OY/YO, the sculpture that moves around New York
Looking for a fun selfie spot in New York? Head to the OY/YO sculpture—if you can find it. This quirky artwork is regularly relocated around Brooklyn.
What Is the OY/YO Sculpture?
- Most sculptures stay in one place forever. Not in New York. If you want to discover something truly unique and snap an unusual selfie, head to the OY/YO sculpture—the only sculpture in the world without a permanent home.
- This unconventional artwork was created by Deborah Kass, an artist who has lived and worked in Brooklyn for 15 years. The aluminum structure features two giant letters, each about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall, painted bright yellow: a Y and an O.
What You Need to Know About the OY/YO Sculpture
- The sculpture first appeared in 2015 at Brooklyn Bridge Park and has been regularly relocated around Brooklyn ever since. OY/YO moved to the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg before being placed in front of the Brooklyn Museum from September 2018 through September 2019.
- What does the artwork mean? Deborah Kass combines pop culture, art history, and the concept of identity. The idea is to celebrate Brooklyn’s diverse communities by using two letters that represent different words. Read as YO, the sculpture means “I” in Spanish—a nod to the Latino community. Read as OY, it references the Yiddish expression “Oy Vey,” meaning distress or dismay.
How to See the OY/YO Sculpture
- Address: Brooklyn Museum,
- Subway: Nostrand Avenue (lines 2, 3, and 4) and Park Pl (line S).
- Hours: The sculpture is outdoors, so you can visit anytime. Morning is best for sunlight on the Brooklyn Museum’s facade.
The OY/YO Sculpture in Photos
