This is one of a pair of statues sculpted by the Colombian contemporary artist Fernando Botero. Cast in bronze this male figure is named Adam. On the other side of the Time-Warner high-end shopping mall lobby stands Eve. Figures of exaggerated proportions (fat or obese as we would call them) yet anatomically correct presentation, are what Botero is famous for. There is a cat sculpture (Gato) also on display on the corner of 79th and Park Ave.Because it is displayed in the lobby of a mall and not in a museum where it can be safely protected from being touched, the middle part of Adam's bronze statue is shiny and discolored due to constant handling. Why can't people leave decent art work alone?
Nudity in public but without the controversy, that's free art expression. Building lobbies and malls have become one of the playgrounds for artists and we thank them for this generous public art display.
Adam seems to be a big hit with shoppers, while Eve is left untouched. Thank goodness.
