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Giant Bronze Animal Heads Mounted in Plaza Hotel Fountain

By DNAinfo Staff on May 4, 2011 5:48pm

By Jill Colvin

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MIDTOWN — A dozen giant, bronze animal heads designed by imprisoned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei were unveiled by the city Wednesday in the Plaza Hotel fountain.

The 800-pound heads, which represent the animals of the Chinese zodiac, include a roaring tiger, an intricate dragon and a hissing snake, were mounted on large poles in the "Pulitzer Fountain" at the south-west corner of Central Park in front of the storied hotel.

"Today we stand in solidarity," Bloomberg said of Weiwei, the designer of the famous "Bird's Nest” National Olympic Stadium, who had been expected to attend the event but is currently being detailed by the Chinese government.

"This is a message from America to the whole world that we are the place where people can come and express themselves," Bloomberg told reporters at the unveiling. "The more a city embraces diversity and tolerates dissent, the stronger it becomes."

The exhibit marks the first time that works of art have ever been erected in the fountain, AW Asia Founder Larry Warsh said.

But while the mayor touted Weiwei and the joys of free expression, others remained skeptical of the works on display.

"It's strange," said a puzzled Paul Perez, 29, visiting from Barcelona, Spain, as he came across the sculptures on a walk through Midtown Wednesday. "The word I think is strange."

He felt the works were inappropriate for the grand location, directly in front of the iconic Plaza.

"I think it's not an exhibit for this part of the city," he said. "Maybe SoHo."

Cornelis Luijendijk, 46, visiting from the Netherlands with his family, was also thrown.

"The eyes are a little bit scary," he said, examining the mounted heads.

Still, he said he was a fan of the concept: "I like the idea. And it’s always good to see art."

The Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads exhibit will run through July 15 and is then set go on tour to other cities including London and Houston, TX.