Dinosaur
Iván Argote’s "Dinosaur" is a monumental tribute to an often-overlooked city dweller—the pigeon. Standing 21 feet tall atop a concrete plinth, this hyper-realistic aluminum sculpture reimagines the idea of a monument, shifting attention from historical figures of power to an urban bird many view as a nuisance. With humor and reverence, "Dinosaur" instead elevates the pigeon into a symbol of resilience and coexistence. The title nods to both the bird’s prehistoric roots and the fleeting nature of human legacy, prompting reflection on what—and whom—we choose to honor in our public spaces.
High Line Art
The High Line NYC
Aluminum, Steel, Concrete, Paint
9’ x 9’ x 21’
About
Ivan Argote: Dinosaur
The Johnson Atelier worked closely with Iván Argote from the early conceptual stages through final assembly and finishing of Dinosaur, a sculpture that challenges traditional ideas of public monuments. Collaborating with the artist, the Atelier’s team helped refine the bird’s proportions, pose, and presence to align with Argote’s vision.
The sculpture’s aluminum structure was cast in Mexico and transported by truck to the Atelier’s facility. Once onsite, our team expertly patched and finished the surface, assembled the massive form, and built the concrete plinth it rests on.
The painting team then meticulously brought the sculpture to life, layering specialized color-shifting paint to recreate the iridescent sheen and feathered texture of a real pigeon. The artist remained deeply involved in the process working alongside JA artisans to perfect key details of the form, surface, and finish. The result is a bold, thought-provoking monument that invites viewers to reconsider the familiar and reflect on how public narratives are constructed.
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