In the vibrant heart of Times Square, New York, stands an impressive work of art, The Chair. This sculpture pays tribute to one of the Dominican Republic’s most prominent surrealist artists, Ivan Tovar. The monumental work, known as TOVAR The Chair, is a grandiose representation of the artistic vision and cultural legacy of the late master, who left an indelible mark on contemporary art.
Iván Tovar in Surrealist Art
Iván Tovar was a master at exploring the abstract and the symbolic, creating a world where human forms intertwine with the imaginary. His ability to represent the unconscious in his sculptures made him a key figure in surrealism, not only in the Dominican Republic, but internationally.
Through his works, Tovar invited the viewer to immerse himself in a universe full of complex emotions and psychological landscapes. The monumental TOVAR The Chair is an extension of this vision. The art transcends the tangible to become a unique emotional and visual experience.
Iván Tovar’s sculpture The Chair
This imposing work, which reaches 4 meters in height, is part of a series of sculptures designed for New York’s public space. It also coincides with the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Created from stainless steel, TOVAR The Chair is an enlarged version of one of his most iconic pieces, La Chaise Adulte. The sculpture fuses the forms of nude male and female figures intertwined, creating a monumental throne-like chair.
This work reflects Tovar’s unique ability to intertwine human bodies with surreal elements, evoking both beauty and bewilderment, fundamental characteristics of his style.
Creation process
The creation of TOVAR The Chair was a painstaking and detailed process that involved the collaboration of various sculpting and casting experts. Following the artist’s original vision, the technical team employed traditional molding and casting methods to ensure that every detail was faithful to the original work.
The choice of stainless steel not only adds durability to the piece. It also creates a play of light and shadow that highlights the intertwining of the naked figures.
The sculpture is carefully located in Broadway Plaza, between 45th and 46th Streets, and has been designed to interact with the surrounding space. It stands out as a visual and conceptual landmark in one of the busiest places in the world.
TOVAR The chair in Times Square
Installing TOVAR The Chair in Times Square not only seeks to beautify the urban space, but also provides a platform for art to serve as a bridge between cultures. This monumental sculpture connects the Dominican community with the international public, reflecting the cultural diversity of New York City.
Public art has a transformative power, and Tovar’s work in this emblematic space allows people from diverse backgrounds to find common ground. Through his surrealist language, Tovar manages to bring his work into dialogue with different generations and cultures, promoting a reflection on the importance of art in everyday life.
In addition, this public exhibition symbolizes the recognition of Latin American art in one of the main epicenters of contemporary art worldwide.
Tribute to Iván Tovar in New York
This work not only celebrates Tovar’s valuable artistic legacy. It also pays tribute to the Dominican community in New York, which has nearly 800,000 inhabitants.
Héctor José Rizek, one of the organizers of the installation, notes that the sculpture offers a valuable opportunity to share Tovar’s legacy with a wider audience.
Through his art, Tovar expressed his concerns and obsessions in a singular way, always linked to a visual language that transcends the individual. TOVAR The Chair expands that vision, taking it beyond the traditional confines of art and allowing the public to immerse themselves in his creative universe in an open and accessible space.
Inauguration and cultural significance
The opening of TOVAR The Chair becomes a significant event within National Hispanic Heritage Month. In doing so, it offers New York residents and visitors the opportunity to reflect on Tovar’s artistic legacy and his influence on surrealism. This monumental sculpture is not only a tribute to his creative genius. It also highlights the importance of celebrating the cultural contributions of the Dominican community in the region.
Public art exhibition in Times Square
The Chair is not simply a work of art. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of both Ivan Tovar and the community that surrounded him. Alongside the sculpture, visitors will appreciate a 15-meter silkscreened chronology documenting the artist’s career, providing historical and visual context to this masterful work.
Located in one of the most iconic centers of the city, the sculpture invites those who contemplate it to stop and reflect on the fusion of cultures and the permanence of art in public space.
The installation will be on display in Times Square from September 15 to November 15, 2024. It promises to be one of the cultural highlights of the season in New York.
Want to learn more about TOVAR The Chair installation in Times Square? Click here for more information about the project.
