"Dinosaur", a sculpture of a pigeon by Colombian artist Ivan Argote, is perched on the High Line in New York. — Photo: Christina Horsten/dpa
A 6-metre pigeon, perched on the New York High Line, is watching over the city's residents from the converted park and challenging their views about themselves and the place where they live.
The hand-painted statue called "Dinosaur," was created by Colombian artist Iván Argote and is on show at the elevated railway line in south-west Manhattan.
"I feel like this sculpture could trigger uncanny feelings of attraction, seduction and fear among New Yorkers," says Argote.
The colossal, hyper-realistic sculpture is cast in aluminium - and challenges more conventional statues, he says.
"'Dinosaur' recognises the seemingly prosaic figure of the pigeon and celebrates its anonymity amongst the urban landscape, while also taking aim at classic monuments erected in honour of great men, who all too often are neither honourable nor great," Argote says on his website.
The sculpture suggests the "not-tame, but no longer wild birds are likely more deserving of being placed on a pedestal and celebrated for their contributions to society than most," he says.
New Yorkers, like the residents of many other major cities, have a love-hate relationship with the many pigeons in the area.
By highlighting their origins, Argote reminds viewers that, to some degree, "everyone is an immigrant."
"Even the pigeon, a New York fixture, initially migrated here and made the city their home, like millions of other “native” New Yorkers," he says.
Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the work by Argote – known for his videos, photographs, sculpture, public interventions and performances – until spring 2026.
The High Line, which draws millions of people every year, has featured art works alongside plants and panoramic views of Manhattan, ever since its opening 15 years ago. – dpa
