Tang-Wei Hsu ‘s Monkey Magic Sculpture in New York City

By
AsianInNY
– August 26, 2013Posted in: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Andrew Kao, Dennis Elliott, Wendy Feuer, Tang-Wei Hsu, Susan Yu

By William Kustiono

On August 20, 2013, Taiwanese artist Tang-Wei Hsu stood before his “Monkey Magic” sculpture on 9th avenue and 36th Street, Manhattan. He is glad to have his work showcases to the people in New York City. Tang-Wei Hsu obtained his MFA in Architecture at the Tainan National University of the Arts. Hsu’s paintings began from an imagined fantasy space and extended into installation, sculpture and public art.

Tang-Wei Hsu

Hsu is very pleased and grateful that his artwork is being showcased in the New York City. He hopes onlookers and/or drivers who pass by the sculpture will enjoy it. Hsu’s inspiration was based on the Asian folk tales of the Japanese Three Monkeys (sanzaru), who bears the principle of “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil,” as well as the main character in the classical Chinese novel Journey to The West, Sun Wukong (Monkey King). Hsu has created numerous public artworks in Taiwan, but “Monkey Magic” is his first work to be showcased in New York City.

Wendy Feuer, Dennis Elliott

According to Wendy Feuer, assistant commissioner of urban design and art at DOT (Department of Transportation), and Dennis Elliott, director and founder of the ISCP (International Studio & Curatorial Program), the ISCP are very selective about the arts displayed in public. Each of the applicants are carefully selected and discussed for the opportunity to be presented to the public. The aim of ISCP is to provide opportunities for artists to promote their works in Manhattan. The collaboration between DOT and ISCP is exclusive and exceptional because it will provide funding and support to the artists from the city.

Ambassador Andrew Kao with artist Tang-Wei Hsu

Hsu’s ‘Monkey Magic’ has attracted many passersby, especially during the peak hours of New York City in the morning where people are traveling on foot or cycling in the bike lane. They see the sculpture ‘Monkey Magic’ which appears to be waving at them saying, “Good morning, have a great and wonderful day.”

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