In downtown Pittsburgh, Sharmistha Ray has turned pickleball courts into a vivid public art experience with the new installation Geometry of Play. The project transforms three courts into a colorful canvas where sport and design meet in real time.
Unveiled on July 16, the courts are part of Arts Landing, a $31 million community space that opened earlier this year. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust commissioned Ray to create the work, which will sit alongside other public pieces by artists including Thaddeus Mosley and John Peña.
Ray drew inspiration from Pachisi, the Indian board game later known in the United States as Parcheesi. The courts feature shifting geometric forms, concentric circles, and saturated color fields that change with perspective, creating a dynamic visual rhythm for players and visitors alike.
Known as a co-founder of Hilma's Ghost, Ray often centers collaboration and community in their practice. For this project, the artist also designed matching paddles in the same palette, extending the artwork beyond the court surface and into the hands of the public.
Ray said the goal was to create a space that feels open, social, and welcoming, whether people come to play or simply to watch. The installation points to a future where public recreation spaces can also function as shared cultural platforms.
