Artist installs statue of a pug beside 'Fearless Girl' in NYC

Alex Gardega created 'Sketchy Dog' to show solidarity with artist behind 'Charging Bull'

A pug statue was installed near the feet of the “Fearless girl” on Monday by a New York City artist in an act of solidarity with the guerrilla artist behind the City’s famous “Charging Bull” statue.

Gardega's "Sketchy Dog" beside "Fearless Girl" statue. PHOTO: NBC News

"I have a lot of empathy for the creator of the bull, Arturo. He is very upset," said Alex Gardega, the artist behind “Sketchy Dog”.

The “Charging Bull” was created by Arturo Di Modica after the market collapse in 1987 as a symbol of American resilience. On the other hand, the “Fearless Girl” was commissioned by State Global Advisors [one of the largest banks in the world], to highlight gender pay gap and lack of women representation in financial boards.



"That piece, ['Fearless Girl'] was not made by some individual artist making a statement," Gardega told NBC News. "It was made by a billion dollar financial firm trying to promote an index fund. It is advertising/promotion in the guise of art. That was my only point."

Despite recognising some meaning behind the figure, Gardega stressed that no piece should interfere with another artist’s vision – Di Modica’s work. Adding that he created the figure with a sense of humour. "I'm a pretty happy person, not seething or angry and certainly not anti-feminist. My piece is not without a sense of humour but I do feel for Arturo and the integrity of his art," Gardega said. "There is plenty of room for 'Fearless Girl.' It just interferes with another artist's work/vision."



Speaking about the installation, Gardega said “most people were amused or perplexed by it. Kids petted it, people were taking pictures with it. A few were upset and kicked it,” he added. However, the artist removed “Sketchy Dog” sculpture within a few hours. "I didn't want to leave it to be taken and certainly had no rights [sic] to bolt it to the ground," he said.

Meanwhile, in an email to the broadcaster, the State Street spokesperson said that they “continue to be grateful to the countless people around the world who continue to responded so enthusiastically to what the Fearless Girl represents — the power and potential of having more women in leadership.”

"Fearless Girl was created to stand as a reminder that having more women in leadership positions positively contributes to overall performance and strengthens our economy,” the email read.

This article originally appeared on the NBC News.