Tuan Andrew Nguyen's 'The Light That Shines Through the Universe' Debuts on High Line Plinth

NEW YORK – The High Line has announced the installation of Tuan Andrew Nguyen's monumental sculpture, The Light That Shines Through the Universe, on the High Line Plinth at 10th Avenue and 30th Street. Standing at 27 feet, the work will be on view from late April 2026 through Fall 2027, marking a significant public art commission for the institution.

In conjunction with the sculpture's presentation, the High Line will host a series of public programs spanning May through October 2026. These events, developed in collaboration with institutions including the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Columbia University, and Monuments Lab, will delve into themes such as Buddhist art, meditation, iconoclasm, healing, and social justice. Programming is expected to include lectures and guided meditation sessions, drawing on traditions like Shambhala and Plum Village, with partners such as MNDFL.

Nguyen’s sculpture, fabricated from sandstone and brass, contributes to a broader discourse on contemplation, ritual, and art history through the lens of Buddhist philosophy. This commission aligns with the High Line's ongoing commitment to presenting large-scale public artworks that engage with contemporary social and cultural narratives.