![\"Following](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/walter-wlodarczyk-2026-07-22-WWRA5430.jpg\" "\\"Brooklyn-based")
<\/a>Following the unveiling, Times Square Arts held \u201cThe Most American Pageant Ever!,\u201d hosted by Catron, Outlaw and New York City-based artist Abby Lloyd.Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk\/Courtesy of Times Square Arts<\/p>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs artists, we always think our job is to be a reflection of the society and culture in which we occupy,\u201d Catron told amNewYork. \u201cWe live in a specific time and place, and it\u2019s our responsibility to present our interpretation of that space and make commentary on our shared circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Outlaw said.<\/p>\n
The artists deliberately chose Times Square, where consumerism, spectacle and American culture are displayed before visitors from around the world. \u201cTimes 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,\u201d said Outlaw.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAnd of course, if it\u2019s going to be in Times Square, it has to be the biggest, the best, and the loudest there is,\u201d he added.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n That sense of excess extends beyond the sculpture\u2019s 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<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you set out to make a giant hot dog, it feels only fitting\u2014in the spirit of America\u2014to make it the biggest and loudest you possibly can,\u201d Carton said.<\/p>\n Their work has previously appeared at the Brooklyn Museum, Times Square Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and Creative Time.\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Curtis Sliwa was in attendance at that pageant.Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk\/Courtesy of Times Square Arts\n<\/p>\n