Last Saturday, on October 21st, the renowned Dutch studio, DRIFT, unveiled a striking light art performance in New York City’s iconic Central Park, sending a swarm of a thousand drones into the sky. This masterful installation, aptly named “Franchise Freedom,” enveloped the park in a magical dance of lights, creating a kinetic aerial sculpture that bore a striking resemblance to a muted but captivating fireworks show.
The creative minds behind this artistic venture, Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta, drew their inspiration from the enchanting dance of bird murmurations. These breathtaking natural displays feature immense flocks of starlings moving with incredible synchronization, swirling and diving across the vast expanse of the sky, creating patterns that mesmerize and captivate those lucky enough to witness them.
Some X (former Twitter) users like BigImpactHumans have shared videos from the event:
Franchise Freedom was a gift to the public, and enthusiasts and onlookers alike flocked to Central Park to experience this visual treat. The drones lit up the evening sky during three distinct ten-minute performances, offering the gathered crowd moments of wonder and reflection.
DRIFT’s ode to the modern world
The brainchild of DRIFT, this awe-inspiring aerial performance was brought to life with support from Therme US. The company’s president, Robert Hammond, who also co-founded the High Line, envisioned this installation as an opportunity for New Yorkers to rekindle their bond with nature amidst the urban jungle. This vision echoes the aspirations of Frederick Law Olmsted, the mastermind behind Central Park’s planning in the 19th century.
Olmsted dreamt of creating an oasis where city residents, regardless of their social standing, could immerse themselves in the beauty of trees and woods. Today, DRIFT offers a fresh interpretation of this age-old connection between man and nature. Instead of merely echoing ancient woodlands, they’ve crafted a contemporary, futuristic representation that’s carefully orchestrated to resonate with modern sensibilities.
In terms of scale and impact, Franchise Freedom stands out as the most significant public art endeavor in Central Park since the unveiling of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s legendary installation, The Gates.
