Paula Hayes’ intriguing ‘Gazing Globes’ take over Madison Square Park (PHOTOS)

A new public art installation has dotted Madison Square Park's icy terrain with a smattering of glass globes. Created by landscape designer and<a href="http://www.paulahayes.com" target="_blank"> artist Paula Hayes</a>, <em>Gazing Globes</em> is made up of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/paula-hayes-glittering-terrarium-gazing-globes-take-over-madison-square-park/" target="_blank">eighteen crystalline orbs</a>, each encasing a sort of science-fiction scene inside. Many of the vignettes are made from <a href="http://inhabitat.com/amazing-modern-day-trojan-horse-made-from-over-18000-salvaged-computer-keys/babis2/" target="_blank">recycled remnants of modern technology</a>, appearing as both a futuristic glimpse into a crystal ball, and an artistic vision of reuse. Visitors can enjoy the exhibition for free through April.

Scattered across the northwest promenade in the park, the <em>Gazing Globes</em> emerge on white opaque pedestals that, in recent weather, appear like fingers of ice, each balancing a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/crystal-ball-is-a-giant-revolving-orb-for-qatars-fifa-world-cup-2022/" target="_blank">crystal orb</a>.

Hayes, whose lush plant terrariums delighted us at the Museum of Modern Art, has gone a different direction when filling these orbs.

Rather than living plants, the artist has turned to another environmental factor, garbage, specifically cast off from our increasingly growing technological field.

Glistening in the sun like quartz crystals and craft glitter, the contents of the globes are hauntingly familiar upon closer inspection.

A recent technological cast- off, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/recycled-cd-spindle-bagel-holder/" target="_blank">music CD</a>, has been recycling into shimmery powder, made simply by pulverizing the plastic discs.

Remnants of metal machinery like gears and pumps are highly polished, looking more like trophies or riches than utilitarian parts.

The bits and bobs are arranged and treated like precious objects, preserved inside the glass globes, which act as Victorian-era belljars.

<em>Gazing Globes</em>, which is Hayes’ first <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sensual-wave-ephemeral-floating-spheres-celebrate-the-feminine-form-in-france/" target="_blank">outdoor installation</a>, is open and free to the public until April 19, 2015.

Visitors are encouraged to view them both during the day, and in the evening when each globe is illuminated from within.

The exhibition was put on by Madison Square Park Conservancy.

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