Double Take by Diana Cooper

Double Take is a permanent public art installation by artist Diana Cooper, located right near the Roosevelt Island subway station. It was commissioned to transform a utilitarian ventilation building, which previously stood as a plain, obstructive structure, into a vibrant piece of the island’s landscape. The artwork features a complex mosaic and metal design that reflects the island's unique position between the artificial environment of the subway and the natural beauty of the East River. Cooper drew inspiration from the geometric and fluid forms found all around the island, including the Queensboro Bridge, the nearby tram, and the historic architecture of the landmarked Octagon building. By layering abstract shapes and organic, flowing patterns, the piece captures how the light plays on the water and the way the island’s greenery contrasts with the surrounding skyline. The metal gate, which is part of the installation, echoes the structure of the building's original louvers but introduces a more playful and permeable design. This work intends to make your transition from the underground subway tunnel to the open air of the island feel like a shift in perception, inviting you to look at the surrounding environment from a new angle.