Fearless Girl’s face-off with Charging Bull extended
NEW YORK: The “Fearless Girl” statue in New York City, whose faceoff with Wall Street’s “Charging Bull” won her legions of fans in just three weeks, will hold her ground for at least another 11 months.
The 127cm bronze statue of a defiant girl with fists on hips was installed to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, under a lease due to end April 2.
The two statues stand on a patch of cobble stone in the financial district near Bowling Green.
After at least two petitions, generous press attention and ebullient interest on social media, the attraction for tourists and locals would keep its place at least through the end of February next year.
“She has clearly struck a nerve,” said US Rep. Carolyn Maloney as she stood on the steps of City Hall with other women politicians to announce the statue’s extended stay.
Maloney, a New York Democrat, said the bronze girl was a testament to the power of art in society. It was created by artist Kristen Visbal and commissioned by asset manager State Street Global Advisors as part of a campaign to increase gender diversity in business.
“She has really, really become a meaningful part of the community of New York,” Maloney said.
“Everyone sees their own dreams and aspirations in the strength of this little girl.”
Supporters now aim to convince New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to let “Fearless Girl” permanently stare down the “Charging Bull,” which its creator said was meant to show US economic strength, but also symbolised all things Wall Street and all things male.
But “Fearless Girl” had opponents.
They included Arturo Di Modica, who sculpted the “Charging Bull” and dropped it in front of the New York Stock Exchange in the middle of the night in December 1989.
“That is not a symbol! That's an advertising trick,” he told the financial news website MarketWatch last week. — Reuters