The King of Rooftops Goes Giant in New York: Art That Makes You (Literally) Look Up
From heroic statues to pigeons: Iván Argote's provocation on urban dignity
If you love pigeons—or have at least learned to coexist with them—the new aluminum colossus towering over New York’s High Line is right up your alley. Colombian artist Iván Argote’s sculpture, Dinosaur, celebrates pigeons as the urban dwellers New York “deserves,” provoking reactions that range from amused to reflective. This massive pigeon, nearly five meters tall and weighing a ton, dominates the corner of 10th Avenue and 30th Street, urging passersby to consider who or what truly deserves a pedestal in the city of skyscrapers.
Credits: Friends of the High Line
Instead of honoring heroes on horseback, leaders, or conquerors, Argote’s work elevates the humble pigeon, transforming the so-called “flying rat” into a symbol of resilience. By reimagining monumentality, Argote flips the script on who or what can be celebrated, demonstrating that even the mundane can become iconic.
Credits: The High Line | Photo by Timothy Schenck
Other artists have also explored the theme of pigeons in their work. For instance, Maurizio Cattelan featured pigeons as silent provocateurs in his installation Others, where he filled Milan’s Palazzo Reale with taxidermy birds. His message? To emphasize the invisible yet constant presence of these creatures—often overlooked but integral to urban life.
Credits: The High Line | Photo by Timothy Schenck
Banksy, known for his sharp social commentary, also used pigeons to tackle issues of intolerance. In a 2014 piece, he depicted pigeons protesting against a colorful bird, a poignant commentary on xenophobia and hostility toward “outsiders.” Banksy’s pigeons, acting as unlikely spokespersons, deliver a message of resistance, proving that even the humblest creatures can carry profound meaning.
Credits: The High Line | Photo by Timothy Schenck
With Dinosaur, Argote joins this evolving artistic tradition, focusing on New York’s migrant identity. This feathered aluminum giant is more than a caricature of a common animal; it is a tribute to all the “migrants” who have shaped the city. Resilient, bold, and unafraid to “ruffle a few feathers” to claim their space, pigeons embody the indomitable, tireless energy of New York City itself.
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