Union Square (New York City)
"Tourist-In-Chief" by Leon Reid IV
On October 1, 2011 artist Leon Reid IV installed a temporary public art work, “Tourist-In-Chief", in New York City’s Union Square.
Tourist-In-Chief is a temporary installation involving the bronze equestrian statue of General George Washington (1732-1799) created by Henry Kirke Brown in 1856. The installation transforms Washington into a contemporary tourist by placement of large scale props such as an I Love NY hat, a camera, a NYC subway map, and shopping bags.
Tourist-In-Chief is designed to reflect the social climate of Union Square Park. Historically a forum to express
Art in odd places: "Tourist-in-Chief" | © Photo: Luna Park
divergent points of view both political and creative, the park has developed into one of New York’s most popular destinations for tourism and commerce. It is the Artist’s intent to reflect the atmosphere of Union Square in its present state and make Washington more relatable to a contemporary audience. The makeover will draw attention to an information booth detailing Washington’s role in NYC history.”
[Source: Artist website]
The artist in The Observer
Leon Reid IV Wiki
[Source: Artist website]
The artist in The Observer
Leon Reid IV Wiki