A controversial sculpture makes its debut in Long Island City.
Crews installed "The Sunbather" in the median at Jackson Avenue and 43rd Avenue over the weekend. The two-ton bronze statue cost $500,000 – a price tag which baffled a number of locals when it was first proposed last year.
Many residents also cried foul at the bright pink statue's design at the time.
Now that it has been installed, NY1 asked local residents and workers what they thought of the new installation.
“I love it,” said Long Island City resident Mary Ceruti. “Welcome to the neighborhood!”
“A little strange; A little bright for this neighborhood,” added Staten Island resident Deimin Berkins.
“I think it brings a lot of brightness to the city of Long Island City,” said Brooklyn resident Dawan Owens. “It's eye-catching.”
In response to the original announcement, City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer introduced a bill to require more public input for public artwork installations. That bill was signed into law in June 2015.