Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason
Public Art
Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason
After polling Chelsea residents, the artist created a hybrid sculpture of heroes that locals wished to honor. The sculpture, made of painted plaster, depicted Superman, Frida Kahlo and Sponge Bob, among others. Sleeping Monster examined the idea that while public sculpture is often intended as a beautification or positive addition to the urban landscape, it can be perceived as the imposition of a foreign element onto a neighborhood without the consent of its community.
When
2008
Where
The Triangle Plaza, 14th Street and 9th Avenue, New York, NY
Nicola Verlato, Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason, The Triangle Plaza, 14th Street and 9th Avenue, New York, NY. 2008
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About the artist
Nicola Verlato, Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason, rendering. 2008
Nicola Verlato’s sculptural creation was an experiment in art and democracy.
This project actively sought the community’s input and aimed to give form to its dreams and aspirations. After polling the Chelsea neighborhood, the artist created Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason, a wittily complex hybrid sculpture, made of painted plaster, of Superman, Frida Kahlo, Harry Potter, Sponge Bob, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and others – heroes that local residents wished to honor.
Sleeping Monster examined the idea that public sculpture is often considered a beautification, or at the very least, a positive addition to the urban landscape while at others times is perceived as the imposition of a foreign element onto the neighborhood without the consent of the community.
You can view a sample of the survey here: Verlato Survey of Chelsea Residents
Supporters
Nicola Verlato
Specializing in fusing Americana, popular imagery, and traditional painting techniques, Nicola Verlato is best known for his highly refined allegorical surrealism that recalls the murals of Thomas Hart Benton and the heightened drama of 17th-century Italian baroque paintings. Featuring spectacular light effects, twisting nude figures, and dense compositions, Verlato’s work depicts a dark future that recalls a mythological past. In 2009, he represented Italy at the Venice Biennale with a series of sculptures and paintings, the latter recalling apocalyptic altarpiece panels.
The Chelsea Project, documenting projects by Nicola Verlato, Tony Oursler, and Anthony Goicolea, 2008.
Nicola Verlato, Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason, The Triangle Plaza, 14th Street and 9th Avenue, New York, NY. 2008
Nicola Verlato, Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason, The Triangle Plaza, 14th Street and 9th Avenue, New York, NY. 2008
Nicola Verlato, Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason, The Triangle Plaza, 14th Street and 9th Avenue, New York, NY. 2008
