Jim Rennert’s “Perspective” offers passersby a chance to reflect on their life and career (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Union Square Park
14th St. & Union Square East
17th St. & Broadway
Through October 31, free
www.nycgovparks.org/art
jim rennert slideshow
Sculptor Jim Rennert examines the fast-paced nature of corporate culture in his work, offering passersby the opportunity to take a step back and reconsider their goals and how to achieve them. A recent show at Project 3W57 featured small bronze sculptures of men in suits with such titles as “Decisions Decisions,” “Steady,” “Second Chance,” “A Reasonable Man,” and “Clean Slate.” That same businessman figure can now be found at opposite corners of Union Square Park, a pair of sculptures that Rennert, who was raised in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, intends to bring to people a positive outlook on life. In the island off the southeast corner of the park is “Think Big,” a twelve-foot-tall man in a suit, his hands at his side, his mouthless face gazing up at the heavens, imagining the American dream that might still be within his reach. Meanwhile, in the pedestrian plaza just off the northwest end of the park, is “Perspective,” in which the businessman, only slightly larger than a Wall Street executive, is looking up at the sky, his hands clasped behind his back, considering what awaits him as people hurry past. Rennert, who uses the lost-wax casting method in creating his sculptures, sees the pieces as inspirational in nature while also being contemplative and reflective. “The work has evolved into developing a consistent character and creating an environment in which the interaction between the two brings in the viewer,” he explains in his artist statement. “This approach seems to allow the audience an opportunity to relate to the work in a very personal manner. While not everyone wears a suit, I feel the themes transcend to the everyman.” The sculptures, part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program, will continue peering up at the future through October 31.