NYC Artist Plants Fictional History in Battery Park
Table of Contents
New York City’s Battery Park has become an unwitting stage for a unique artistic performance. For the past nine years, freelance artist Joseph Reginella has been secretly installing elaborate, yet entirely fabricated, monuments commemorating legendary—but entirely fictional—local events.
His latest creation, a rat-covered bust of Nathaniel Katz, purportedly the individual responsible for introducing rats to New York City, has captivated the public. The accompanying plaque claims Katz was “catapulted into the Hudson River” as punishment. the reality, however, is far more whimsical. Reginella, a mold-making specialist, invented the entire narrative, basing the bust’s likeness on his pigeon-loving neighbor.
“I was like, people are going to know this is an art installation instantly. And then everybody believed it. And I was just like, face-plant. I just can’t believe this,” Reginella shared, expressing his surprise at the public’s reaction.
This isn’t an isolated incident. reginella’s previous installations include monuments to the “Brooklyn Bridge Elephant Stampede,” the “UFO Tugboat Abduction,” and the “1963 Staten Island Ferry Octopus Disaster”—all entirely products of his inventiveness. Each monument typically remains on display for a single day within a non-consecutive month, appearing and disappearing without clarification.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many believing the stories to be true. One TikTok user commented on a video of the Katz statue, stating, “They had him catapulted into the Hudson that would have been hilarious to witness,” entirely unaware of the hoax. Another user questioned, ”Y would they create a monument of him for that accomplishment is what baffles me.” The unexpected popularity even led to a real-world consequence: a cultural institution whose address Reginella used for a fictional memorial received numerous inquiries and had to contact the artist directly.
Reginella clarifies that his work isn’t intended as a prank, but rather as a playful exploration of New York City’s history, blending reality with fantastical elements. He elaborates on his creations with extensive backstories and even self-produced documentaries, further immersing viewers in his fictional world. “For a minute or two, people are sucked into my world,” he explained. “I’m not trying to prank you. I’m trying to pull you into something else.” He even jokingly added, “‘Idiocracy’ is definitely a documentary now, that’s for sure.”
Reginella plans to bring the Katz bust, and perhaps other monuments, back for one-day appearances in the spring. His work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the public’s willingness to embrace the unexpected, even if it’s entirely fabricated.
This unique blend of art and urban exploration continues to intrigue and amuse New Yorkers and visitors alike,proving that even in a city known for its rich history,a little bit of playful fiction can go a long way.
Staten Island Artist’s Rat Monuments Divide New York City
Joseph Reginella, a Staten Island artist, has ignited a firestorm of debate with his series of quirky, life-sized bronze rat monuments scattered across the borough. These aren’t your average rodent sculptures; they’re meticulously crafted, cold-cast bronze pieces, each a unique testament to Reginella’s vision, and a source of both interest and fury.
Reginella, who sells merchandise related to his work on his website, nycurbanlegends.com, explains his artistic vision: “I wont to draw you into my imagination for a little bit and have a little fun.” Though, this playful intent hasn’t been universally appreciated. He receives a steady stream of angry emails, a testament to the polarizing nature of his art.
“Stupidity at its best. The rat problem needs to be eradicated and you MORONS are paying homage? This country is STUCK on STUPID,” one recent email criticized. The vitriol highlights the deep-seated feelings surrounding both rats and public art in New York City.
Despite the considerable negativity – “maybe a dozen [emails] a month,” and countless negative TikTok comments – Reginella’s work has also garnered praise. His creations have been featured in children’s books exploring the line between fact and fiction, and are even included in a textbook as an example of contemporary heritage. They’ve even been referenced in the display of LinkNYC kiosks.
Surprisingly, neither the NYPD nor the Parks Department has interfered with his installations.Reginella recounts a humorous anecdote: “A uniformed official once got out of a cop car, and I thought I was in trouble.Instead, he gets out of the car and he takes a selfie with it and gets back in the car.”
After nearly a decade of creating these elaborate, costly sculptures, Reginella is considering ending the project.”The studio is getting filled up in here,” he said from his Silver Lake, Staten Island workspace. He hints at a potential final masterpiece: “This will maybe be the swan song,because this one’s going to be a shocker.”
Fictional History Comes to Life: An Interview with urban Historian Dr. Amelia Thorne
New york City’s Battery Park has become an unlikely stage for a captivating social experiment, blurring the lines between past reality and creative fiction. For nearly a decade, artist Joseph Reginella has been secretly installing elaborate, yet entirely fabricated, monuments commemorating entirely invented local events.Dr. Amelia Thorne, an urban historian specializing in public art and cultural memory, joins us today to dissect this unique phenomenon.
World Today News Editor: Dr. Thorne,thank you for joining us. Can you provide some context for our readers about Joseph Reginella’s project and its impact on public perception of history?
Dr. Amelia Thorne:
It’s a pleasure to be here. Joseph’s work is truly innovative, raising fascinating questions about how we construct and interact with history.
His sculptures, presented as memorials to entirely fictional events, have remarkably fooled a significant portion of the public. The “Nathaniel Katz” monument, for example, depicting the alleged “introducer of rats” to New York City, has sparked genuine curiosity and even sparked concern.
World Today news Editor: Some might consider Reginella’s work a prank or even disrespectful to historical accuracy. What’s your perspective?
Dr. Amelia Thorne:
I wouldn’t call it a prank. While humorous, Reginella’s work demonstrates a keen understanding of our collective fascination with the past. He cleverly taps into our innate desire to uncover hidden narratives and connect with historical figures, even when those figures are entirely products of his creativity.
His creations highlight the malleability of memory and how easily narratives, especially those presented with visual authority, can be accepted as truth.
World Today News Editor: Reginella’s work has sparked online debates and even influenced the real world, with institutions receiving inquiries about his fictitious events. How does this blur the lines between art,fiction,and reality?
Dr. Amelia Thorne:
Reginella’s work forces us to examine who controls the narrative and how easily lines can be blurred. He inverts the traditional role of museums and memorials, allowing him to become the architect of a fictional past.
The online discussions and real-world inquiries demonstrate the power of art to shape our understanding of the world around us. His project challenges us to question the sources of our data and be more discerning consumers of historical narratives.
World Today News Editor: Do you think this type of art has the potential to change how we approach historical scholarship or public interaction with history?
Dr. Amelia Thorne:
It’s certainly thought-provoking. While Reginella’s work focuses on playful fabrication, it raises crucial questions about the nature of historical truth. It compels us to be more critical thinkers and recognize that history is not always a clear-cut narrative.
His project is a reminder that history is an ongoing conversation, constantly being reinterpreted and reshaped. It encourages us to embrace ambiguity and recognize the power of storytelling, even when those stories are entirely imagined.
World Today News Editor: Thank you for your insightful commentary Dr.Thorne. This certainly gives our readers much to ponder.
Dr. Amelia Thorne: My pleasure. I believe reginella’s work will continue to spark conversation and inspire us to look at the past—and the present—in new and unexpected ways.
