Robert Lugo's Monumental Puerto Rican Tribute Opens in Madison Square Park
On May 20, 2026, in Manhattan's Madison Square Park, artist and potter Roberto Lugo introduced a two-part public monument named "Alfarero del Barrio (Village Potter)." The main feature is a massive urn titled "Capicú de Cariño (I Heard It Both Ways)," adorned with hand-painted images of his parents, Maribel and Gilberto Lugo, as well as notable Puerto Rican personalities like reggaeton artist Bad Bunny, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton. Accompanying this is a 15-foot-tall orange fire hydrant, "Para Los Días Caliente (This Is For The Hot Ones)," reflecting Lugo's childhood experiences in Philadelphia. Commissioned by the Madison Square Park Conservancy, these installations will be displayed until December 6, coinciding with the US's 250th anniversary. Lugo, known for his spoken-word poetry and pottery, described the urn as an inclusive piece, encouraging interaction and engagement with diverse pottery traditions.
Key facts
- Roberto Lugo unveiled a two-part public monument in Madison Square Park on May 20, 2026.
- The monument is titled 'Alfarero del Barrio (Village Potter)'.
- The colossal urn 'Capicú de Cariño (I Heard It Both Ways)' features portraits of his parents and Puerto Rican luminaries.
- Portrayed figures include Bad Bunny, Sonia Sotomayor, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- A 15-foot-tall orange fire hydrant sculpture 'Para Los Días Caliente (This Is For The Hot Ones)' is also installed.
- The works were commissioned by the Madison Square Park Conservancy.
- The exhibition is timed to the United States' 250th birthday.
- The sculptures will be on view until December 6, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Roberto Lugo
- Maribel Lugo
- Gilberto Lugo
- Bad Bunny
- Sonia Sotomayor
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Roberto Clemente
- Quiara Alegría Hudes
- Lemon Anderson
Institutions
- Madison Square Park Conservancy
- Hyperallergic
- R & Company
- R&Company
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Wallpaper*
- ELLE DECOR
- Johnson Atelier
- Galerie Magazine
Locations
- Madison Square Park
- Manhattan
- New York City
- United States
- Puerto Rico
- Philadelphia
- New York
- Kensington
- Washington, DC