The Wild Couch Party and Friends

Exhibit Title:
The Wild Couch Party and Friends

Exhibition Locations:
Permanent Exhibition (June 9, 2024 – Onwards):
Fosun Plaza, 28 Liberty Street, Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10005, United States

About the Exhibition:
The Wild Couch Party and Friends is a captivating public art experience by Gillie and Marc, inviting visitors to join an unforgettable gathering of wildlife and creativity. The centerpiece is a monumental bronze couch where Rabbitwoman and Dogman, the artists' beloved hybrid characters, sit with an African elephant and twelve of the world’s most endangered animals.

This interactive installation symbolizes love, support, and protection, offering a moment of connection for visitors to sit and reflect. By sharing the couch with these magnificent creatures, the public is reminded of the beauty and fragility of wildlife and the urgent need for conservation.

In addition to the centerpiece, the exhibition features other beloved interactive sculptures, including Paparazzi Dog and Rabbit and the Friends Forever Bench, which continue the themes of love, diversity, and acceptance.

About the Project:
Gillie and Marc’s The Wild Couch Party and Friends highlights the critical challenges facing the planet’s most iconic animals, many of which are dangerously close to extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and human activity.

The couch serves as a metaphor for shared responsibility and care. Visitors are invited to sit alongside Rabbitwoman, Dogman, and their animal guests to experience the joy and importance of connection. By combining art and conservation, the exhibition encourages the public to reflect on their role in protecting the planet and its endangered species.

The artists use their iconic characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, to bridge the human and natural worlds, creating an experience that fosters love, understanding, and action to support wildlife.

About the Sculptures:

  1. The Wild Couch Party

    • A Couch for Humans and Wildlife
      The bronze couch serves as the centerpiece, hosting Rabbitwoman, Dogman, an African elephant, and twelve endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Grevy’s zebra, and koala. Visitors are invited to sit on the couch, symbolizing unity and shared responsibility for conservation.

  2. Paparazzi Dog and Rabbit

    • Celebrate Your Moment
      These sculptures feature Rabbitwoman and Dogman emerging from manholes with cameras, embodying the pursuit of fame and the power of capturing one's unique moment. They inspire visitors to embrace their talents and leave a lasting impact.

  3. Friends Forever Bench

    • A Symbol of Love and Friendship
      This interactive bench invites visitors to sit between Rabbitwoman and Dogman, promoting diversity, love, and connection. It’s a celebration of differences and the power of friendship in overcoming division.

The Animals:
The couch hosts twelve endangered species:

  • Hippo: Known for their charm and danger, hippos face significant threats from poaching for their meat and ivory.
  • Masai Giraffe: Towering over the savanna, Masai giraffes have seen a population decline of 52% due to habitat loss and poaching.
  • African Elephant: Keystone species that play a critical role in their ecosystems, African elephants are under constant threat from ivory poachers.
  • Bengal Tiger: A charismatic and iconic species, Bengal tigers face severe threats from habitat destruction and human conflict.
  • Koala: The beloved marsupial from Australia is endangered by habitat destruction and climate change.
  • Chimpanzee: Sharing 99% of our DNA, chimpanzees are critically endangered due to hunting and deforestation.
  • Grevy’s Zebra: The largest and most endangered zebra species, threatened by habitat loss and competition for resources.
  • Northern White Rhino: With only two individuals remaining, this species represents the brink of extinction.
  • Lion: The king of the jungle faces dwindling numbers due to poaching and habitat encroachment.
  • Mountain Gorilla: A critically endangered species threatened by habitat loss, war, and poaching.
  • Orangutan: Endangered due to deforestation for palm oil, the orangutan is one of the most at-risk great apes.
  • Arabian Red Fox: Facing threats from hunting and habitat loss, this species is a vital part of the Middle Eastern ecosystem.

How to Help:

  • Visit The Wild Couch Party and Friends at Fosun Plaza and share your experience using the hashtag #LoveTheLast.
  • Support organizations working to protect endangered species through donations and volunteering.
  • Take a seat on the couch and reflect on the importance of unity and conservation.

Back to Major Projects