Here stands Portrait of t. in Riverside Park a messenger from the future. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this striking silver sculpture?
Portrait of t. was created by Sophie Kahn. It is made of nickel-plated bronze. It has been here since last November and will remain until August 26. When you first see Portrait of t., you might think of a humanoid in a silver suit.
But it is hard to tell if this person is male or female. The chest is flat. The stomach is rounded. The face is androgynous. Also, the back of the head is missing. So are the lower legs and bits of the body. It is as if a hi-tech Borg beauty were restructuring herself. Or perhaps this form is like the nymphal skin of a cicada. The adult has squeezed out and moved on.
The “t” in Portrait of t. stands for tiger west. Tiger west is a New York musician and performance artist. Tiger carries the BRCA gene. Tiger recently underwent a mastectomy. The sculpture was commissioned by the Art Students League of New York. It is part of the Works in Public Program. This program is presented in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
The “t” in the title also stands for transformation and transcendence. Kahn’s artwork is based on a 3-D scan of tiger west. When you look at Portrait of t., consider its layers of meaning. It represents transformation. It also embodies transcendence. It is a powerful tribute to tiger west.
Remember that Portrait of t. is more than just a sculpture. It is a story of transformation. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. As you leave Riverside Park, carry with you the message of Portrait of t. Let it inspire you to embrace change. Let it encourage you to transcend challenges in your own life.