In the 2000s, David Hammons' art continued to explore themes of race, identity, and societal structures through innovative and thought-provoking installations, sculptures, and public artworks. During this period, Hammons further developed his use of discarded or unconventional materials, incorporating elements like African-American hair, chicken parts, and cheap wine bottles into his sculptures. These materials, often sourced from the urban environment, provided a crucial interpretation of American life and art history from the perspective of a Black person, blending a sense of ritualistic power with commentary on the socioeconomic conditions of the African-American community​ (Wikipedia)​. One of Hammons' most ambitious projects of this era was "Day's End" (2014–21), a monumental public installation located in Hudson River Park along the southern edge of Ganseventort Peninsula, directly across from the Whitney Museum of American Art. This installation, a "ghost monument" to Gordon Matta-Clark's similarly titled work, is a striking example of Hammons' engagement with both the history of specific places and the broader narratives of art and culture. The artwork, consisting of a skeletal steel frame that outlines the form of an old pier, serves as a powerful tribute to the history of the Manhattan waterfront, the Meatpacking District, and the diverse communities that have shaped the area. The Whitney Museum complemented the unveiling of "Day's End" with exhibitions and educational materials that placed Hammons' and Matta-Clark's projects in the context of local history, including the neighborhood's LGBTQ history and its ecological significance​ (Whitney Museum of American Art)​. Hammons' work in the 2000s solidified his reputation as an artist who consistently challenges conventional notions of art, often stepping outside traditional gallery spaces to engage with public spaces and broader societal issues. Through his deeply symbolic use of materials and his strategic interventions into public and historical narratives, Hammons invites viewers to reconsider their surroundings and the layers of history and meaning that shape our understanding of place and identity.