Coyote, Stalking By Hacer (All Photo By Gail)

Not since the Fancy Animal Carnival of 2016 has a menagerie of exotic of creatures like those you’ll see in Hacer: Transformations been set loose in NYC’s Garment District.  For just a few more weeks, New Yorkers and visitors to Midtown Manhattan can experience a series of seven gigantic, origami-inspired sculptures that comprise this public art exhibit, which features two dark turquoise coyotes, two medium turquoise rabbits, a magenta elephant, a yellow dog and a green bear cub.

Rabbit, Running (2015), Two Views

Created by California-based American artist Hacer (pronounced Ah-ser), these folded metal sculptures recall the transformative process of Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.  In this way, Hacer seeks to to elicit a dynamic response to the formative process of childhood.  Transformations challenges viewers to reshape themselves and begin anew, informed but not defined by their past constraints.

Cub, Sitting (2013)

Hacer takes his name from the Spanish verb meaning “to make or to do.” Renowned for his bold, metal sculptures that explore psychologically complex themes, his works can be found in galleries and permanent installations around the world. Here in New York City he is represented by the Fremin Gallery in Chelsea, who are co-sponsoring the exhibit with The Garment District Alliance (GDA).

Bixby (2014)

You might guess that Bixby the bright magenta elephant is my favorite of the bunch.

Foxy (2013)

The fun installation, which can be found  along the pedestrian plaza on Broadway between 36th and 39th Streets, officially opened on September 14th and will be on display only until November 23rd, 2021, so don’t wait too long to check it out!

Coyote, Running (2015)

Rabbit, Sitting (2015)