Nika Antuanette will animate on Saturday, August 16th at 2 pm, the sculptural installation Romance in the Park with a 20-minute dance, embodying the spirit of romance woven into the artwork in Morningside Park, Harlem. Inspired by the fleeting, joyful encounters that Romance in the Park celebrates, the performance is an ode to the elation, excitement, and happiness that love and connection bring. Watch as the artist channels the sensation of being “on top of the world”—capturing the exuberant, heartfelt moments that define romantic love.

Nika Antuanette is a dancer, choreographer, and performing artist. She has been a company member of various concert dance companies including Gaspard & Dancers, Sarah Berges Dance, Alison Cook Beatty Dance, ZCO Dance Project, & Gotham Dance Theater. She was featured in the first 3 seasons of the HBO series, The Gilded Age, as a Waltz & Casino Dancer as well as Party Guest, and has performed in productions including Dancing Queen in the US & Canada, Luann de Lesseps’ Countess Cabaret tour, and several commercial projects including Daisy Smart Home, Gatorade, Matrix Fitness Equipment, Andrea Rogers’ Xtend Barre Express, Segura Viudas Cava, and more. 

As a choreographer, Nika has presented her solo work in Israel at Kibbutz Ga’aton, in NYC at Dixon Place, Peridance Capezio Theatre, and Alvin Ailey CityGroup Theater, in Philadelphia at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, and in dance film festivals nationwide. She has also created choreography for music videos, corporate events, and immersive experiences including Michael Kors x Interview Magazine launch party and The High Life Productions experiences.  

About the Sculpture

Romance in the Garden is a space within the city where we find a place that fosters relationships and cultivates intimacy. The circle of Pergolas is thoughtfully designed to complement the human scale, forming a sanctuary of safety and quietude amidst the city. Within this space, we can meet others, revisit old memories, and create new shared experiences. The park becomes a living tapestry of encounters, where every path and corner holds the potential for moments of beauty and connection.

As we enter a park, our hurried pace slows, harmonizing with the natural rhythm around us. The urban rush gradually fades as we step closer to the pergolas, where the soft embrace of trees and grass creates a serene atmosphere. This connection with nature evokes a sense of hope, encouraging us to hold hands and open ourselves to deeper connections.

Harlem Sculpture Garden allows the artist to continue developing her art, connecting community and nature. Pergolas will build enduring memories, reminding us that even in the heart of the city, spaces for intimacy and connection can flourish.

About the Visual Artist

Graciela Cassel was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and currently resides in New York City. Cassel holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York (2016), a Master of Arts in Studio Art from New York University (2012), a Master of Education from Yeshiva University in New York (1998), and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Buenos Aires (1980).

Graciela Cassel has been recognized for her work through several awards and fellowships, including the 2022 NYFA Work Award, Altamira Museum Fellowship in 2022, Anklave Fellowship in 2021, and New York Historical Society Fellowship in 2020. 

Cassel is the founder and director of Transborder Art, which has already released 53 episodes. The mission of Transborder Art, founded in 2014, is to bring art conversations to the general public. The concept behind this TV broadcast is to provide access to contemporary artists and their discussions on interesting topics, creating an archive of contemporary art through these conversations.About Harlem Sculpture Gardens

About Harlem Sculpture Gardens

Harlem Sculpture Gardens is a large-scale sculpture exhibition that runs for six months beginning in May through late October. Various local public parks, plazas and malls will feature temporary sculpture installations. 

Harlem Sculpture Gardensis led by the West Harlem Art Fund and New York Artist Equity Association. They worked collaboratively with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, local community boards and neighborhood groups.