Alice, a new interactive sculpture by Diane Matyas, is on display at Maker Park in Staten Island until June 2026. This 10-foot movable silhouette puppet represents an actual Sri Lankan elephant that escaped from Luna Park in 1904, highlighting themes of freedom and displacement. Visitors can interact with Alice, fostering a connection to her journey. Matyas focuses on the intersections of animals, biology, and allegory, intending to raise awareness about immigration and interconnectedness. This installation is part of her broader Luna Park Elephant Project, drawing attention to narratives of relocation and seeking belonging.
The sculpture was designed to be moveable, allowing visitors to interact with Alice's legs, symbolizing the freedom she sought when escaping her enclosure.
Matyas' focus on the intersections between animals, biology, science and allegory aims to foster an understanding of our interconnected world and the nuances of freedom.
Alice's story, from a real elephant who swam seeking her homeland to an interactive sculpture, reflects themes of immigration and displacement.
The installation aims to share Alice’s journey, connecting the experiences of animals and humans through narrative lectures, theatrical puppetry, and now this artistic expression.
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