'Giant' Sculpture Coming to Tribeca Park

Tribeca Park visitors will be greeted by a colossal sculpture of a head by artist Nicolas Holiber. While the popular bronze teddy bear by Gimhongsok that preceded it only appeared to be made of trash bags, Holiber's public artwork Head of Goliath is literally made from New York City's debris: reclaimed wood from shipping pallets and other found materials. The mixed media sculpture is Holiber's interpretation of the biblical story and long?standing art historical theme of David and Goliath, and will be on view until September 2015. A reception will take place in the park Saturday May 16, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Inspiring artwork by the likes of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Titian, this story is not restricted to antiquity. The massive head is Holiber's modern take on the biblical tale of the young shepherd David slaying the giant Goliath with only a slingshot and stones. "People come to New York to be the underdog and beat whatever obstacle is in front of them," says Holiber. "The head of Goliath was David's trophy and I hope viewers will find inspiration in this piece and think about what Head of Goliath, as a symbol, means to them. For myself and many friends of mine, New York is the Goliath," says the artist.

Combining reclaimed objects with artistic materials, Holiber creates contemporary characters that are inspired by the fragmented remains of ancient sculpture and the artwork from past civilizations. "I see the remnants of a classical bust or an Aztec stone sculpture as testaments of the human spirit throughout time. Likewise, Head of Goliath will be a connection to the past and serve as a symbol of that spirit," remarks Holiber.

Measuring over four feet tall by ten feet long, the massive head will be installed on its side in the center of Tribeca Park. "Exhibiting in the park presents a unique opportunity to observe how the outdoor environment and NYC in particular will affect the sculpture. I'm looking forward to seeing how the piece will weather and change over time, thereby using the park as a catalyst to transform Head of Goliath into a modern ruin," states Holiber.

Holiber graduated from the New York Academy of Art in 2012 as a figurative painter, but as a sculptor he incorporates a diverse range of materials, techniques, humor and intensity into his attractively uncanny pieces. However, he still remains interested in classical motifs and portraiture, which is evident in his series of mythical kings. The heroic male ideal has been an ongoing theme in his work, which he describes as a dismantling and exploitation of heroic masculinity. Holiber notes that Head of Goliath will be the culmination of this series; with David's absence the viewers will have a chance to stand in his place and examine the giant prize.

Holiber's sculptures offer the viewer an eye?catching display of color, texture, and dimension. Holiber describes his studio practice as a chaotic mess. Using a supply of wood that has been cut into small scraps and large pieces spread across the floor, he will pick a piece at random to start building. He finds interesting shapes or colors to use, and if the piece does not work, Holiber will throw it back to the ground. The process is a controlled disorder that keeps the artist engaged and excited about his projects. Holiber's work is a rebirth of materials that falls somewhere between the mythical Phoenix and monstrous Frankenstein that only New York City can produce.

To see more of the artist's work visit his website at nicolasholiber.com and see the making of Head of Goliath on his Instagram page @nicolasholiber. To contact the artist, email info@nicolasholiber.com.

On Thursday, May 28th from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Holiber will be giving an artist talk, presented by [Silence Is Accurate]. The event will take place at 138 Sullivan Street, New York, NY 10012 and will be free and open to the public. He will discuss Head of Goliath and his mythical king series which will be on view during the event.

Nicolas Holiber received his Bachelor of Arts from University of Vermont in 2007 and in 2012 he was one of three graduating students to receive a Postgraduate Fellowship from the New York Academy of Art. In 2015 he participated in the Eric Fischl Artist-In-Residence Teaching Program at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, MD. Holiber will participate in Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Process Space residency program on Governor's Island in March 2016.

NYC Parks' Art in the Parks program has consistently fostered the creation and installation of temporary public art in parks throughout the five boroughs. Since 1967, collaborations with arts organizations and artists have produced hundreds of public art projects in New York City parks. For more information visit www.nyc.gov/parks/art.