Ivan Argote's Giant Pigeon Sculpture to Land on NYC's High Line
In October 2024, New York City's High Line will welcome a hyperrealistic pigeon sculpture named "Dinosaur" (2024), created by Colombian artist Ivan Argote. This 18-foot aluminum piece, meticulously hand-painted, will take the place of Pamela Rosenkranz's "Old Tree Sculpture." Argote's work delves into the power dynamics between humans and birds, contemplating our connection with nature. He describes the sculpture as invoking "attraction, seduction and fear." Additionally, it critiques monuments dedicated to "illustrious" men, drawing parallels to pigeons, which were brought to the U.S. in the 19th century. "Dinosaur," approved in 2020, will be displayed until April 2026, as part of the High Line Plinth program, coinciding with the park's 15th anniversary.
Key facts
- Ivan Argote's 'Dinosaur' is a giant hyperrealistic pigeon sculpture made of hand-painted aluminum.
- The sculpture will be installed on the High Line in New York City in October 2024.
- It replaces Pamela Rosenkranz's 'Old Tree Sculpture' as part of the High Line Plinth program.
- The work aims to invert power dynamics between humans and birds and critique monuments to immigrants.
- Pigeons were imported to the US from Europe in the 19th century, paralleling immigrant narratives.
- The High Line celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024; it was designed by Piet Oudolf.
- The Spur section opened in 2019 and hosts the High Line Plinth for rotating public art installations.
- 'Dinosaur' was approved in 2020 amid committee debate and will be on view until April 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Ivan Argote
- Pamela Rosenkranz
- Sam Durant
- Simone Leigh
- Zaha Hadid
- Piet Oudolf
- Cecilia Alemani
Institutions
- High Line
- High Line Art
- High Line Plinth
Locations
- New York City
- Manhattan
- West Side
- 28th Street
- 30th Street
- 10th Avenue
- Hudson Yards
- Bogotá
- Paris
- United States
- Europe