Allen Hirsch to Inaugurate Public Artworks in Memory of Benjamin, the Capuchin Monkey

Best known for his introspective portraits of presidents and covers of Time magazine, New York artist Allen Hirsch is set to unveil his most personal artwork to date. Hirsch has created several unique pieces that will be permanently displayed in Soho in dedication to Benjamin, his capuchin monkey who lived with him there for 14 years until his untimely death last year. Caught somewhere between wild animal and New Yorker, Benjamin’s presence on the streets of Manhattan couldn’t help but make people reflect on their own natures. Most notably, Hirsch developed a unique painting technique on thin strips and for the first time ever, a large "string" painting of Benjamin will be publicly displayed in a prominent Soho location. This technique uses an array of painted strings spread out against an empty ground forcing the brain to complete an ethereal image. Hirsch also will cover an adjacent store façade with a gigantic Benjamin face, present a video installation and exhibit other artworks. And for one day only, Hirsch’s most precious artwork to date, a sculpture of Benjamin, which strangely evokes his presence, will be shown at a special reception at Storefront for Art and Architecture, across from these public artworks.