New York’s vibrant Meatpacking District on Manhattan’s West Side is a popular mecca for art enthusiasts. Starting September 6, 2024 and running through October, a fascinating outdoor installation titled “The Great Elephant Migration” will be the area’s newest art offering.

In this one-of-a-kind neighborhood, visitors can immerse themselves in a multitude of gallery exhibits, stroll along New York’s High Line to see world-class sculptures, murals, and architecture, or visit the Whitney Museum’s impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. of Modern Art.

But this unique upcoming exhibit of 100 life-sized elephants spread across various parts of the Meatpacking District promises to be one of the largest and most meaningful displays of public art in New York City since the installation of of Central Park in 2005, known as “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne Claude.

A collaborative art project to promote conservation

The exhibit, made possible through a partnership between the Meatpacking District Management Association (whose goal is to promote the area to businesses, residents and visitors) and Elephant Family USA, an international non-governmental organization, aims to promote conservation and coexistence among people. and wild animals.

Each of the intricately detailed elephants on display was created by members of the Coexistence Collective, a community of 200 indigenous artisans in India. The eco-conscoius sculptures are created from lantana camara, a fast-growing invasive weed known to drive animals from their natural habitats.

In addition to its artistic appeal, this family-friendly exhibit offers a unique opportunity to teach young people about threats to wildlife and the importance of conservation. Photos of elephants in this urban setting are expected to spread across social media, influencing more people than those who can see them in person.

The elephants will all be available for sale, with donations ranging from $8,000 for a baby elephant to $22,000 for a larger herd elephant. Funds generated from sales and other donations will be used in a variety of efforts designed to promote harmony between people and wildlife populations.

Follow the herd

The elephant herd is making its way across the US, so art lovers, animal lovers and conservationists in other countries can check the upcoming schedule.

Before visiting New York, the herd will be in Newport, Rhode Island until the end of August 2024. Other stops are planned in Miami Beach, Florida, in December 2024, in the Blackfeet Nation, Buffalo Pastures and Browning, Montana, in May and June 2025 and in Los Angeles in July 2025. Be sure to mark your calendar.

The Meatpacking District installation will include multidisciplinary works by artist Hadi Falapishi. Indian fashion house Sabyasachi, a major sponsor of the New York visit, will host special events in conjunction with Fashion Week (September 6-11, 2024).

“Bringing the Great Elephant Migration to the Meatpacking Cobblestones combines both and showcases the significant role that art plays in New York City, especially around placemaking, tourism and economic development,” said Jeffrey LeFrancois, Executive Director of the Meatpacking BID. in one. Press release.

The project was curated by renowned writer, editor and art critic Dodie Kazanjian, who has been called the matriarch of the Great Elephant Migration.