Jago's Look Down Returns to New York Amid Vandalism and Recognition

Jago's sculpture Look Down has returned to New York, encountering new acts of vandalism alongside recognition and applause. The artist discusses the work's journey and his acceptance of vandalism as a form of participation. Look Down was inspired by observing homeless people in New York in 2018 and is part of a trilogy carved from Vermont marble between 2018 and 2020, including The First Baby and Il Figlio Velato. The sculpture has been vandalized in Naples, where four teenagers staged a mock beating, and in the UAE desert, where it suffered damage to an ear, finger, foot, and a chain. Jago chose not to repair some damages, viewing them as amplifying the work's message of vulnerability and resilience. In New York, new acts include a "Supreme" graffiti on the forearm, a blow to the head, and pebbles inserted into the nose. Jago contrasts this with his experience of seeing people kneel and pray before his works. He also recalls the complete destruction of his anti-racism sculpture Sono pronto al flagello in Rome. The future location of Look Down will be announced on the day of installation.