn… The urban sport of American handball has been a source of inspiration for the artist since 2007, when Ancart moved to New York and began to notice these ‘democratic walls, waiting for murals,’ while wandering his Brooklyn neighborhood. The game became popular during the Great Depression as both a social activity and sport for the working and immigrant classes in New York City.”
The new court/art piece will be open for the public to play upon for free for the full 10-month installation.
Featured image: @publicartfund via Instagram