Curtis Sliwa, Giant Hot Dog, and Drag Queens in Times Square Pageant
Hrag Vartanian, who serves as the Editor-at-Large for Hyperallergic, attended a quirky event called 'The Most American Pageant Ever!' in Times Square. The spectacle featured a giant 65-foot hot dog, a drag performance of Melania Trump, and a comedic reenactment of Curtis Sliwa's 1992 kidnapping attempt. Advertised as a fresh take on America, it felt more like a celebration for this year’s 250th anniversary. Comedian Spike Einbinder acted out the shooting while Sliwa watched. Other highlights include a broken quill from a nearly 200-year-old Thomas Jefferson statue during its move at the New York Historical, and NYFA awarding $903,000 to 132 artists. Additionally, there are protests in Chinatown and a closure at the New Museum due to a leak.
Key facts
- Hrag Vartanian attended 'The Most American Pageant Ever!' in Times Square.
- Event featured a 65-foot hot dog, drag Melania, and Curtis Sliwa's 1992 kidnapping recreation.
- Comedian Spike Einbinder performed the shooting; Sliwa watched.
- Event felt like an elegy during the semiquincentennial year.
- A quill broke off a Thomas Jefferson statue by David d'Angers at New York Historical in May.
- Todd Fine argues Mayor Mamdani should reclaim the Jefferson statue.
- Helen Levitt book edited by Joshua Chuang reviewed by Natalie Weis.
- Exhibition 'Riverlines' at David Nolan Gallery features Chico da Silva, Joseca Yanomami, Kuenan Mayu.
- SVA MFA thesis exhibition 'Finding Here' at Art Cake reviewed by Julie Schneider.
- NYFA awards $903,000 to 132 artists.
- Chinatown residents protest MOCA's acceptance of $35M jail grant.
- Two painters sue The Hole Gallery for ~$50,000.
- New Museum experienced water leak shutting down for a weekend.
- Upcoming events: weaving circle at Abrons Arts Center, 'Lower Intestine' at ABC No Rio.
Entities
Artists
- Curtis Sliwa
- Spike Einbinder
- Hannah Einbinder
- Laraine Newman
- Hrag Vartanian
- Todd Fine
- Helen Levitt
- Joshua Chuang
- Chico da Silva
- Joseca Yanomami
- Kuenan Mayu
- Natalie Weis
- John Yau
- Julie Schneider
- Meg Webster
- Seph Rodney
- Christy Chan
- Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
- Cyle Warner
- Thomas Jefferson
- David d'Angers
Institutions
- Hyperallergic
- New York Historical
- David Nolan Gallery
- Art Cake
- School of Visual Arts (SVA)
- New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
- New York State Council on the Arts
- Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
- The Hole Gallery
- New Museum
- Paula Cooper Gallery
- Bronx River Art Center
- Magenta Lounge
- Asia Art Archive in America
- Studio6 Gallery
- Bower Gallery
- Abrons Arts Center
- ABC No Rio
- Onetwentyeight Gallery
Locations
- Times Square
- New York City
- New York
- United States
- City Hall
- Manhattan
- Iowa City
- Bronx
- Chinatown
- New York State