Behold Swinging Jenny a monumental bronze sculpture. It stands proudly at VIA 57 West in New York City. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a testament to a father’s love. It’s a joyful depiction of a man swinging his daughter high in the air.
Swinging Jenny is the brainchild of artist Jay Lagemann. It’s a larger-than-life version of a design he created 25 years ago. The original was a small model made of pipe cleaners. He conceived it while traveling back to Martha’s Vineyard. The feeling of returning home and reconnecting with family inspired him.
This magnificent artwork is eighteen feet tall. The little girl Jenny is cantilevered an impressive twenty-two feet out. Lagemann overcame significant engineering challenges. He drew on his scientific background. He has a doctorate in mathematical logic from MIT. He even worked for IBM and briefly for the Pentagon. His expertise in special effects also proved invaluable. Lagemann views sculpting like creating special effects. His goal is to capture movement in a still image.
Swinging Jenny is more than just a sculpture. It’s a symbol of familial bonds. The Durst Organization commissioned the piece for their VIA 57 West building. They appreciated the sculpture’s message. It reflects their family-oriented approach to business. The artist’s stepdaughter Jennifer Christy the Chilmark town clerk is the inspiration for Jenny. Lagemann even had twelve family members sign the sculpture.
The bronze texture of Swinging Jenny is unique. Lagemann honed this technique over two decades. He collaborated with six different foundries to perfect it. The process was intricate. He created the full-size statue in his Chilmark studio. He then divided it into eighteen pieces for transportation to a Pennsylvania foundry for casting.
Swinging Jenny is truly a remarkable creation. It is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant artwork. The sculpture embodies joy and the special connection between parents and children. It is a lasting tribute to the power of family and the enduring legacy of a unique artist. Enjoy this inspiring piece of public art.