Key From the City
2021

Sculpture
22”x8”x3”
New York City harbor waters, wood, waterproof canvas


A ceremonial key consisting of waters drawn from local waterways, Key From the City represented the critical role the waterways serve in the daily life of the city. As the key melts, it suggests both the increasing urgency of climate change and the fleetingness of power. Keys were offered to 2021 mayoral candidates on behalf of New York City citizens to commemorate their past and future public service to the city. 


    Above: Mayoral candidate Quanda Francis accepting a key, June 2021
    Right: The delivery receipt accompanying the artwork
    Below: Mayoral candidate Paperboy Love Prince accpeting a key, June 2021

Installation images from AFTERGLOW, curated by Anais Horn, Felix Kindermann, and Eilert Asmervik, 2022.
©2025 Nancy Nowacek
Nancy Nowacek artist is a research-based artist, designer, and educator working in visual art, public art, social practice, and socially-engaged contexts.