N NOWACEK

KEY FROM THE CITY
Sculpture
24"x8"x2.5"
2021
Subverting traditional ceremonial expectations, Key from the City is a symbolic object made not of stone, metal, or wood, but of waters drawn from locations around the New York City harbor.

This project was inspired by the 2021 New York City mayoral race in which twenty-two candidates vied for a place on the ballot. All twenty-two candidates were offered a key in recognition of their future service to the city. The artist awarded a key to any candidate who accepted and presented each key with a long speech written especially for them.  The enduring artifact of this ceremonial award is the delivery receipt signed by the artist.