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Photo courtesy of Laura Seaman
If you’ve ever been to Rockefeller Park or the subway station at 8th Avenue and 14th Street, you’ve probably seen the artwork of Tom Otterness. It’s hard to miss his large, scattered exhibit, though the subjects aren’t large at all. The tiny bronze people found throughout the park and subway are all part of the same two exhibits: The Real World and Life Underground.
Otterness’ work is very distinct. His tiny bronze characters look like something out of a cartoon, with perfectly round heads and little dotted eyes. The subway characters are mischievous, with one pair of cartoon people having a drink on an iron beam while another attempts to sneak under the entrance gate.
The collection at Rockefeller Park has a bit more variety, yet there’s no mistaking the bronze material and cartoon style. Not only are there small and mischievous people, but the statues take form as animals and storybook characters as well. Humpty-Dumpty sits on a wobbly tower as a statuesque chimp sits nearby with its baby.
Photo courtesy of Laura Seaman
Photo courtesy of Laura Seaman
Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Tom Otterness came to New York Citt in 1970 and still lives here today.While The Real World and Life Underground may be some of his more popular works, Otterness’ artwork isn’t limited to sculptures. He designed a Humpty-Dumpty balloon for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2005.
Enjoy them any day of the year by visiting Rockefeller Park and the 8th Ave/14th Street subway stop.
-by Laura Seaman