Accomplished British sculptor Antony Gormley has erected 31 iron and fiberglass statues, cast of his own body, in and surrounding Madison Square Park in Manhattan.  The naked figures are placed in unexpected spots around town, and out of 31 statues, 27 stand atop New York landmarks or rooftops in Gormley’s new installation Event Horizon.

The nude sculptures around New York City are fresh and thrilling, including one on the edge of the 26^th floor of the Empire State Building.  The sculptures stand without any explanation, so that pedestrians have their individual interpretations.  This exciting public art has caused some commotion, however, as many concerned Manhattan residents have called the New York City police department since the sculptures were installed, reporting people about to jump from the edges of buildings.

Gormley consistently takes contemporary sculpture to new and interesting places.  He examines the human body within his work, relating the self to its surroundings, and often uses himself as the subject.  Event Horizon prompts viewers to reconsider their position and viewpoint in a city filled with skyscrapers.  From placing the sculptures as close to edges as possible to playing with people’s perceptions of both the city and of themselves, Gormley is pushing Manhattan’s boundaries.  Event Horizon is adding to Manhattan’s skyline in an exhilarating way.

Event Horizon, presented by the Madison Square Park Conservancy in partnership with the City of New York.

On view from 26 March to 15 August, 2010.