Sculpture Resembling Male Genitalia Sparks Debate in New York: "That's New York" vs "Still, It's Too Much"

A Pink Foot and Leg Sculpture About 3 Meters Tall
Water Spouts from the Top Lip When Pedals Are Pressed

A heated debate has erupted over a sculpture installed in the heart of Manhattan, New York City.

On June 30, international media outlets such as the New York Post reported that a fountain sculpture resembling a male genitalia had been installed in Manhattan's High Line park, sparking controversy among citizens. This fountain, titled "Foot Fountain," is the work of Argentine artist Mika Rottenberg and was installed in the park this past April. The sculpture is about three meters tall and shaped like a pink foot and leg, with red lips sticking out their tongues adorning the leg portion.

A fountain sculpture resembling a male genitalia has been installed in Manhattan's High Line park. Photo by highlinenyc Instagram

The topmost lip of the fountain is designed to spout water. It operates when citizens pedal the bicycle installed next to the walkway. The issue, according to the media, is that the "Foot Fountain" evokes the image of a male genitalia, simultaneously arousing curiosity and disgust among citizens. While children consider it a "fascinating and fun fountain," adults have described it as an unpleasant sculpture. One local resident commented, "It's interesting that water comes out, but I wouldn't want to take a photo in front of it." A foreign tourist visiting New York said, "This would never be allowed in India, but it's possible in America."

The topmost lip of the fountain is designed to spout water. It operates when citizens pedal the bicycle installed next to the walkway. highlinenyc Instagram

Opinions among netizens were also divided over the fountain. One viewer who watched a video of the fountain in action said, "To be honest, no one looked at this and thought of a foot." Another commented, "It looks like a pink genitalia," and "It's inappropriate for a public place." Conversely, some netizens said, "This is exactly the charm of New York," and "Surprisingly, when you go to the park, people of all ages are enthusiastically pedaling and watching the water come out with interest."

Meanwhile, as the controversy spread, the park administration stated that the sculpture is "part of an artistic experiment." However, Mika Rottenberg's team has remained silent regarding the controversy over the Foot Fountain. The work is scheduled to be on display until May 2026.