Rat Sculptures: The Artist Making Public Art for NYC Rats 2026

Artist Asad Raza is making public art for rats in New York City, installing sculptures in over 20 locations across the city. His project, "Hell Door," involves placing concrete, wood, and burlap structures near dumpsters, sewers, and bushes for rats to interact with. Raza and his team of three installers—Devyn Gallindo, Kunning Huang, and Jared Packard—navigate the city at night, setting up these installations in spots that cross social boundaries. This initiative challenges traditional notions of public art and invites us to consider the lives of urban wildlife.

What Is Public Art for Rats?

Raza's project redefines public art by creating sculptures specifically for rats. Unlike typical public art meant for human enjoyment, these pieces are designed to be used by rats—climbed on, hidden in, or incorporated into their daily routines. The sculptures are made from durable materials like concrete, wood, and burlap, and are placed in areas with high rat activity, such as behind restaurants and under bridges. By doing so, Raza highlights the often-overlooked lives of these creatures and questions who public spaces are really for.

Locations and Installations

The team has identified more than 20 sites across New York City, from Seward Park to the Lower East Side and riverside walkways. Each location is chosen based on rat traffic and accessibility. The installations are not permanent; they are rearranged or removed based on rat interaction and city maintenance. Raza describes the process as "going across all of these social boundaries that the human world of New York has" but that "this world of the rats doesn’t have."

Why Make Art for Rats?

Raza's motivation stems from a curiosity about non-human perspectives. He sees rats as "curious and circumspect creatures" and wants to create art that engages with their world. This project is part of a broader trend in contemporary art where artists explore human-animal relationships and ecological themes. By making art for rats, Raza challenges anthropocentrism and invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with urban wildlife.

Impact on the Community

Reactions to the project have been mixed. Some locals appreciate the innovative approach to public art, while others are concerned about rat populations. However, Raza emphasizes that the project does not aim to increase rat numbers but to coexist and observe. The sculptures are often unnoticed by humans, blending into the urban landscape, but they provide enrichment for rats.

Comparison of Traditional Public Art vs. Rat Public Art

Key Takeaways

• Asad Raza creates public art specifically for rats in New York City.
• The project involves over 20 installations in locations with high rat activity.
• Sculptures are made from concrete, wood, and burlap, and are designed for rat interaction.
• The initiative challenges traditional public art and anthropocentrism.
• Reactions from the community are mixed, but the project aims to foster coexistence.

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