The "Fearless Girl" statue, a bold stand for corporate feminism/P.R. stunt by an investment firm and advertising agency is killing it on Instagram as she stands across from the famed "Charging Bull" statue in Manhattan's Financial District. However, she may need to find a place to defiantly stand if the city ends up keeping her around.
The statue, created by Kristen Visbal, was placed in Bowling Green, across from the "Charging Bull", by State Street Global Advisors, to promote the idea that more women should be on corporate boards. Though there are only three women on State Street's 11-person board and their top executive ranks feature 20-30% women, local New York politicians like Public Advocate Letitia James and Representative Carolyn Maloney want to make the statue a permanent fixture.
The sculptor of the "Charging Bull," Arturo Di Modica, wasn't impressed with the new statue, calling it a publicity grab versus being art. From the Daily News:
Di Modica said his bull — which he paid for with his money — was made for everyone.
“I did it for all the American people,” he fumed during a phone interview from his Church Street art studio. “Not designed for men, women or gay.”...
“[State Street] took advantage,” he said. “It’s not right! They are insulting all the American people and me and my work.”
The bull was also never supposed to have a permanent residence near Wall St. Di Modica spent $350,000 out of pocket, then put the sculpture right by the New York Stock Exchange in December 1989. He never obtained a permit, and the art was later shipped off to Queens.
But city officials changed their minds and moved it to the current spot.
“I put it there for art," he told MarketWatch, which first reported his opposition to the new installation. “My bull is a symbol for America. My bull is a symbol of prosperity and for strength.
“Women, girls, that’s great, but that’s not what that (my sculpture) is,” he adde.
Now the Post reports, "A high-level officer from State Street Global Advisors, which commissioned the work, met on Friday with... Di Modica, who is threatening to sue the company for copyright infringement if it’s not moved after April 2, according to sources. Di Modica has already made State Street take down photographs that include his statue on the company’s site."
Mayor de Blasio said last week that he'd be open to extending the permit for "Fearless Girl" past the current April 2 end date. For those of you who are interested in a statue saluting an actual New York City woman, we have some suggestions.
