Once, Michelangelo achieved the impossible—he carved life from stone. Since then, the art of sculpture has undergone massive transformations.
In the 21st century, no one tries to replicate Michelangelo’s 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 form to new heights. Learn more on i-brooklyn.
The “Headlights” Collection
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.
For his unconventional sculptures, Shaheen used recycled materials, including:
- Paper
- Cotton
- Denim fabric
- Electronic components
Despite their abstract nature, the “Headlights” sculptures clearly resemble human figures—though not with the idealized perfection of classical sculptures.
Sculpting with Light
Shaheen’s process was meticulous:
- Sketching the design
- Building a frame based on human anatomy
- Embedding a light source in the head of each figure
This is how they earned the name “Headlights”—each figure appears to struggle to reach an electrical outlet, as if desperate for a source of energy.
At first glance, some might mistake them for futuristic lamps, but they are in fact fully realized works of contemporary art.
Brooklyn’s Giant Hand
In the 21st century, sculptures are no longer confined to museums.
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.
This bold art installation, called “Unity,” captures the spirit of Brooklyn. It features a massive black muscular hand with one finger raised to the sky.
A Monument to Strength
The sculpture’s 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’s “Percent for Art” program.
Thomas is known for this distinct artistic style. Another of his famous works, “Liberty,” 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.
A Controversial Interpretation
Thomas made it clear that “Unity” is a tribute to Brooklyn’s resilience and drive for greatness.
However, public reaction varied.
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.
Thomas, however, responded with calmness and perspective:
“Art is about perception—people see what they want to see.”
Miniature Studios: A Glimpse into the Artist’s World
Another renowned Brooklyn sculptor, Joe Fig, has gained recognition for his intricately detailed miniatures, which recreate the studios of famous artists.
His works capture not just the physical workspace, but also the artists themselves in the act of creation.
Sculpting the Creative Process
Joe Fig’s inspiration comes from both legendary and contemporary artists, including Henri Matisse.
His project, titled “Inside the Painter’s Studio,” features faithful miniature recreations of real artists’ studios.
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.
A Unique Approach to Art Documentation
Whenever possible, Fig visits the studios of living artists, takes detailed photographs, and recreates their workspace in miniature form.
Each piece is signed with the name of the artist it represents, making it highly valuable.
However, Fig’s motivation isn’t financial.
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.