David Hammons' Higher Goals (1986-1987) is a compelling and grand-scale public artwork that was erected in Brooklyn's Cadman Plaza Park, later displayed in Harlem. This installation consists of five telephone poles, ranging from 20 to 30 feet tall, each meticulously adorned with over 10,000 bottle caps to create distinctive patterns that echo African, Islamic, and Italian mosaic designs. Atop each pole sits a basketball backboard and hoop, also decorated with bottle caps, transforming these elements of urban recreation into striking sculptures that resonate with cultural and social commentary (Public Art Fund) (The Art Story) (TheCollector) (Wikipedia).
Hammons meticulously collected these bottle caps from local bars over several months, embedding each piece with a history and spirit of its own. This choice of materials reflects Hammons' broader artistic practice of utilizing everyday objects to explore complex themes related to African-American identity, culture, and the urban experience. Through Higher Goals, Hammons delves into the dual role of basketball within African-American communities: as a source of joy and unity, and as a symbol of the elusive dream of escaping socioeconomic challenges through athletic success. The artwork serves as a critical reflection on the notion that sports, while offering a potential path to success, should not be the sole aspiration for African-American youth, urging the community and its young members to set their sights on broader horizons and achievements beyond the basketball court (Public Art Fund) (The Art Story) (TheCollector).
Higher Goals not only stands as a significant piece within Hammons' oeuvre but also as an important commentary on race, class, and aspiration in America. By integrating elements of public sculpture, urban landscape, and cultural critique, Hammons' work invites viewers to engage with the layered meanings and societal implications embedded within these towering structures. Through this installation, Hammons encourages a reevaluation of the values and dreams propagated within communities and highlights the importance of striving for diverse and higher goals in life (Public Art Fund) (The Art Story) (TheCollector) (Wikipedia).