Friday, May 3, 5 –7 pm
Race #1: 5 pm
Race #2: 5:30 pm
Race #3: 6 pm
Race #4: 6:30 pm
Saturday, May 4, 1 – 4:00 pm
Race #1: 1 pm
Race #2: 1:30 pm
Race #3: 2 pm
Race #4: 2:30 pm
Race #5: 3 pm
Race #6: 3:30 pm
Following a first appearance in ‘Set Seen,’ curated by Art Production Fund at Frieze Los Angeles 2024, Sharif Farrag will bring his playful interactive public art project to New York for its east coast debut. Free and open to the public, Gotham Grinders: Hamster Wheel will welcome participants of all ages to the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center to race customized R/C cars by Farrag, individually fitted with ceramic hamster heads, custom vanity plates and vintage patches specific to New York. Facilitated by a ‘pit crew’ sporting artist-designed suits, the work offers a lighthearted commentary on the hamster wheel of hustle culture. Farrag has long considered New York, particularly Midtown Manhattan, as a center of business, and sees Rockefeller Center as a symbol of modern life fitting the project’s focus on the pursuit of success, work and wealth. Gotham Grinders: Hamster Wheel, while reflecting on the culture of hard work, will give participants the opportunity to take control of their racer.
Race slots are limited, but we encourage guests to come watch the races as spectators. Stand by racers will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.