exhibits King Nyani Bella Abzug Park NYC The largest bronze gorilla statue in the world is making its way to NYC, allowing the people of New York to save him and all of the endangered gorillas of the world, changing the narrative and becoming the champions of all gorillas. Gillie and Marc Schattner the world-renowned public artists are working alongside the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to bring another version of King Kong’s story to the streets of New York. With the creation of a monumental bronze public sculpture entitled King Nyani, Swahili for gorilla, the artists are bringing the gigantic gorilla back to the city, but this time with love. Gillie and Marc have dedicated their lives to saving endangered species through their love of public art, bringing the hard facts about conservation and, most importantly, the love of these animals into the thoughts and hearts of the public. During a trip to Uganda, the artists were able to see a family of mountain gorillas in the wild and were moved to tears at the loving family unit. Their sculpture is based on the head of the family, a dominant silverback gorilla. The artists were blown away by the level of empathy and kindness he had, a very different image of the scary gorilla that is so often portrayed in media. “It was beautiful watching the silverback interacting with his family. He was so gentle and loving and clearly cared deeply for his family,” Marc recalls. “We knew we had to let the world know about this loving and gentle side of gorillas. They are often so misunderstood and thought of as scary and dangerous animals. But if they were able to see the silverback, maybe they wouldn’t be so scared”, remarks Gillie. “We couldn’t sit back and do nothing when these amazing creatures that are genetically so similar to us are in danger”, said Marc. All gorillas are critically endangered and desperately need help. Now NYC will become
King Nyani | Courtesy of Love the Last
the city to save them. King Nyani is bringing the call for all New Yorkers to save the new King Kong.
into his gentle face we hope they will fall in love and join the movement to save the gorillas” says Gillie.
King Nyani is the largest bronze
King Nyani is the artist’s interpretation to represent all gorillas and is part of the broader ‘Love The Last’ project, a social movement driven by public art to raise awareness, funds and support for endangered animals across the world, encouraging people to take action before we lose these animals forever. Partnered with WWF, the installation will be using its platform to raise much-needed funds for the charity. from the gallery system, from rising street artists to legendary photographers who’ve captured the hip-hop community.
Black Salad Bowl; ceramics by Barbara Brown, Pottery on Clay - 3.5 x 13 x 13
Escape from Covid19 Gallery House
gorilla sculpture in the world and provides a uniqueinteractive experience. His hand large enough to fit 2 to 3 people, and visitors can get up close and personal with this gentle giant and fall in love with him. In the movie, Kong grabs the woman in his hand to possess her. Now all of NY is invited to sit in his hand and be a true friend. “We wanted to create a sculpture where the public could really get close to the silverback, both physically and emotionally. Being able to sit in his hand and look up to
Presenting its first show since the Shelter in Place, Gallery House is presenting Escape from Covid19 that features work from a wide range of artists. The work of Barbara Brown is featured. She says: “As a woman who entered the art field at age 35, my work reflects my life experiences. I’ve traveled to many countries and participated in World Craft conferences, NCECA’s and International Ceramics Symposiums. There is an interaction of the other cultures in the creation of my rural
ArtDiction | 10| July/August 2020
