Ugo Rondinone's Monumental Stone Figures 'Human Nature' to Occupy Rockefeller Center Plaza

From April 23 to June 7, Rockefeller Center in New York City will host nine colossal stone sculptures by Ugo Rondinone titled 'Human Nature'. Each figure stands between 16 and 20 feet tall, carved from massive bluestone slabs that retain quarry marks like drill holes and splits. The Swiss-born, New York-based artist created these totemic forms, described by Public Art Fund director Nicholas Baume as "mythical in scale and imagery, visceral in character and impact." Organized by the Public Art Fund and Tishman Speyer with support from Nespresso, the installation aims to reconnect contemporary society with ancient origins. Concurrently, Gladstone Gallery will present 'soul' on May 10, featuring smaller bluestone figures for an intimate sculptural experience. The monumental tribe will bring what the source describes as a shamanic spirit to the plaza this spring.