A Fancy Fat Feline in NYC (A Hidden Modern Sculpture)
June 2, 2010 A*RT!? Happens
While I was in NYC I was too busy to stop at the usual suspects (ie- the Met, Guggenheim and MoMA) to catch the latest exhibits. The best I got was a quick glimpse and a picture of my favorite spots. But I had Mr. Museumchick drive by something I really wanted to show you- it's a little-known sculpture on the the upper east side by a very famous modern artist…
One of my favorite modern artists is Fernando Botero. Maybe because I've traveled to his home city of Medellín, Colombia twice and fell in love with it or maybe because fat people and animals are cute and funny.
Hidden between these trees at 900 Park Avenue and 79th Street, gleaming in the sun, is the bronze sculpture "Gato" (Cat) done in 1984 by Botero. It is rumored that he lived in this building.
©2010 Danee Gilmartin All rights reserved
Comments
Philip Koch 03.4.2012
I hate to say it, but somehow this is the least flattering depiction of a cat I’ve ever seen. I hope any kitties passing by it have a sense of humor about it (which sadly is pretty rare in cats, who seem to take offense so easily).
Sandrine 08.26.2011
Aww! Was afraid of this! I was hoping it was gone because they had been doing work in front of the building. I will miss it.
GatoGone 06.13.2011
Yes that Gato is gone I am sorry to see. It was sold to German buyers I believe. Every time I walked by that statue I smiled.
MuseumChick 07.26.2011
I’m sorry to see it gone also. Hopefully they can put something equally as entertaining in it’s place!
nathan shmalo 12.8.2010
The cat is now gone, Botero, who does own an apartment in the building, sold it. We are now preparing a plaque to present to him in gratitude for the time he allowed the building to display Gato. Would you send me full sized picures of Gato so we can include your image on the plaque? Thank you. Nathan