Husband-and-wife duo, Gillie and Marc, responsible for the massive gorilla sculpture that took over Hudson Yards in 2020, is bringing a powerful new exhibit to NYC dedicated to the endangered species of the world.
Titled Faces of the Wild, the four-month exhibit will feature nine, larger than life animal sculptures taking over NYC streets. Each piece tops out at 6-ft tall and depicts the faces of nine endangered species: the northern white rhino, chimpanzee, addax, western lowland gorilla, polar bear, red wolf, African forest elephant, hippopotamus, and the lion.
Currently, there are over 32,000 species at risk of extinction, as a result of habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change. The artists believe that “if we could see wild animals up close and get to know them as individuals, perhaps…we would not think twice about getting involved” to help reduce the planet’s impending loss of biodiversity.
The exhibit challenges viewers to “look deep into the eyes of these threatened animals in an intimate exchange, coming face to face with extinction.” Each sculpture will feature a unique QR code so onlookers can learn more about each endangered animal, information about conservation and the current threats they face.
In hopes to urge people on the importance of conservation, Love the Last “is letting the public see these animals up close and personal, becoming aware of how endangered they really are. Because the public doesn’t see these animals in their day to day life, they may not realize how much they are at risk.”
Gillie and Marc created the faces from 15 years worth of photographing and sketching the portrayed wildlife. Since not everyone can take off to Africa, the pair is bringing the animals to the “urban jungle” for us.
They will be displayed beginning Friday, April 1st at the Ruth Wittenberg Triangle. Learn more here.
Where: New York City’s Ruth Wittenberg Triangle between Greenwich Avenue, the Avenue of the Americas and Christopher Street (next location will be announced after July 31st)
When: April 1st – July 31st