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Joseph Reginella’s sculptures have commemorated some of the most unbelievable events in New York City history. From the 1963 giant octopus attack on a Staten Island ferry to the Brooklyn Bridge elephant stampede and the 1977 UFO tugboat abduction. Ok, so those events didn’t actually happen, but they did earn NYC-based artist Joseph Reginella the moniker of “the Bansky of monuments” from the New York Times. Reginella’s monuments based on urban legends are just part of the diverse sculpture work he does and on June 7th, you can join Untapped New York Insiders on a virtual tour where we’ll chat with Reginella about his art and see where it’s made inside his Staten Island studio.
Inside the Sculpture Studio
At this online event, Reginella will talk about his past work and give viewers a peek behind-the-scenes. This virtual event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. Not an Insider yet? Become a member today and get your first month free with code JOINUS.
Reginella is a self-taught sculptor who began sculpting and mold-making in 1985 at the age of 14. His passion for sculpture was inspired by his love of monsters and horror movies. He has been working professionally as a commercial artist since 1994.
Monster and horror themes have figured in his work throughout his career. One of his most popular projects was The Toxic Teddies, a toy line of not-so-cuddly bears that was granted the first-ever license to portray the world-famous band The Ramones as a group in figure form. Reginella even created a sculpture for former New York City Mayor Ed Koch that portrays former Mayor Rudy Giuliani as a 1950’s style movie monster.
Some of our favorite works by Joseph Reginella are his urban legend sculptures that confuse and amuse New Yorkers when they are on display. Along with the physical artwork, Reginella crafts a fantastical story that is based on just enough facts to make you pause. His most recent monument to a fake historical event was that of Porkchop the bootlegging bulldog and associate of real-life gangster Bill McCoy. The dog was modeled after Reginella’s own pet! Learn more about Porkchop here.
Over the years, Joseph has been commissioned to create works for various people and organizations, including a 9/11 memorial for the Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island and I Am Your Protector, a series of 5 life size figures depicting everyday heroes. His work has been featured in projects for such clients as Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, Juicy Couture, Macy’s, The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Nike, punk rock legends The Ramones, The Misfits, and even Lady Gaga.
Inside the Sculpture Studio
Meet Joseph Reginella and learn more about his work when we take a virtual visit to his studio on June 7th!
Next, check out 16 Public Art Installations to See This May
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