In 1992 Tom Otterness created the delightfully inventive and playful public art piece known as The Real World in Battery Park City, NYC. If you’re a frequent reader of the blog, you know I love Nelson A Rockefeller Park, which just so happens to be home to the sculptures! Coincidence? Nope, there is just so much to love about the park! 🙂
Tucked away and situated above the park lawn, the whimsical creatures are perfect for all ages to enjoy, especially young children. As I was taking these pictures in fact, a few children were running around and climbing the larger pieces. While the sculptures might look like a random assortment of characters, according to the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy website, a closer inspection of The Real World reveals Otterness’ commentary of the financial world…
If you look closely, you will notice a consistent theme of money throughout the centrally located sculptures represented by oversized coins and laborers.
Aside from Tom Otterness’ work in Battery Park City, he has a piece in Times Square, the 14th street subway hub (A,C,E,L lines), and various hospitals, schools, and playgrounds around NYC. To view more of Tom’s work, which can be found all over the world, visit the Tom Otterness studio.
As a resident of New York City, I’m still in awe of all the city has to offer. I have really enjoyed showing my daughter around and rediscovering the city through her eyes, and of course sharing it with all of you!
Anna
I loved seeing these photos! I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago about Instagram photos of public art in Toronto including an Otterness sculpture called Immigrant Family. I wasn’t familiar with the artist prior to seeing this sculpture and would love to see more of his work!
Lisa, thank you for the kind comment! I will need to check out your instagram account to see his work in Toronto, very cool!
I like these sculptures, especially those little oval people that appear in them. What a wonderful addition to the park.
Thank you! They are very cool!