Brooklyn-based art duo Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw are set to unveil their latest creation, the world’s largest hot dog, in Times Square on April 30. Their towering 65-foot sculpture, titled “Hot Dog in the City,” will make its debut and will be on display through June. This installation builds upon the couple’s previous eye-catching works, such as a 3,000-gallon bowl of cereal showcased at Miami Art Week and a colossal ham featured at SPRING/BREAK.
Commissioned by Times Square Arts with support from city and state funds, “Hot Dog in the City” promises to be a whimsical addition to the iconic New York City landscape. Visitors and passersby will have the opportunity to marvel at this larger-than-life sculpture, adding another layer of creativity and spectacle to the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square.
“Jen and Paul are such a perfect match for Times Square,” remarked Jean Cooney, director of Times Square Arts. “They’re creating a funhouse mirror of sorts, reflecting a distorted image of ourselves and our culture that emphasizes both the grotesque and absurd—and what better space for them to hold up that mirror?”
The monumental wiener is still in the process of being fabricated, promising a smooth bun and succulent street meat topped with mustard. According to a pun-laden press release, once a day, “at high noon,” hydraulics will launch the hot dog high into the air, showering confetti upon the crowds below. This spectacle pays homage to the American penchant for extravagance and ostentatious displays, akin to patriotic parades, gender reveal parties, and New Year’s ball drops.
However, Catron and Outlaw want audiences to delve deeper amidst the spectacle. They view the hot dog as more than just a frivolous attraction but as a “Trojan Horse of individual narratives and sordid histories.”
“In considering Times Square as our canvas, we contemplated various ideas, from a colossal cake to hot air balloon rides,” Catron and Outlaw explained via email. “As we reflected on the venue’s significance and its relation to our practice of dissecting cultural oddities and travesties, we realized the multitude of narratives and histories encapsulated within this humble handheld food and its symbolic representation of the American Dream.”
The hot dog is an edible talisman, anchoring sports events, holidays, and even international diplomacy. Its enigmatic composition, origin story, and contemporary sales tactics reflect the diversity of the American experience. Even those adhering to dietary restrictions based on religious beliefs have devised creative workarounds to partake in this ubiquitous pastime.
“Hot Dog in the City” will engage with the multifaceted symbolism of the beloved food item through a diverse range of programming. Events such as a drag wrestling match, a Major League Eating competition, and a canine pageant will activate the installation, offering audiences a dynamic and immersive experience. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite hot dog condiment, with the results fueling a debate during the work’s wider talk series focused on the politics of meat.
Jean Cooney anticipates lively discussions, opposing views, and healthy debates infused with an extra dose of irreverent humor. This approach reflects the spirit of the installation, which aims to provoke thought and reflection on the hot dog’s cultural significance while embracing its audience members’ diverse perspectives and experiences.
