A statue of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. has been erected in his native borough of Brooklyn, New York City. Last week, his cultural impact and importance for the area were cast in stone with the installation entitled ‘Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings’ emerging on Clumber Corner near the Brooklyn Bridge.
The artwork is the design of Sherwin Banfield, who used stainless steel, resin, bronze, wood and winter stone to craft the statue of the rapper. It depicts him extending his hands outward, with his heart in one hand and a microphone in the other.
Taking to his Instagram, Banfield discussed creating the installation and revealed that it also has a solar-powered audio and lighting feature, which plays a medley of some of Biggie’s beast-loved cuts.
“THIS GOES OUT TO YOU, BROOKLYN,” Banfield wrote. “A sustainable sonic statue dedicated to the King of New York, Brooklyn Hip-Hop legend The Notorious B.I.G.”
He continued: “Currently on view at Clumber Corner in downtown Brooklyn. First pedestrian exit off the Brooklyn Bridge then make a right. You cant miss it because it plays a special DJ audio mix of Biggie’s hits from the built in audio powered by a solar power system.”
When talking to ArtNet News, Banfield discussed why the statue’s creation and location are so significant. “The location had a profound impact on the work,” he said. “It’s on a hill, and I wanted viewers to ascend towards a regal monument and be welcomed with open arms and two essential human qualities: the voice through a microphone and love via a heart.”
Banfield’s work was funded by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and the Dumbo Improvement District, and was manufactured by Bill Makky. It’s on display until Spring 2023.
