New Statues for Equality Rise Along 6th Avenue
Aug 26, 2019 / Untapped Cities / By Nicole Saraniero -- The gender balance between male and female statues in New York City is little more even now thanks to a large scale sculpture installation. Created by the husband-and-wife team of the award-winning public artists Gillie and Marc, Statues for Equality aims to remedy the fact that less than 3% of statues in New York City are dedicated to females by creating ten larger than life-sized bronze sculptures of famous women from astronaut Tracy Dyson to actress Nicole Kidman. The new statues honor the important contributions women have made to society and they make their debut today, on Women’s Equality Day 2019.
Standing tall in front of RXR Realty’s 1285 Avenue of the Americas you will find bronze representations of Oprah Winfrey, P!nk, Nicole Kidman, Jane Goodall, Cate Blanchett, Tererai Trent, Janet Mock, Tracy Dyson, Cheryl Strayed and Gabby Douglas. The subjects of the statues were chosen by a public vote. Each woman is standing atop a blooming flower of her choosing which represents her personality, beyond her technical and social accomplishments. With the addition of these ten figures, the percentage of female statues in the city to rises to 9%.
The New York installation, which debuts on the anniversary of women getting the right to vote, is the kickoff of a global initiative to increase female representation in monuments all over the world. The public can once again get involved by nominating and admirable woman who you think should be honored. The statues will be accompanied by a portrait exhibit at City Point Brooklyn where you can see paintings created by Gillie and Marc. Another permanent bronze statue by Gillie and Marc is also coming to City Point. The new piece will be a sculpture of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
This award-winning husband-and-wife team of Gillie and Marc have displayed monumental sculptures in over 40 cities around the world, including Beijing, Sydney, Shanghai, and London. Popular sculptures they have diaplyed in New York City include Rabbitgirl and Dogman in on Park Avenue, Paparazzi Dogs in DUMBO, and the world’s largest rhino sculpture.
