Tom Otterness

Over the past two decades, New York-based sculptor Tom Otterness has overseen the installation of a number of high-profile public works in parks, plazas, museums, courthouses, and libraries around the world. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Mr. Otterness attended The Art Students League of New York and the Whitney Museum of American Art’s Independent Study Program in the early 1970s. He came to sculpture gradually, forming an early affiliation with the Brooke Alexander Gallery in Manhattan and helping organize in 1980 The Times Square Show, an exhibition of about 50 emerging artists. This groundbreaking show featured Tom Otterness’ sculptural work, as well as samples by young artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat. Kiki Smith and Keith Haring. Tom Otterness received his first major public artwork commission from the Battery Park City Authority in 1986, which resulted in the installation of The Real World in 1992. The sculptural installation features many of the hallmarks of subsequent exhibits by Mr. Otterness, including a diverse number of whimsical figures inhabiting a large public space, designed to interact with children and adult viewers.

Sculptures by Tom Otterness were among those selected for No Laughing Matter, a traveling exhibition organized by Independent Curators International and curated by Nina Felshin. The exhibition toured from 1991 to 1993. In 1996, Mr. Otterness had the privilege of participating in Exhibition IV of Twentieth Century American Sculpture at the White House. Mr. Otterness also took part in the New York gallery 242’s An Exhibition for Children in 1998. His work was notably featured at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Massachusetts in 2001, in the show Lighten Up: Art with a Sense of Humor. Tom Otterness is currently represented by the Marlborough Gallery in New York City. He recently collaborated with the Anna Silver School P.S. 20 and the American Ballet Theater to create a ballet based on his work at the 14th Street-Eighth Avenue subway station. Tom has donated many works to schools around NYC including a Coqui to PS 20 on the Lower East Side and Frog and Bee to PS 234 downtown. Tom Otterness has also completed several playground sculptures, including one at Silver Towers in New York that is designed to be interactive with children.