This October, New York City’s High Line will host a unique public art installation—a colossal, hyper-realistic aluminum pigeon sculpture by Iván Argote. Titled “Dinosaur,” this 16-foot aluminum masterpiece will challenge traditional monument narratives and invite viewers to reflect on the relationship between humans and urban wildlife.
Iván Argote’s Aluminum Pigeon ‘Dinosaur’ for High Line Plinth
Starting in October 2024, a giant aluminum pigeon named ‘Dinosaur’ will perch above the High Line in New York City. This 16-foot-tall public artwork, created by Colombian artist Iván Argote, is set to captivate the city’s residents and visitors for over 18 months.
Commissioned by the High Line Plinth, this monumental sculpture is more than just a piece of art; it’s a statement about size, power, and the unassuming presence of the common pigeon in urban life.
The Giant Aluminum Pigeon ‘Dinosaur’ Takes Flight in New York City
Iván Argote’s ‘Dinosaur’ is not your typical sculpture. This hyperrealistic, hand-painted aluminum pigeon will be displayed over the intersection of 10th Avenue and 30th Street on the High Line, an iconic public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.
The pigeon, a creature often overlooked or even scorned in city environments, is presented here on a grand scale, challenging passersby to rethink their perceptions of these ubiquitous birds.
A Dichotomy of Size: Flipping the Narrative of Power
In most interactions between humans and pigeons, the former holds the power. Pigeons are small, often considered pests, and are usually ignored or shooed away. However, in Argote’s vision, ‘Dinosaur’ flips this narrative on its head. The enormous sculpture towers above the cars and people below, asserting a passive dominance that contrasts sharply with the real-life birds it represents.
The artist uses this dichotomy of size to provoke thought about the relationships between humans and the natural world, as well as the often unacknowledged power dynamics that play out in everyday life.
High Line Plinth’s Fourth Commission: A Legacy of Monumental Art
‘Dinosaur’ is the fourth commission for the High Line Plinth, following in the footsteps of other significant works such as Simone Leigh’s Brick House (2019), Sam Durant’s Untitled (drone) (2021), and Pamela Rosenkranz’s Old Tree (2023).
These commissions are part of an ongoing program that brings contemporary, monumental art to the High Line, a space that has become a cultural landmark in its own right. Argote’s ‘Dinosaur’ was first proposed in 2020, selected from among 80 proposals, including Rosenkranz’s Old Tree. It marks a continuation of the Plinth’s commitment to showcasing powerful, thought-provoking public art.
Hyperrealistic Sculpture Watches Over New York
Argote’s ‘Dinosaur’ is not just large; it’s also strikingly realistic. The sculpture’s hyperrealism is designed to capture the attention of anyone who passes by. Despite its size, the pigeon is rendered with the same detail and care that one might expect from a much smaller, more delicate work of art.
Argote hopes that this attention to detail, combined with the sculpture’s size, will draw viewers in and provoke a range of emotions—curiosity, admiration, and perhaps even a bit of fear. But there’s no need to worry; this aluminum pigeon isn’t going anywhere. It will remain firmly perched, watching over the city with its unblinking eyes.
A Homage to the Historical and Common New York City Pigeon
Most public monuments celebrate important historical figures or events. Argote, however, has chosen to pay homage to a creature that is both common and overlooked: the New York City pigeon.
By naming his sculpture ‘Dinosaur’, Argote connects the pigeon to its ancient ancestors, the dinosaurs, drawing a line through history that places this humble bird in a new light. The sculpture is a celebration of the pigeon’s resilience and adaptability—traits that have allowed it to thrive in the urban jungle of New York City.
The Symbolism Behind the Name ‘Dinosaur’
The name ‘Dinosaur’ might seem like an odd choice for an aluminum pigeon, but it carries deep symbolic meaning. According to Argote, the name refers to the sculpture’s scale rather than its appearance. It’s a nod to the pigeon’s prehistoric ancestors, who once dominated the earth. Now, pigeons are among the few remnants of that ancient lineage, living on in the shadows of the human-dominated world.
Argote also suggests that the name ‘Dinosaur’ serves as a reminder of the inevitable extinction that all species, including humans, face. Just as dinosaurs disappeared, one day humans might also be gone, leaving only traces of our existence behind—perhaps in the form of pigeons, who will continue to inhabit the forgotten corners of future worlds.
‘Dinosaur’ to Stay on the High Line for 18 Months
For 18 months, starting in October 2024, ‘Dinosaur’ will be a fixture on the High Line, inviting locals and tourists alike to engage with the sculpture and reflect on its meanings. During this time, the aluminum pigeon will stand as a silent observer of the city’s daily life, a reminder of the often unnoticed creatures that share our urban spaces. The extended duration of the installation ensures that ‘Dinosaur’ will become a familiar and, perhaps, beloved presence on the High Line.
Pigeons as Immigrants: A Reflection on New York’s Melting P2ot
Argote’s ‘Dinosaur’ also carries a message about immigration, a theme that resonates deeply in New York City, a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. Pigeons, like many of the city’s inhabitants, originally came from elsewhere.
They were brought to the United States from Europe, likely in the 1800s, and have since adapted to life in the bustling city. By highlighting the pigeon’s journey, Argote draws a parallel to the experiences of immigrants, who come to New York from all over the world, each contributing to the city’s unique character and diversity.
The Evolution of the Pigeon’s Role in History
Pigeons have played many roles throughout history, from symbols of beauty and wealth to vital messengers in times of war. They were especially important during World War I and World War II, when they were used to carry critical messages across battlefields.
Today, however, pigeons are often seen as nuisances, their contributions to history largely forgotten. With ‘Dinosaur’, Argote brings pigeons back into the spotlight, celebrating their historical significance and ongoing presence in the city. The sculpture serves as a reminder that even the most overlooked creatures have played important roles in shaping our world.
Iván Argote: High Line Plinth’s Youngest Artist from the Global South
Iván Argote is the first and youngest artist from the global south to be featured in the High Line Plinth program. His work reflects a deep understanding of cultural and historical narratives, and ‘Dinosaur’ is no exception. By choosing a subject as seemingly mundane as a pigeon and elevating it to monumental status, Argote challenges us to reconsider what we value and why. His work is a testament to the power of public art to provoke thought, spark conversation, and ultimately, change the way we see the world around us.
In conclusion, Iván Argote’s ‘Dinosaur’ is more than just a sculpture; it’s a statement about power, history, and the overlooked elements of urban life. As it takes its place on the High Line in October 2024, ‘Dinosaur’ invites everyone to pause, look up, and consider the aluminum pigeons—and perhaps even themselves—in a new light.
