See Trump's red sculpture rise from a NYC manhole

A Bold Art Installation in the Heart of Manhattan

A life-sized sculpture of former President Donald Trump was recently installed in New York City, capturing the attention of locals and media alike. The artwork, titled "Donald," was created by French artist James Colomina and placed in Manhattan on July 23. Although the statue was later removed, it sparked a significant conversation about art, politics, and public space.

The sculpture, made of resin, depicted Trump from the waist up, emerging from a manhole. Wearing a suit and tie, the figure appeared serious and focused, looking upward at the surrounding skyscrapers. Under the manhole cover, a small red rat peered out, adding an element of surprise and symbolism to the piece.

Colomina explained that he chose New York as the location for his installation because it is where Trump built his image, empire, and legend. He described the city as one that Trump tried to conquer with "golden towers and brutal slogans." The artist aimed to disturb the urban landscape with a red body rising from the sewers, challenging the perception of power and success.

The Creation and Placement of the Sculpture

The sculpture took approximately three weeks to create in Colomina's studio in France. After completing the work, he disassembled and transported the piece to New York, where he reassembled it on-site. Colomina shared a photo of the installation on his Instagram story, captioning it with "Make America Grime Again," a play on Trump's well-known slogan, "Make America Great Again."

The sculpture was positioned at the corner of East 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, in front of The News Building. This location is about a mile away from Trump Tower and across from the Chrysler Building, a symbol of power and architectural pride. Colomina highlighted the contrast between the towering monument and the grotesque figure emerging from the sewers, emphasizing the tension between grandeur and the underbelly of society.

The Artist Behind the Work

James Colomina is a street artist known for his bright red, life-size sculptures. His works have been displayed in cities such as Tokyo, Barcelona, and Paris. According to his biography on the Galeries Bartoux website, Colomina's signature style, referred to as "Colomina Red," represents the anger, passion, and urgency of the issues he addresses through his art.

Colomina favors a clandestine and spontaneous approach, placing his works directly in the streets without prior announcement. This method transforms everyday spaces into platforms for artistic reflection, inviting viewers to engage with the art in unexpected ways.

Reactions and Implications

The installation generated mixed reactions from the public and officials. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson commented on the artwork, noting that while many artists attempt to capture Trump's "powerful aura," few can do so effectively. She humorously suggested that the artist might need to return to the drawing board or consider art school.

The sculpture was eventually removed by a maintenance worker for SL Green Realty Corp., the company that owns the skyscraper near the installation site. Despite its short-lived presence, the artwork sparked discussions about the role of public art in addressing political and social issues.

Conclusion

James Colomina's installation of a life-sized sculpture of Donald Trump in Manhattan highlights the intersection of art and politics. Through his bold and provocative work, Colomina challenges perceptions of power and success, using public space as a canvas for commentary. The piece, though temporary, left a lasting impression on those who encountered it, prompting reflection on the themes it presented.