Times Square Arts unveiled “Hot Dog: The Second Serving,” a revamped 65-foot hot dog sculpture by Brooklyn artists Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw, on Wednesday, July 22.
Draped in patriotic bunting and topped with a gold Lady Liberty figure, the larger-than-life sculpture was redesigned to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The hot dog originally appeared in Times Square in 2024 as part of the artists’ “Hot Dog in the City” exhibition.
Following the unveiling, Times Square Arts held “The Most American Pageant Ever!,” hosted by Catron, Outlaw and New York City-based artist Abby Lloyd.
The pageant featured a panel of judges that included Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, actor and designer Waris Ahluwalia, comedian Lily Marotta and Creative Time Executive Director Jean Cooney.
Performers included Spike Einbinder, Ellery Neon, Kenneth Youngblood, Kiki Ball-Change, Celine Abdallah, Relish the Entertainer, Peter BD, Jordan Coley and Claywoman.
Following the unveiling, Times Square Arts held “The Most American Pageant Ever!,” hosted by Catron, Outlaw and New York City-based artist Abby Lloyd.Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk/Courtesy of Times Square Arts
The redesigned sculpture retains many elements from the original installation while introducing new details intended to deepen its examination of patriotism, monumentality, power and national mythology.
“As artists, we always think our job is to be a reflection of the society and culture in which we occupy,” Catron told amNewYork. “We live in a specific time and place, and it’s our responsibility to present our interpretation of that space and make commentary on our shared circumstances.”
Catron and Outlaw frequently create large-scale installations examining spectacle, excess and the construction of national myths. Catron said the exhibition and pageant were intended to both celebrate America and critically examine what makes the country unique.
“The hot dog represents the good, the bad and the ugly of our society, all wrapped up in a pre-packaged, highly marketed, consumable staple that has universal appeal,” Outlaw said.
The artists deliberately chose Times Square, where consumerism, spectacle and American culture are displayed before visitors from around the world.
Curtis Sliwa was in attendance at that pageant.Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk/Courtesy of Times Square Arts
“Times Square is still the center of the Universe in so many ways. It represents a pinnacle at least part of the human experience and is uniquely American,” said Outlaw.
“And of course, if it’s going to be in Times Square, it has to be the biggest, the best, and the loudest there is,” he added.
That sense of excess extends beyond the sculpture’s size. Each day at noon, the hot dog rises above Duffy Square and releases a burst of confetti, transforming the installation into a spectacle for passersby
“When you set out to make a giant hot dog, it feels only fitting—in the spirit of America—to make it the biggest and loudest you possibly can,” Carton said.
Their work has previously appeared at the Brooklyn Museum, Times Square Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and Creative Time.
The free exhibition will remain on display around the clock at Duffy Square through Aug. 8, with the hot dog rising and releasing confetti daily at noon.
The giant hot dog sculpture is back in Times Square.Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk/Courtesy of Times Square Arts