Developed during World War I to protect ships from U-Boat attacks, “Dazzle” camouflage involved painting vessels with black-and-white stripes connecting to each other at odd angles. The idea was that these patterns would make it hard to determine the heading of a ship when seen through the periscope of an enemy submarine (knowing the direction of a target was crucial to figuring out when and where to launch a torpedo at it). The results of using Dazzle schemes in actual combat were mixed, but their bold geometry attracted the attention of artists at the time, like Picasso. Now, Tauba Auerbach is using the concept as inspiration for her public art project, in which she’s painted the historic New York Harbor Fireboat John J. Harvey in her own version of dazzle camouflage. Flow Separation will be docked at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6, July 1–Aug 12; at Hudson River Park Pier 25, Aug 13–Sept 23; and at Hudson River Park Pier 66a, Sept 24–May 12. Boat trips and tours will set sail Saturdays 4:30–5:30pm, 6–7pm; Sundays noon–1:00pm, 1:30-2:30pm.
The Public Art Fund is also realeasing tickets for additional rides that can be reserved on the follow days and times:
Aug 7 at noon: reserve tickets for trips on Aug 18, 19
Sept 4 at noon: reserve tickets for trips on Sept 15, 16
Sept 11 at noon: reserve tickets for trips on Sept 22, 23
Sept 18 at noon: reserve tickets for trips on Sept 29, 30 & Oct 7