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2008 : Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason

Nicola Verlato’s sculptural creation is an experiment in art and democracy. This project actively sought the community’s input and aspires toward giving form to its dreams and aspirations. After polling the Chelsea neighborhood, the artist created Sleeping Monster Produced by Reason, a wittily complex hybrid sculpture, made of painted plaster, of Superman, Frida Kahlo, Harry Potter, Sponge Bob, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and others - heroes that local residents wished to honor.

Sleeping Monster examines the idea that public sculpture is often considered a beautification, or at the very least, a positive addition to the urban landscape while at others times is perceived as the imposition of a foreign element onto the neighborhood without the consent of the community.