Popular Gorilla Leaves Bella Abzug Park; 2 New Sculptures Move In

HELL'S KITCHEN, NY — Hell's Kitchen's favorite giant ape has decamped to the Midwest, but two new eye-catching works have taken King Nyani's place in Bella Abzug Park.

The enormous bronze gorilla sculpture was installed last summer in the small park just north of Hudson Yards. The 4.5-ton artwork — meant to raise awareness of the species' endangerment — quickly became a hit for its interactiveness, allowing people to clamber into Nyani's huge hands.

But his stay in Bella Abzug Park was never meant to be permanent, and last month, King Nyani found a new home: Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, where he will recline in perpetuity.

Now, two new installations are set to attract visitors the park.

The first, "Untitled (AFH Installation)," was installed last month, consisting of mirrors fixed atop a set of shipping pallets. The work, by David Cavaliero and Niyi Olagunju, invites visitors to "identify themselves and question their passive complicity in the dysfunctional ecosystem of global trade," the Parks Department said.

An off-site component of the annual Armory Show, "Untitled" will stay on view through Dec. 3.

A more lasting installation, meanwhile, is on its way to the park as well. Titled "Big Apple," the sculpture is, as it sounds, a giant fruit that will be unveiled next week on the southeast corner of 34th Street and Hudson Boulevard East.

The interactive sculpture includes seating inside its wooden structure, which was designed by Canadian artist Félix Marzell. It includes layers of coated plywood fixed around a central axis, celebrating the city's classic nickname.

The apple's 11-month stay in Bella Abzug Park was sponsored by the Hudson Yards-Hell's Kitchen Alliance, the Québec Government Office in New York, and Amazon.

"We hope this site-specific exhibit will provide more incentive for residents and visitors to spend more time in New York City’s green/public spaces," said Nikkole Mojica, director of communications and cultural engagement for the Alliance, in a news release.

Next Wednesday's unveiling of "Big Apple" will begin at 11:30 a.m., featuring food from local vendors and the Québec Government Office in New York.