Here, looming over us is Dinosaur, a giant pigeon sculpture. This 16-foot tall artwork stands proudly on the High Line. It definitely adds a touch of the unexpected to New York City’s skyline.
Dinosaur is the creation of artist Iván Argote. The sculpture is mounted on a five-foot plinth. This makes it a total of 21 feet tall. It definitely demands attention and sparks conversation.
Cecilia Alemani is the Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art. She believes Iván Argote has a unique ability. He takes something familiar and makes us see it in a new light.
But why “Dinosaur?” Argote explains that the name refers to the sculpture’s scale. It also alludes to pigeons’ ancestors. These ancestors dominated the globe millions of years ago. Humans dominate it now. The name also hints at the dinosaurs’ extinction.
Argote suggests that one day humans might disappear. Perhaps a remnant of humanity will live on. Maybe pigeons will live on in the dark corners of future worlds. He hopes Dinosaur will create a mix of attraction, seduction, and even fear. He wants these feelings to resonate with New Yorkers.
The idea for Dinosaur was first proposed in 2020. It stirred strong reactions. Many New Yorkers expressed affection or disgust for the iconic urban bird. Love it or hate it, the pigeon evokes a strong response.
Dinosaur is the fourth commission for the High Line’s Plinth program. This program showcases art at 30th Street and 10th Avenue. Previous installations included Simone Leigh’s “Brick House”. Also there was Sam Durant’s “Untitled (drone)”. And Pamela Rosenkranz’s “Old Tree”.
This colossal pigeon is hard to ignore. It invites us to reconsider our relationship with the everyday. It encourages us to think about our place in the world. It also touches on themes of history, extinction, and survival.
Dinosaur is expected to stay here for 18 months. Take some time to appreciate this thought-provoking sculpture. Ponder the message it conveys. Consider the familiar in a profound and new way. Don’t forget to snap a photo. This is a memorable piece of art, after all.