The Wild Couch Party and Friends
Permanent Exhibition (June 9, 2024 - Onwards)
Fosun Plaza - 28 Liberty Street, Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10005, United States
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One of the most intimate experiences we share as humans is also the simplest, sitting down on the couch together and sharing time over coffee and cake. It’s a time where we can nourish, support, and enjoy time with each other, a time that is cherished by many families all around the world.
But not everyone gets to share this same level of love and support. The world is currently experiencing the 6th mass extinction. More and more beautiful creatures are being pushed towards the threat of extinction and the reasons can always be linked back to us, humans. We have moulded the earth to suit our needs, indifferent to the effects on the other living creatures who share our planet.
This public sculpture experience is an invitation to join the best party in the world. Expertly crafted in bronze, the couch is ready and the animals are already partying, all that is left is for the public to take their seats.
Rabbitwoman and Dogman, the internationally beloved hybrid characters who have travelled the world spreading messages of love, acceptance, and adventure, play host to the party. They sit in the middle of the couch either side of an African elephant. Their guests; twelve of the world's most endangered animals. Rabbitwoman and Dogman have opened invited all these the animals as a symbol of love and support, welcoming them into their family and promising to protect them in every way they can.
The Animals
The twelve endangered animals include; a hippo, Masai giraffe, African elephant, Bengal tiger, koala, chimpanzee, Grevy’s zebra, Northern white rhino, lion, mountain gorilla, orangutan and an Arabian red fox. They have each been invited to the party as representatives of some of the best-known species in the world. And yet they all are dangerously close to the same threat, extinction.
Hippo: One of the most recognizable animals, this blubbery giant has charmed the world, even though it’s considered to be one of the most dangerous! They are at major risk from poaching, with a 2006 study showing a 20% reduction in their populations over the past decade. They are killed for their meat as well as the ivory from their tusks.
Masai giraffe: The tallest living animal in the world, the giraffe tower over the savannas of Africa. It’s good that they do because a group of giraffes is aptly named a tower! As a whole, the giraffe is listed as vulnerable but the Masai and reticulated species are endangered. The Masai populations have been estimated to have declined by 52% in the past few decades, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching.
African elephant: The African elephant is the largest land animal in the world and wanders across 37 countries in Africa. They are a keystone species meaning they are crucial for their environment. They use their tusks to dig up dry riverbeds in the dry season, digging down to the water hidden underneath and creating water holes for others.
Bengal tiger: The tiger is the largest member of the feline family with a great roar that can be heard as far as two miles away. The Bengal tiger may be the most iconic out of all 5 remaining species and is even considered a charismatic megafauna, a large animal with such symbolic value and appeal that they are often used to gain popular support.
Koala: Koalas are the beloved icon of Australian wildlife, the adorable little marsupial with sleepy eyes and gigantic fluffy ears. They can be seen high in the embrace of eucalyptus trees, munching away on their favourite leaves for the vast majority of their day.
Chimpanzee: The chimpanzee is our closest living relative, sharing about 99% of our DNA. It’s even thought that we have a common ancestor who lived sometime between 7-13 million years ago!
Grevy’s zebra: With stripes as unique as our fingerprints, the zebra is an iconic member of African wildlife. Grevy’s zebra is the largest and most endangered and is more closely related to the wild ass than the horse, the more common plains zebras’ cousins.
Northern white rhino: There are two species of white rhino, the northern and southern. The southern rhino was thought to be extinct until the late 19th century when a small population was discovered in South Africa.
Orangutan: The orangutan, a critically endangered species of great ape found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, is facing severe population decline due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and the palm oil industry.
Arabian red fox: The Arabian red fox, an endangered subspecies found in the Middle East, faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human encroachment, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival in the region.
... AND FRIENDS
Watch out for Paparazzi Dog & Watch out for Paparazzi Rabbit: Embodying the pursuit of fame and the power of capturing one’s moment in the spotlight. These sculptures, showing Rabbitwoman and Dogman emerging from manholes with cameras, remind us of the potential to achieve our unique moments of fame, encouraging us to embrace our talents and seize opportunities. The camera symbolizes the tool to showcase our passions, talents, and achievements, inspiring others and leaving a lasting cultural impact.
Friends Forever Bench: This functional yet interactive contemporary sculpture invites visitors to sit between Rabbitwoman and Dogman, sparking conversations among friends, family, and strangers. This bench tells the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together, representing diversity and acceptance through love. ‘Friends Forever Bench’ celebrates these differences, promoting love and friendship over fear and division, offering a chance to become friends with Rabbitwoman and Dogman or to create new friendships.
