Stoneware and fiberglass sculpture titled 'Dreams of the Luddite' in New York park.

Genesis Belanger’s Monumental Sculptures Challenge Perceptions in Manhattan’s City Hall Park

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Written by John Oliver

2026-07-28

Genesis Belanger invites you into her uncanny world, challenging the line between artificial and real. Her ceramic creations reveal domestic life through an unsettling lens, exploring discomfort and capitalism’s grip. In pieces like “Dreams of the Luddite,” Belanger portrays a nostalgic struggle with pervasive technology.

While her art often resides indoors, Belanger’s latest project spills into the outdoors. At Manhattan’s City Hall Park, her large-scale installations commissioned by the Public Art Fund reflect on uncertain times. The exhibition, Heads or Tails, infuses the ordinary with the surreal, turning routine objects into intriguing inquiries.

Close-up of 'Lady Justice Unbiased' showing intricate design details.
Detail of “Lady Justice Unbiased.” Photo by Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, New York

Unveiling the Unsettling in the Heart of the City

Concrete birds in pastel hues gather in a fountain, juxtaposed with potted plants perched on dollies, as if frozen mid-move. This interplay of real and artificial invites viewers to ponder meaning and manipulation. Nearby, two cast-bronze figures reinterpret Lady Justice, with one holding a mirror while the other presents her hands at different heights, embodying reflection and varying levels of impartiality.

For another intriguing take on ceramic artistry, explore how John Byrd merges ceramics and taxidermy to form compelling animal figures.

Stylized potted plant with bright flowers in New York public park.
a stylized potted plant with bright flowers in a public park in New York

Belanger says her work captures life’s dual nature: exhilarating yet devastating, coexisting in contradiction. She aims to depict a layered reflection of contemporary existence.

Discover how another artist captures life’s contradictions in ceramic sculptures exploring peace and love for more perspectives on art and life.

Close-up of 'Lady Justice Unbiased' highlighting detailed craftsmanship.
Detail of “Lady Justice Unbiased.” Photo by Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, New York

A Chance to Experience Belanger Up Close

If you find yourself in New York, dive into Belanger’s thought-provoking installations. Her work graces Perrotin, part of the Touch Grass group exhibition until month’s end. Meanwhile, Heads or Tails remains on view through November 15. For more insights, follow the artist’s journey on Instagram.

Concrete sculpture 'Distressed Assets' with stainless steel legs in park setting.
“Distressed Assets” (2026), pigmented cast concrete with stainless steel legs and armature. Photo by Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, New York
Bronze sculpture 'Lady Justice Impartial' displayed in New York park.
“Lady Justice Impartial” (2026), cast patinated bronze. Photo by Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, New York
Stylized potted plant with vibrant flowers in Manhattan park.
a stylized potted plant with bright flowers in a public park in New York
Detail view of bright flowers in a stylized potted plant, public park.
a detail image of a stylized potted plant with bright flowers in a public park in New York
Sculpture 'Reduction in Force' made of various materials, displayed in a park.
“Reduction in Force” (2026), stoneware, porcelain, fiberglass, painted steel, structural epoxy, 41 x 28 x 7 inches. Photo by Pauline Shapiro
Close-up detail of 'Eclipse' sculpture showing unique design elements.
Detail of “Eclipse.” Photo by Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, New York
Porcelain and wood artwork 'Care-taken' placed in an exhibit setting.
“Care-taken” (2025), porcelain, plywood, wood veneer, linoleum, 25 x 19 x 2 inches. Photo by Guillaume Ziccarelli
Concrete sculpture 'Distressed Assets' with stainless steel elements in outdoor display.
“Distressed Assets” (2026), pigmented cast concrete with stainless steel legs and armature. Photo by Nicholas Knight, courtesy of Public Art Fund, New York

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What themes does Genesis Belanger explore in her sculptures?

Genesis Belanger explores themes of discomfort, capitalism’s influence, and the boundary between artificial and real through her ceramic creations.

Where can you see Belanger’s outdoor installations?

Belanger’s outdoor installations can be seen at Manhattan’s City Hall Park, commissioned by the Public Art Fund.

What is the name of Belanger’s exhibition in City Hall Park?

The name of Belanger’s exhibition in City Hall Park is ‘Heads or Tails’.