In One - Rockefeller Center, New York, part of Pierre Sernet's One (or "Guerrilla Tea") series, the artist stages a traditional Japanese tea ceremony within the bustling urban landscape of New York City. The serene, cube-shaped tea room stands in stark contrast to the fast-moving traffic and hot dog stand nearby, creating a contemplative space that invites viewers to consider the interaction between cultural rituals and modern urban life. The presence of a homeless man standing nearby adds a poignant layer, highlighting social divides and prompting questions about inclusivity, dignity, and shared humanity.

The cube becomes a conceptual space, a sanctuary where the ritualistic calm of the tea ceremony exists side by side with the chaos of city life and the visible hardships faced by the homeless man. His presence emphasizes the juxtaposition of tradition and reality, wealth and poverty, East and West. Sernet’s choice to place him within the scene challenges viewers to confront the disparities within this coexisting world, asking whether true unity is achievable when basic human needs remain unmet.

Through this piece, Sernet emphasizes that the “Guerrilla Tea” series is more than a cultural juxtaposition—it’s an exploration of shared values, as well as unspoken divisions. The tea room serves as a symbol of universality, inviting each person, regardless of background or status, into a shared human experience. By integrating this unexpected element, Tea Ceremony - Rockefeller Center, New York transcends cultural boundaries to explore empathy, resilience, and the human condition in a world of contrasts.