Biggie Smalls Statue Unveiled by Brooklyn Bridge
The solar-powered artwork plays a mix curated by DJ Mister Cee.
The Notorious B.I.G. has been immortalized through a new statue in Brooklyn. More than just a statue, however, the nine-foot stainless steel artwork features solar-powered speakers that plays a mix specially curated by DJ Mister Cee, who is hailed as one of the early figures who spotted Biggie Smalls’ talent.
Dubbed Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings, the work is the brainchild of artist Sherwin Banfield who told Artnet News that he is a “traditionally trained figurative sculptor and wanted to take something classic then remix or sample it with something new and fresh.”
Having first sketched out a statue dedicated to the hip hop legend, Banfield initially nixed any plans to bring it to life until his cousin told him about an open call for a new artwork that stood at the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge.
“The location had a profound impact on the work,” Banfield said, adding, “It’s on a hill, and I wanted viewers to ascend towards a regal monument and be welcomed with open arms and two essential human qualities: the voice through a microphone and love via a heart.”
Funded by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and the Dumbo Improvement District, the sculpture is manufactured by Bill Makky, who also cast the famous Wall Street Bull. The statue will be on view until Spring 2023.
Elsewhere, DRIFT unveils first Asian exhibition in South Korea.
