Celebrating a Century-Old Myth
The artist described the piece as “an enduring testament to our insatiable quest for icons in the natural world,” while officials hoped it would “delight and surprise” New Yorkers and visitors.
The city unveiled a “masterpiece” sculpture that honors one of the most renowned urban fables of New York City—sewer-dwelling alligators.
Inspired by Urban Legend
As described by the organisers, the public art installation is inspired by a “century-old myth” and consists of a life-size alligator affixed to the rear of a manhole cover.
According to officials, the idea that New Yorkers abandoned young alligators when they became too big to keep as pets morphed into “tales of subterranean monsters” in the city’s “underbelly”.
“Don’t miss out! Grab your free shares of Webull UK today!”
Honouring Endurance and Tenacity
Alexander Klingspor, a Swedish artist, unveiled the bronze sculpture NYC Legend in Union Square Park. It honours “New York City’s enduring capacity to adapt and survive,” a characteristic “embodied by the alligator.”
Fusing Folklore and Mythology
Community organisation Union Square Partnership described the “magnificent” sculpture as fusing contemporary urban folklore with ancient mythological symbolism and “inspired by the tenacity of both New Yorkers and alligators.”
Mr. Klingspor stated, “Stories are the very foundation of human civilization; they give form to our collective consciousness via architecture, sculpture, and painting.”
This work serves as a testament to our enduring desire to discover emblems in the natural world and to the enduring connection between the ancient and the modern that myth continues to forge.
Anthony Perez, of New York City Parks, remarked, “This sculpture embodies one of the most renowned urban legends about our city and is a beautiful representation of our enduring resilience as New Yorkers.”
Such public art installations are among the numerous ways in which our public parks honour the narratives and spirit that contribute to the distinctiveness of our city.
I eagerly anticipate the installation of this sculpture in the renowned Union Square Park, which is certain to elicit delight and astonishment from both the local populace and tourists.
Art in the Heart of Manhattan
The sculpture will be on exhibit in one of Manhattan’s most frequented locations for a duration of eight months until June 2024.
A member of the New York City Planning Commission, Joseph Douek, stated, “We are delighted to present Klingspor’s magnum opus and are optimistic that it will be permanently installed at the conclusion of the exhibition period.”
