In a striking fusion of art, technology, and environmental consciousness, Hyundai Motor Company and the Whitney Museum of American Art have unveiled the second installment of the acclaimed Hyundai Terrace Commission: Marina Zurkow: The River is a Circle. Open to the public starting April 9, 2025, and continuing through early 2026, this immersive installation transforms the Whitney’s fifth-floor terrace into a dynamic celebration of the Hudson River’s layered ecosystems and rich historical legacy.

For Houstonians, who are no strangers to the impact of water systems on urban life—from Buffalo Bayou to the Gulf Coast—Zurkow’s work serves as a powerful reflection of how cities and rivers shape one another over time.

 Hyundai Terrace Commission: Marina Zurkow: The River is a Circle, 2025. Photo: Filip Wolak.

A Living Tapestry of History and Nature

Created in collaboration with James Schmitz and Blake Goble, The River is a Circle is a digital animation installation that blurs the boundaries between art and science. Powered by real-time weather data and a custom software engine, the animation presents a mesmerizing, continuously evolving river ecosystem filled with historical imagery, local legends, marine life, and community narratives.

Zurkow’s piece is deeply rooted in the Hudson River’s past and present—from the early Lenape trading post and the heyday of the meatpacking industry, to the subversive nightlife of the 1970s and today’s gentrified streets. It builds upon her earlier works, Hudson Follies and Does the River Flow Both Ways?, by inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between ecology and urban development.

Technology Meets Poetic Storytelling

What makes this installation unique is its ability to respond to its environment. Whether it's raining, sunny, or snowing in New York City, the animated river scene transforms in real time. Barges drift by carrying fragments of history, while fish school beneath the surface and oyster reefs hint at nature’s resilience. Every detail reflects the interconnectedness of social and biological systems, creating a living narrative that’s both visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking.

“Marina’s work brings a poetic lens to ecological complexity,” says Christiane Paul, Curator of Digital Art at the Whitney. “This terrace commission allows audiences to experience the museum as part of a larger, constantly shifting ecosystem.”

 Hyundai Terrace Commission: Marina Zurkow: The River is a Circle, 2025. Photo: Filip Wolak.
 

 

Art for a Sustainable Future

Zurkow’s commission is more than just an art installation—it’s a call to action. With climate change, rising sea levels, and economic disparities top of mind for urban centers like Houston and New York alike, this project challenges viewers to imagine circular economies and sustainable futures. Hyundai Motor’s support of the Whitney Terrace Commission underscores its commitment to cultural and environmental innovation.

“As we face global environmental challenges, initiatives like these push the conversation forward,” says DooEun Choi, Art Director of Hyundai Motor Company. “Zurkow’s work embodies our vision of creating meaningful connections through art and collective responsibility.”

A Platform for Pioneering Artists

The Hyundai Terrace Commission is a vital part of a decade-long partnership between Hyundai and the Whitney, providing an annual stage for visionary artists to experiment with space, storytelling, and technology. This partnership also extends to the Whitney Biennial, one of the most influential exhibitions in contemporary American art.

With Marina Zurkow’s evocative storytelling and environmental focus, The River is a Circle isn’t just a must-see installation—it’s a conversation starter. For Houston art lovers, environmental advocates, and cultural enthusiasts, it’s an inspiring reminder of how art can shape our understanding of the world and the future we’re building together.

For more info, visit ArtLab.Hyundai.com