{"id":17231,"date":"2025-02-06T09:30:22","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T14:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/?p=17231"},"modified":"2025-02-06T09:30:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T14:30:24","slug":"unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/eternal-unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works","title":{"rendered":"Unconventional Brooklyn Sculptors and Their Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once, Michelangelo achieved the impossible\u2014he carved life from stone. Since then, the art of sculpture has undergone massive transformations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 21st century, no one tries to replicate Michelangelo\u2019s feats, as consumer tastes have shifted. However, sculpture remains a thriving form of artistic expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brooklyn is home to several sculptors who have taken the art form to new heights. Learn more on<a href=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/\"> i-brooklyn<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a74007c828b7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a74007c828b7\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/eternal-unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works\/#The_%E2%80%9CHeadlights%E2%80%9D_Collection\" >The &#8220;Headlights&#8221; Collection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/eternal-unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works\/#Sculpting_with_Light\" >Sculpting with Light<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/eternal-unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works\/#Brooklyns_Giant_Hand\" >Brooklyn\u2019s Giant Hand<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/eternal-unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works\/#A_Monument_to_Strength\" >A Monument to Strength<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/eternal-unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works\/#A_Controversial_Interpretation\" >A Controversial Interpretation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/eternal-unconventional-brooklyn-sculptors-and-their-works\/#Sculpting_the_Creative_Process\" >Sculpting the Creative Process<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%9CHeadlights%E2%80%9D_Collection\"><\/span>The &#8220;Headlights&#8221; Collection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"733\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123047\/1-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123047\/1-6.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123047\/1-6-286x300.jpg 286w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123047\/1-6-696x729.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stephen Shaheen is a pioneer in the art world. While originally a painter, his artistic journey led him to explore design and architecture, ultimately inspiring his Headlights collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For his unconventional sculptures, Shaheen used recycled materials, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cotton<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Denim fabric<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electronic components<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite their abstract nature, the &#8220;Headlights&#8221; sculptures clearly resemble human figures\u2014though not with the idealized perfection of classical sculptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sculpting_with_Light\"><\/span>Sculpting with Light<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123045\/2-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123045\/2-6.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123045\/2-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123045\/2-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123045\/2-6-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123045\/2-6-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shaheen\u2019s process was meticulous:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sketching the design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building a frame based on human anatomy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embedding a light source in the head of each figure<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is how they earned the name &#8220;Headlights&#8221;\u2014each figure appears to struggle to reach an electrical outlet, as if desperate for a source of energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first glance, some might mistake them for futuristic lamps, but they are in fact fully realized works of contemporary art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Brooklyns_Giant_Hand\"><\/span>Brooklyn\u2019s Giant Hand<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123044\/3-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123044\/3-4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123044\/3-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.i-brooklyn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/02\/17123044\/3-4-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 21st century, sculptures are no longer confined to museums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most striking public sculptures in Brooklyn can be found near the Brooklyn Bridge, at the intersection of Tillary Street and Adams Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This bold art installation, called &#8220;Unity,&#8221; captures the spirit of Brooklyn. It features a massive black muscular hand with one finger raised to the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Monument_to_Strength\"><\/span>A Monument to Strength<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sculpture\u2019s creator, Hank Willis Thomas, modeled it after the hand of NBA star Joel Embiid. Weighing 22.5 tons, the artwork took five years to complete and was commissioned as part of New York City\u2019s &#8220;Percent for Art&#8221; program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thomas is known for this distinct artistic style. Another of his famous works, &#8220;Liberty,&#8221; features a basketball spinning on the finger of NBA star Juwan Howard. Unlike Unity, which stands in a public space, Liberty is housed in the Brooklyn Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Controversial_Interpretation\"><\/span>A Controversial Interpretation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thomas made it clear that &#8220;Unity&#8221; is a tribute to Brooklyn\u2019s resilience and drive for greatness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, public reaction varied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some saw it as a symbol of strength, while others linked it to religious or political connotations. Certain viewers believed the raised finger resembled an Islamic gesture associated with unity with God, leading to speculation about its meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thomas, however, responded with calmness and perspective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Art is about perception\u2014people see what they want to see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miniature Studios: A Glimpse into the Artist\u2019s World<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another renowned Brooklyn sculptor, Joe Fig, has gained recognition for his intricately detailed miniatures, which recreate the studios of famous artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His works capture not just the physical workspace, but also the artists themselves in the act of creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sculpting_the_Creative_Process\"><\/span>Sculpting the Creative Process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joe Fig\u2019s inspiration comes from both legendary and contemporary artists, including Henri Matisse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His project, titled &#8220;Inside the Painter\u2019s Studio,&#8221; features faithful miniature recreations of real artists&#8217; studios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike some who might see this as riding on the fame of established artists, Fig insists his work is about gaining insight into the creative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Unique Approach to Art Documentation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever possible, Fig visits the studios of living artists, takes detailed photographs, and recreates their workspace in miniature form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each piece is signed with the name of the artist it represents, making it highly valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, Fig\u2019s motivation isn\u2019t financial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many aspiring artists, writers, and performers wonder how great works are created. Through his sculptures, Joe Fig lifts the veil of mystery, offering a rare glimpse into the environments where masterpieces are born.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Once, Michelangelo achieved the impossible\u2014he carved life from stone. Since then, the art of sculpture has undergone massive transformations. In the 21st century, no one tries to replicate Michelangelo\u2019s feats, as consumer tastes have shifted. However, sculpture remains a thriving form of artistic expression. Brooklyn is home to several sculptors who have taken the art [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":535,"featured_media":17241,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4818],"tags":[6368,6362,6364,6374,6371,6360,6369,6363,6370,6373,6372,6361,6366,6365,6367],"moimportance":[32,35],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[88],"class_list":["post-17231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cultural","tag-artist-workspace-sculpture","tag-brooklyn-art-scene","tag-brooklyn-bridge-art","tag-brooklyn-museum-exhibits","tag-brooklyn-public-art","tag-brooklyn-sculptors","tag-contemporary-sculpture-nyc","tag-hank-willis-thomas-artist","tag-headlights-sculpture","tag-inside-the-painters-studio","tag-joe-fig-miniatures","tag-nba-sculpture","tag-percent-for-art-program","tag-stephen-shaheen-art","tag-unity-sculpture-brooklyn","moimportance-golovna-novyna","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","motype-eternal","moformat-copywriting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/535"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17231"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17244,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17231\/revisions\/17244"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17231"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=17231"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=17231"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-brooklyn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=17231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}