New Yorkers may not agree on which urban critter best symbolizes their city—the resilient rat, the nuke-proof cockroach, or the scrappy pigeon. However, the latter is about to gain prominence with a new 16-foot-tall monument perched atop the High Line elevated park on the city’s west side. The upcoming installation, “Dinosaur” (2024), is a hyper-realist aluminum sculpture of a pigeon by Iván Argote, a Bogotá-born, Paris-based artist.
A Monumental Vision: Dinosaur Takes Flight
Iván Argote’s “Dinosaur” is set to alight above Tenth Avenue on the High Line’s prominent plinth. The artist shared his thoughts on the name, stating, “The name Dinosaur makes reference to the sculpture’s scale and to the pigeon’s ancestors who millions of years ago dominated the globe, as we humans do today.” This intriguing connection between past and present highlights the sculpture’s significance. Argote added, “The name also refers to the dinosaur’s extinction. Like them, one day we won’t be around anymore, but perhaps a remnant of humanity will live on — as pigeons do — in the dark corners and gaps of future worlds.”
Pigeons: New York’s Ubiquitous Residents
Pigeons, like many New Yorkers, are not native to the region. European settlers brought them to the city in the 17th century, and they have since thrived in their adopted surroundings. Today, the city’s pigeon population is estimated to be around nine million, surpassing the nearly eight million people in New York. This comparison parallels the birds and the influx of professionals, like MBA graduates, who flock to New York for opportunities.
Art Reimagined: Argote’s Unique Perspective
Cecilia Alemani, the director and chief curator of High Line Art, praised Argote’s approach: “Iván has a charming ability as an artist to take something familiar and make us consider it anew in profound ways. His sculpture for the High Line Plinth adds a critical yet funny perspective to the ongoing dialogue of public art.” Argote’s work often critiques conventional monuments and public art while expressing a fondness for pigeons. His past projects include documenting the removal of a statue of French colonial administrator Joseph Gallieni in Paris and creating planters resembling historical monuments.
Continuation of a Tradition: The High Line Plinth
Argote’s prominent pigeon will be the fourth High Line Plinth commission, following works by Pamela Rosenkranz, Simone Leigh, and Sam Durant. Rosenkranz’s sculpture of a neon-pink tree, “Old Tree” (2023), will remain on view until September. Argote’s “Dinosaur” will be unveiled next month and remain on view for 18 months. This installation continues the tradition of showcasing thought-provoking art on the High Line Plinth, enhancing the park’s cultural landscape.
Iván Argote’s “Dinosaur” promises to be a striking addition to New York’s High Line, offering residents and visitors a fresh perspective on urban wildlife and public art. As Cecilia Alemani noted, Argote’s work encourages us to see the familiar in new ways, blending humor and critique. Don’t miss the unveiling of this monumental pigeon, perched high above Tenth Avenue, a reminder of the past and a commentary on the future.
