Number 23 Basketball Player, Sports sculpture on New York Avenue, United States
Number 23 Basketball Player is a fiberglass and mosaic sculpture on New York Avenue that depicts an athlete in a dynamic, mid-action pose. The work uses bright colors and geometric tile patterns to convey motion and energy across its entire surface.
Artist Niki de Saint Phalle created this work in 1999 as part of her Black Heroes Series, which honored important figures through public art. The sculpture has since remained a permanent addition to Washington's outdoor art collection.
This work stands on a public street to bring together sports and art in a way that anyone passing by can experience directly. The mosaic surface catches light and draws the eye, making it a focal point in the neighborhood.
The sculpture stands at the intersection of New York Avenue and 13th Street Northwest, making it straightforward to visit on foot. Public transportation options are nearby, and the area is walkable, so you can easily see it while exploring the neighborhood.
Saint Phalle worked with a distinctive mosaic method, gluing colorful tile fragments onto surfaces to create vibrant, layered finishes. This hands-on approach made her sculptures stand out and feel different from those of other artists working in public spaces.
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