Sherwin Banfield cements his legacy as NYC’s hip hop luminary, one sculpture at a time
This Saturday, Banfield unveiled his “YEAA-a-a-a- a-ah!” sculpture, honoring one of his childhood influences, Kool DJ Red Alert.
In today’s world, where art can often be produced through artificial means, the genuine human connection behind a piece of art becomes increasingly valuable. This is why the most passionate art stands out and endures over time. For local luminary Sherwin Banfield, this passion springs from a deep “wonderment in the alchemy of art.”
Banfield’s curiosity has always been rooted in understanding the structure and indirect impact of art. His exploration was particularly influenced by hip hop, which provided a cultural gateway after his move to Harlem. As an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, Banfield and his brother delved into New York’s history through the lens of hip hop pioneers like Kool DJ Red Alert and the Notorious B.I.G. As he matured, sculpting emerged as Banfield’s chosen medium and his entry into the art world.
Graduating with honors from the Parsons School of Design in 1999, Banfield immediately engaged in various mentorships across New York City. His journey included participation in numerous programs, culminating in an opportunity to attend the Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy, in 2007. This international experience allowed Banfield to seek knowledge and refine his artistic skills, deepening his understanding of how to express himself through sculpture. By 2009, Banfield had returned to New York City and joined the Arts Student League of New York, where he began to make his mark as a sculpture artist through multiple citywide exhibitions.
During these early years, Banfield came to appreciate the discipline required to surpass previously perceived limitations. Immersing himself in diverse cultures and artistic expressions enabled him to pour his soul into his work, achieving heights he had once thought unattainable.
“The process of creating art reveals the strength of the mind. Engaging in such a marathon teaches you that there are possibilities beyond excuses,” Banfield tells AmNews. This period was critical for Banfield, solidifying his path as a sculpture artist. His dedication was evident in numerous gallery exhibitions across New York City, where his meticulous attention to detail and creative vision distinguished him. It wasn’t until 2017, however, that Banfield began making notable contributions to outdoor infrastructures through collaborative projects with nonprofit organizations around the city.
As Banfield’s experience evolved, hip hop became a significant source of inspiration for many of his artworks. His installations gained widespread recognition across all five boroughs. Noteworthy pieces include the G.O.A.T. sculpture of LL Cool J, which the Queens native publicly cosigned on network television, and the 9-foot “Sky’s the Limit” sculpture in Cortlandt Park, which pays homage to his childhood hero, the Notorious B.I.G., who recorded a song of the same name on his final album in his lifetime.
Banfield’s work seamlessly integrates various societal aspects into expansive designs. He emphasizes that collaborating with experts from diverse fields feels natural due to a shared commitment to advancing cultural initiatives.
“It’s an organic process. When you are devoted to bringing an idea to life, you encounter people, places, and resources that the universe reveals as valuable assets,” Banfield said.
Today, Banfield continues to expand his impressive portfolio as a sculpture artist. On Saturday, July 20, he honored another childhood idol, Kool DJ Red Alert, with the “YEAA-a-a-a- a-ah!” sculpture, which now stands proudly in Harlem’s Montefiore Park. Cementing his piece in Harlem represents a continuation of the cultural legacy that profoundly influenced his life. He often reminisces about Harlem-based sculptors like Augusta Savage, whom he admires for her perseverance to overcome racism and sexism to leave a lasting impact on her community. Banfield now feels honored to contribute to that legacy.
“Harlem is a magical place with a rich history. Just knowing that I am sharing space with those who helped birth some of the greatest Black talents… being part of that legacy is truly special,” Banfield said.
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