Sculpting Legacy: Sherwin Banfield's Artistic Journey Inspired by New York's Cultural Icons
Sherwin Banfield’s studio may be located in Astoria, Queens, but the influence of Brooklyn is loud and clear. Reference images of Biggie Smalls, one of Brooklyn’s most celebrated musicians, line one of the studio’s walls. And on the opposite wall even hangs a metal sign saying “Brooklyn.” Banfield explains that this was originally supposed to be included as part of his celebrated Biggie Smalls sculpture, named Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings, a Tribute to the Notorious B.I.G, 2022.
This sculpture previously standing near the Brooklyn Bridge and now unveiled on Columbus Park by the Brooklyn Borough Hall area draws crowds due to its distinct appearance and ability to play the music of the artist. He goes on to elaborate that the inclusion of the metal Brooklyn sign would have made the sculpture too cluttered. Yet it may one day end up as part of a new piece, he considers.
Unveiling of "Sky is the Limit in the County of Kings” at Columbus Park, by Brooklyn Borough Hall: LINK
Banfield's unassuming demeanor stands in stark contrast to the striking and influential art he produces. The foundation of his artistic zeal can be traced back to his upbringing in Trinidad, where he and his brother engaged in friendly artistic competitions, sketching cars as they went by his house. He also acknowledges the impact of Caribbean carnivals in his formative years, a crucial factor in his choice to pursue audio sculpture as a creative outlet. While he could confidently highlight his unique reimagining of this tradition, Banfield prefers to let audiences form their own judgments and connect with his work on a personal level.
When Banfield first moved to New York City in the mid-90s, the golden age of Hip Hop was reaching its climax. Banfield, then a student of The New School’s Parsons School of Design, took full advantage of being within one of the capitals of this musical movement. “I took the opportunity to go to as many Hip Hop concerts as possible, as humanly possible.” - This scene was a major reason why he chose to base himself in NYC permanently. At the time, he couldn’t have known that one day he would honor these musical pioneers through his own artistic expression.
“The music of Biggie Smalls, the music of A Tribe Called Quest, Run-DMC,
LL Cool J, these are all pieces of music that are a soundtrack to my life.”
- Sherwin Banfield
The Biggie Smalls sculpture is likely Banfield’s most widely seen work to date. The story of how this artwork came into existence is as unique as his entire artistic journey. It all began while he was working on a sculpture for another rapper, LL Cool J. During his research for that project, Banfield serendipitously met someone in a library, leading to a discussion about creating a Biggie Smalls sculpture. Banfield emphasized that a conversation was the essential starting point. They explored various ideas for an audio sculpture representing the rapper. Inspired by this encounter, Banfield embarked on a creative process, crafting sketches and exploring diverse methods to capture the essence of Biggie Smalls. He then scouted several suitable locations for the finished sculpture and submitted proposals to secure funding. Regrettably, these initial attempts were unsuccessful, causing the project to be shelved. Sometime later, Banfield’s cousin informed him that Downtown Brooklyn had announced an open call for art installations. He resubmitted his piece and, this time achieved success.
“So now there’s a Biggie in Brooklyn!”
- Sherwin Banfield
“Creating the sculpture with various materials was something that I knew I wanted the sculpture to have.”
- Sherwin Banfield
An important part of Banfield’s creative process is ensuring that his work has authenticity. And this means combining materials, conducting extensive research, and eschewing computers. From the artist’s perspective, it’s easy to replicate with the aid of a computer, but he’s keen to maintain traditional sculpting practices. He explains that this gives his Biggie Smalls sculpture a truth that it would otherwise be lacking. Essentially, by working the clay himself without the aid of modern technology, he’s creating, “something out of nothing, like Hip Hop.”. Other materials that make up the final sculpture include bronze, which the clay was cast in, steel, resin, and stainless steel, to give the final piece a reflective quality while also ensuring that it had the strength to withstand the New York elements.
Banfield aimed to strike a balance between abstraction and relatability in creating the sculpture. He describes the design as both regal and modern, featuring a geometric pattern that's almost abstract, yet it allows the viewer to discern the underlying body within it. Banfield emphasizes that, during his life, Biggie Smalls faced numerous adversaries, and the stainless steel body of the sculpture symbolizes the protection he should have had. Additionally, the resin elements at the front of the sculpture, which are both translucent and transparent, invite viewers to peer into the heart of Biggie Smalls. These elements convey that while he projected a tough image, he possessed the same emotions as any other human being. The hands of the sculpture continue this theme: one hand cradles his heart, while the other holds a microphone—symbolizing the two most significant contributions the musician offered the world. Banfield also intended this imagery to represent the musician's outreach to the next generation of rappers, extending his legacy.
“I wanted the viewer to experience their own personal reference to Biggie or his music. So by having the music playing out of the sculpture, not only is it an opportunity to lure in visitors through sound, but it's also an opportunity to interact with the sculpture in an audible way.”
- Sherwin Banfield
Naturally, the auditory dimension of the sculpture captivates its audience on a deeper level. This integration of music not only offers a unique engagement but also provides insight into Banfield's innovative use of technology. While he steered clear of computers during the creative process, when it came to playing Biggie Smalls' music, he embraced an environmentally conscious solution: solar power. The sculpture incorporates solar panels on its back, harnessing the sun's energy to power the internal sound system, enhancing the overall experience.
In a sense, Banfield had unknowingly embarked on this project long before its formal realization. As a long-time resident of New York, he had already frequented significant sites in Biggie Smalls' life, like the artist's childhood home and Key Foods where Biggie had once been employed. However, when the commission for the Biggie Smalls sculpture came through, Banfield revisited these locations, aiming to capture the essence and spirit of his subject more profoundly.
Sherwin Banfield visits the reference places of Notorious B.I.G. in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
This dedication to thorough research extends throughout Banfield’s creative process. As the images of Biggie Smalls that line his studio prove, Banfield spends hours and hours studying his subjects and ensures that the likenesses he captures are accurate and filled with depth. A commitment to authenticity is a vital aspect in the elevation of underrepresented people in sculpture.
Another significant milestone in Banfield's career is his sculpture of LL Cool J. It marked his first sculpture of a living musician, providing Banfield with the unique experience of receiving a reaction from LL Cool J himself. The sculpture, located far from Manhattan in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, drew an unexpectedly large number of visitors. One morning, Banfield woke up to a notification on his phone—a social media post from LL Cool J, showing the rapper personally visiting the sculpture. It was evident that LL Cool J held a genuine appreciation for Banfield's portrayal. This overwhelmingly positive response has indeed vindicated the bolder aspects of Banfield's work. Notably, the LL Cool J sculpture was the first piece by Banfield to integrate a solar-powered audio system and resin elements. These features likely contributed to its warm reception and might have played a role in bringing the sculpture to LL Cool J's attention.
The reinterpretation of sculpture for a modern audience is just one facet of Banfield's artistry. He's also an accomplished painter and illustrator, with his studio brimming with works in progress. As time progresses, he's poised to create numerous captivating pieces. Banfield envisions expanding his creative horizons in the future, working with an even broader spectrum of materials, and crafting larger-scale works. The influence that New York City has wielded on his development as an artist is difficult to overstate. Neighborhoods like Clinton Hill continue to nurture talent, both directly and indirectly. Although Biggie Smalls from Clinton Hill may no longer be among us, he has ignited a fresh wave of inspiration for a new generation of artists, extending beyond the realm of music. As exemplified by Banfield's Sky's the Limit Biggie Smalls sculpture, the cultural milieu of Brooklyn, Queens, and the other boroughs of NYC possesses a remarkable ability to inspire and challenge.
“Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings, a Tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. 2022” - The sculpture is on display in Columbus Park, by Brooklyn Borough Hall until November 2023.
