Public art captivates New York: Bison skeleton and statues with gaps

The sculpture "Hubert" by Bruno Catalano can now be seen on New York's famous Park Avenue, attracting locals and tourists for selfies. Christina Horsten/dpa

In the bustling heart of New York City, on Park Avenue and in front of New York City Hall, new sculptures have taken centre stage, drawing both locals and tourists alike for selfies.

One such piece, a striking bison skeleton positioned in front of City Hall, serves as a powerful artistic statement by US artist Cannupa Hanska Luger.

Through this imposing steel sculpture, Luger aims to provoke contemplation on the historical mass hunting of bison by European settlers in the 19th century, shedding light on its impact on indigenous communities, according to the Public Art Fund, which mounts free exhibitions in urban spaces in New York.

The approximately 3-metre-high artwork symbolizes resilience in both human and animal realms. It is expected to be on display in a park adjacent to City Hall in southern Manhattan, until November 17.

Meanwhile, just a short distance away on Park Avenue, another noteworthy public exhibition awaits.

Towering sculptures of travellers, crafted by acclaimed Italian artist Bruno Catalano, grab the attention of passers-by with their unique feature: large holes within their bodies.

Dubbed "Travelers," these larger-than-life artworks mark Catalano's debut major public exhibition, as highlighted by the neighbourhood organization Patrons of Park Avenue.

A striking bison skeleton positioned in front of City Hall, serves as a powerful artistic statement by US artist Cannupa Hanska Luger. Christina Horsten/dpa
The sculpture "Attrition" by Cannupa Hanska Luger in New York's City Hall Park. With the sculpture of the bison skeleton, the US artist Cannupa Hanska Luger wants to remind us of the mass hunting of these animals by European immigrants in the 19th century. Christina Horsten/dpa
The sculpture "Voyage à New York" by Bruno Catalano can now be seen on New York's Park Avenue. Christina Horsten/dpa
The sculpture "Benoit" by Bruno Catalano stands on New York's Park Avenue. Christina Horsten/dpa

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