7. There’s a New Kid on the Block at Bowling Green

Fearless Girl-Sculpture-Wall Street Bull-State Street Global Advisors-NYC1

In contrast to the masculinity of the Wall Street Ball (or attributed to it), the statue of “Fearless Girl” was installed by State Street Global Advisors, a financial firm, and its advertising partner, McCann as a temporary piece, timed with the current political climate. [Update: she has since been moved to the New York Stock Exchange.]

The sculpture is by Kristen Visbal – and though Fearless Girl is a destination now almost as popular as the bull, the controversy over the motive of its installation have not subsided. Feminist statement or opportunist marketing stunt? The wonderful thing about it is that as a piece of art, it takes on a different meaning.

Due to popular demand (and bipartisan support), Fearless Girl will stand here until at least 2018 but there’s one very notable opponent to the idea. Arturo Di Modica, who designed the Wall Street Bull, is considering legal action against New York City for infringing “on his own artistic copyright by changing the creative dynamic to include the other bold presence.” Mayor Bill de Blasio responded in kind: “Men who don’t like women taking up space are exactly why we need the Fearless Girl.”