Latest news with #GaleriesBartoux
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Red, Pursed-Lipped Donald Trump's Sculpture Emerges From Manhattan Manhole
Last Updated: French street artist James Colomina installed a bright red sculpture of Donald Trump in Manhattan, depicting him emerging from a manhole. New Yorkers woke up to an unexpected sight this week on Wednesday when a bright red sculpture of US President Donald Trump appeared at a busy intersection in Manhattan, seemingly climbing out of a manhole. The life-size, red-coloured statue of the US President, titled Donald, was secretly installed by French street artist James Colomina at the corner of East 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue, roughly a mile from Trump Tower, USA Today reported. Colomina, known for his provocative red sculptures placed unannounced in public spaces, told the news outlet that the location of placing the sculpture was intentional saying that it was the same place where Trump built his image. 'I installed the sculpture in New York because this is where he built his image, his empire, his legend. A city he tried to conquer with golden towers and brutal slogans. I wanted this image, a red body rising from the sewers, to disturb that landscape," he told USA Today. The bright red sculpture, made of resin, depicted Trump from the waist up, emerging from a manhole, also part of the sculpture. Wearing a suit and tie, the statue portrayed a serious-looking and pursed-lipped Trump looking upward at the skyscraper above him. Under the manhole cover lid, a small red rat peered outward. The installation of the statue faced the Chrysler Building, a placement Colomina said was deliberate. 'The sculpture is installed right across from the Chrysler Building, a symbol of power, elevation, and architectural pride. I liked the idea of creating a stark contrast between this vertical monument and the grotesque figure emerging from the sewers," he added. However, it was quickly removed by a maintenance worker. Colomina said the entire sculpture was made in France over three weeks. He then disassembled and transported it to New York, and later reassembled the sculpture on site. The French artist also posted a photo of the sculpture to his Instagram story on July 23, with the caption 'Make America Grime Again," a reference to Trump's popular motto, 'Make America Great Again." White House Reacts The Trump administration dismissed the installation. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson told USA Today, 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This 'artist' will have to go back to the drawing board. Or perhaps art school." Who Is James Colomina? Colomina is a street artist, known for his bright red, life-size sculptures, which have been installed in Tokyo, Barcelona, Paris, and many other cities. 'The 'Colomina Red,' the artist's visual signature, embodies the anger, passion, and urgency of the issues he tackles," Colomina's artist biography on the Galeries Bartoux website said. 'James Colomina favors a clandestine, spontaneous approach: He places his works directly in the street, without prior announcement, transforming everyday spaces into platforms for artistic reflection." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Massive animal sculptures have taken over Park Avenue—with an even bigger message
In the shadow of the Empire State Building, a nine-foot-tall gorilla gazes toward the iconic skyscraper. A few steps away, a massive brown bear raises its head curiously, and a polar bear lifts a paw into the air. These gigantic sculptures newly placed along Park Avenue look remarkably lifelike—and incredibly cute. They also raise important messages about the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world, especially endangered species. The sculpture collection by renowned French artist Michel Bassompierre titled " Fragile Giants" is on view along Park Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets. This open-air gallery is free to visit through May 11, 2026. The powerful open-air installation features nine monumental animal sculptures, which stand tall as majestic figures among the city's skyscrapers. Many of the sculptures have already toured through Europe, but there's one sculpture that was unveiled exclusively for New York City. Titled "Le Majestueux (The Majestic)," it's Bassompierre's largest gorilla sculpture to date. Find it at the corner of Park Avenue and 34th Street with a serene presence and noble form meant to honor the strength and dignity of its species. This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it. "We need to create wonder," the artist said in a press release. "This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it." Bassompierre was born in Paris in 1948 to an artist mother and a scientist father, and developed a passion for drawing and the animal world from a very young age—a fascination that continued as he became a sculptor. The artist is known for his perfectly mastered anatomy and design, whether he's sculpting in bronze or marble. He evokes a tenderness for each animal, inviting viewers to reflect on the fragility of nature. The public art exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, Galeries Bartoux, and the Patrons of Park Avenue, and the New York City Department of Parks.
