High Line Plinth in New York: the 12 finalist sculptures speak of climate change, racism, human rights

The 5 finalists who were selected this year for the High Line Plinth in New York, the first space on the High Line dedicated to monumental works of contemporary art, come from 12 different continents. Works that become part of the urban landscape for 18 months.

Only two of the finalists will have this honor, meanwhile an exhibition dedicated to the sculptures of the 12 selected will be on display on the High Line in January 2021.

After reviewing 80 artwork proposals from an international array of artists, High Line Art has selected 12 shortlisted…

Posted by The High Line on Wednesday, November 18, 2020

The artists selected so far, Iván Argote, Nina Beier, Margarita Cabrera, Nick Cave, Banu Cennetoğlu, Rafa Esparza, Teresita Fernández, Kapwani Kiwanga, Lu Pingyuan, Pamela Rosenkranz, Mary Sibande and Andra Ursuţa, have proposed works on various themes, from change climate to human rights, from the war to the Trump wall.

Among these, the sculpture by Ivan Argote, a native of Bogotà, called "Dinosaur", an aluminum pigeon the size of a tyrannosaurus. A challenge, his, to the annoying solemnity of traditional monuments. The birds are always protagonists in Margarita Cabrera's project, created with pieces of seized firearms, in reference to the violence suffered by so many people on the border between Mexico, where the artist comes from, and the United States.

The balloon sculpture created by Banu Cennetoğlu, “In right?” Revolves around the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While the work of Teresita Fernandez sees the protagonists of the palm trees beaten by the wind, a reference to colonial violence. And these are just some of the projects presented, which will be subjected to further selections until the 2 final winners are decreed.

In the meantime, let's enjoy the extraordinary works of the 12 finalists. Which do you prefer?