Installation view of Tovar The Chair at Broadway Plaza, Times Square in NYC. Photo: Angela Garcia
A bold new sculpture has arrived in the heart of New York City: TOVAR The Chair, a 13-foot-tall sculptural installation by the late Dominican surrealist artist Iván Tovar (b. 1942, Dominican Republic; d. 2020). Unveiled on September 15, 2024, in Broadway Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets, this monumental piece captures the attention of art lovers and tourists alike in one of the world’s busiest locations. It’s a powerful tribute to Tovar’s surrealist legacy and the Dominican community, whose influence continues to shape New York.
The installation coincided with the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting the rich cultural contributions of the Dominican people, who number more than 800,000 in the region. Tovar’s sculpture serves as a reminder of this vibrant community and his status as one of the most important surrealist artists of the 20th century.
TOVAR The Chair brings to life one of Tovar’s earlier works, La Chaise Adulte (*The Adult Chair*), transforming it into a massive stainless steel sculpture. The intertwined nude male and female figures represented, create a throne-like structure that’s more than just a striking visual—it functions as "a stage upon which global desires and universal emotions are displayed". By placing this piece in such a high-profile public space, the installation invites everyone to engage with surrealism in an entirely new way.
Iván Tovar. The Adult Chair, 1962. Iván Tovar Foundation
TOVAR The Chair is a testament to his ability to blend the surreal with the everyday, elevating a personal vision into something universally accessible. In the bustling energy of Times Square, this sculpture stands as a striking contrast—urging passersby to stop, reflect, and connect with art in an unexpected space.
On display until November 15, 2024, TOVAR The Chair offers a unique opportunity for the public to engage with one of the Dominican Republic’s most renowned artists. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover, a museum professional, or just someone wandering through Times Square, this piece is a must-see. Don’t miss the chance to experience Tovar’s surrealist vision right in the heart of New York City.
More About The Artist:
Tovar, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 78, spent much of his career in Paris, having traveled there on a painting scholarship in 1963. Influenced by surrealist
Iván Tovar. Tovar The Chair. Installtionationw in Times Square. Photo: Angela Garcia
icons like Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, Tovar became the first Dominican artist to exhibit at the prestigious Paris Biennale. His work, marked by dreamlike imagery and emotional depth, was exhibited in major cities around the world, including Stockholm, Luxembourg, and New York.
Powerful sculpture !