Kid-Sized Vladimir Putin Statue Arrives At NYC Playground To Play Among Children
Image via Galeries Bartoux
Joining the ranks of rocking horses and see-saws, a red statue of Russian president Vladimir Putin meets children at eye level at a playground in Central Park.
The sculpture was created by French street artist James Colomina, reputed for his bold, red installations designed to engage the public. It depicts the Russian leader sitting on a war tank as if it were a toy.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates, the sculptor says the piece takes aim at “the absurdity of war” while commending children’s bravery in the face of tragedy.
The playground in New York City isn’t the first one that ‘Putin’ has been to. In the wake of the war, the sculpture has also been seen in Barcelona and Paris.
The sandbox’s other visitors haven’t taken too kindly to this intruder—though, as intended by the art, they’ve been pretty fearless in its presence. Photos capture children bullying ‘Putin’ right back by dumping sand over the figure, attacking him with a water gun, and sticking a finger in his ear. You know, the usual playground politics.
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[via CBS News and New York Post, images via various sources]
