Gotham Grinders: Hamster Wheel

Following its debut as part of Frieze Projects: Set Seen during Frieze Los Angeles 2024, curated by Art Production Fund, Sharif Farrag brings his playful interactive public art project to New York City for its east coast debut. Participants will race customized remote control cars by Farrag on a coned track, cheer, and win artist-designed trophies. Free and open to the public, all ages are welcome to participate in Gotham Grinders at The Rink at Rockefeller Center on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th.

The sculpture-modified R/C cars, now “Grinders,” are fitted with ceramic hamster heads and adorned with custom vanity plates and vintage patches, each with their own personality. Facilitated by a "pit crew" sporting artist-designed suits, Gotham Grinders offers a lighthearted commentary on the hamster wheel of hustle culture. As an Angeleno, Farrag has long viewed New York City as the center of business and sees Rockefeller Center as the perfect location for this iteration of the project. As a student in art school he faced the pressure of non stop hard work, and often felt like he was on a hamster wheel to keep up. Gotham Grinders gives participants the opportunity to take control of their racer while reflecting on the culture of hard work.

“New York City is where dreams are made a reality for so many people. Being one of the economic centers of the world, New Yorkers are notoriously determined, competitive, and fast-paced. The Hamster Wheel is a fun allegory for survival within capitalism; it turns something that can be vicious into something playful.” -SHARIF FARRAG

Race times are limited so secure your spot now! Visit the link below to register.