# Hot Dog in The City

Hot Dog in The City is a temporary public art installation created by American artists Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw. The installation, which debuted on April 30, 2024, in Times Square, New York City, features a 65-foot-long sculpture of a hot dog. It is considered the largest work ever commissioned by Times Square Arts and has been described as the world's largest hot dog sculpture.

## Description

The installation consists of a massive 65-foot-long hot dog sculpture, complete with a bun and a squiggle of mustard. The hot dog uses hydraulic mechanisms that allow it to rise to a near 45-degree angle daily at noon. When elevated, the sculpture shoots confetti from its tip, creating a spectacle for onlookers.
According to the artists, "Hot Dog in The City" is designed to examine consumption, capitalism, class and contemporary culture. The work serves as both a celebration and a critique of American culture, touching on themes such as:
* The iconography of the hot dog in American and New York City culture
* Showmanship associated with American patriotism
* Labor conditions in the food industry, particularly for street vendors
* The complexities of mass production and marketing in American society
The daily confetti explosion is meant to reference the showmanship often associated with American culture and patriotism.

## Reception and Critical Response

The installation has generated significant public interest and media coverage. Jean Cooney, the director of Times Square Arts, praised the work for its "irreverent humor" and the way it plays with scale. The New York Times reported that the installation has been "instilling people, especially New Yorkers, with the sense that Times Square can still be weird and wonderful and magical."
Art critics have offered varied interpretations of the work. Valentina Di Liscia of Hyperallergic described it as "a meaty critique of American excess," noting how the installation "subverts the iconography of an American staple food." ARTnews highlighted the installation's ability to "transform the bustling intersection into a surreal landscape," praising the artists for their bold approach to public art.

## Media Coverage and Impact

The installation has received extensive media coverage, featured in publications ranging from local New York outlets to international art periodicals. Time Out New York reported on the public's enthusiastic response, noting how the installation has become a popular selfie spot and gathering place.
The artwork has also inspired culinary creations, with local bars introducing hot dog-themed cocktails in its honor. Notably, a tequila and tomato-based cocktail named "The Big Apple Dog" gained popularity in New York bars following the installation's debut.

## Cultural Significance

"Hot Dog in The City" joins a lineage of oversized food-themed public art proposals for Times Square, including Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Frederic Schwartz's unbuilt 1984 project "THE BIG APPLE." The installation contributes to ongoing discussions about public art, American identity, and the role of spectacle in urban spaces.
The work also serves as a tribute to New York City's hot dog vendors and collaborates with the Street Vendor Project, a membership-based organization that advocates for the rights and wages of street vendors in New York. The Art Newspaper noted that the installation "brings attention to the often-overlooked street food culture of New York City," highlighting its role in sparking discussions about urban life and commerce.

## Technical Details

The sculpture's construction utilized a variety of materials and techniques. The core structure is made of steel and is mounted to a flatbed semi-trailer truck bed. The outer form is sculpted using large blocks of EPS foam, which were CNC-milled and then hand-carved to achieve the desired shape and texture. The fabrication took approximately three months, involving a team of over 20 skilled artisans, engineers, and project managers.