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The Hippo Ballerina Finds Its Home at Fordham University

Fordham University, in collaboration with Cavalier Galleries, has launched an exciting new art exhibition titled The Magis Sculpture Exhibition. This event highlights the stunning Hippo Ballerina, a 15-foot tall bronze sculpture dressed in a whimsical copper tutu. The Hippo Ballerina is not just a sculpture; it represents a merge of classic art inspirations including Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen and the beloved dancing hippos from Disney’s Fantasia. This impressive 2.5-ton piece is set to be displayed prominently at the heart of Fordham's Lincoln Center campus, located across from the renowned Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

The exhibition brings together a total of eleven magnificent sculptures, enriching the university's outdoor sculpture garden, which is often considered a hidden gem amid the bustling culture of Manhattan. In a statement, President Tania Tetlow mentioned, "Fordham's sculpture garden at our Lincoln Center campus is a hidden oasis in the cultural heart of the city." The exhibition will remain open to the public until December, allowing art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike to immerse themselves in a self-guided sculpture tour through this beautifully manicured campus.

Aside from the enchanting Hippo Ballerina, the exhibition features works by the talented Bjørn Okholm Skaarup, including sculptures like The Frog, The Majestic Lion, The Giraffe, and The Ostrich. Each piece explores profound narratives drawn from fables, art history, and modern storytelling. Additionally, the exhibition includes major works by Jim Rennert, whose sculptures Timing and Inner Dialogue reflect the intersection of business life and everyday existence in urban settings. These powerful artworks aim to resonate with the experiences faced by many in our contemporary society.

Renowned sculptors like Bruno Lucchesi and Jane DeDecker are also represented within this exhibition, with pieces that delve into themes surrounding family, nature, and the human journey. Ron Cavalier, the President of Cavalier Galleries, emphasized the creativity embodied in Skaarup's sculptures by stating, “Bjørn Skaarup's sculptures invite us to see the familiar in extraordinary ways.”

The immersive experience of The Magis Sculpture Exhibition extends to the use of modern technology as well—visitors can access a QR code provided next to each artwork, linking them to detailed information about the sculpture and its creator. This integration of technology with art not only enhances the visitor experience but also encourages a deeper reflection on the pieces displayed.

Kim B. Bepler, a devoted supporter of Fordham, expressed her hopes that these sculptures would inspire viewers, stating, “I hope these sculptures will be inspiring, and that they'll give people a moment to pause and reflect as they wander through campus.”

The exhibit is located at 113 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023, and is open for exploration daily. The operating hours are Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Visitors can easily access the plaza through a staircase on the east side of Fordham's School of Law along 62nd Street.

For those interested in experiencing this artistic wonder, further details about the exhibition can be found on Fordham's official website. The Magis Sculpture Exhibition not only serves as a celebration of art but also as a cultural activity available to all who wish to enjoy a moment of creativity and reflection in one of New York City’s most vibrant districts.