Gillie and Marc bring King Nyani to Bella Abzug Park in Hudson Yards
To raise awareness and funds for the critically endangered gorilla species, public artists Gillie and Marc have created a massive sculpture of the animal that will be unveiled later this month in Hudson Yards’ Bella Abzug Park. Titled King Nyani, Swahili for gorilla, it’s the world’s largest bronze gorilla sculpture.
Gillie and Marc have created this monumental sculpture entitled King Nyani. Nyani is ‘gorilla’ translated in Swahili. While traveling in Uganda, Africa, they became entranced by a silverback. The kindness, compassion and empathy he showed for his family made Gillie and Marc want to share the gentle side of this special creature with the world – a side that is often overlooked. Inspired by the iconic story of King Kong, the artists decided to give New York a different slant on the story. Now New York can fall in love rather than cower in fear as they see his true nature, while becoming the new champions for gorillas and their conservation.
This installation is the largest bronze gorilla sculpture on the planet at over 4,700 pounds and measuring approximately 8-feet by 22-feet by 7-feet, and gives an interactive experience unlike any other. With his hand large enough to hold one or two people, the public can get up close and personal with this gentle giant where they will undoubtedly fall in love with him. In the movie, Kong picks up Ann in his hand to protect her. Now all of New York is invited to sit in his hand where it’s our turn to protect him.