It’s sixty five feet long and it takes tons of mustard to cover this record-breaking hot dog. Times Square will host this major public art installation, Hot Dog in the City, by American artists Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw until June 13.
The duo thought and designed the world’s largest version of the American landmark cliché, equipping it with hydraulics, a confetti cannon, and a deeper message–street vending, immigration, consumption, capitalism, and classism, especially in this area of the City. During special occasions, the cannon will be positioned upright toward the sky and burst out confetti mimicking other famous New York celebrations, like Times Square’s New Year’s Eve, political rallies, and gender reveal parties. This huge installation can reflect American hyper-masculinity and showmanship, as well as meat overconsumption. Catron and Outlaw usually make humorous sculptures to provoke larger issues.
Hot Dog in the City also launches other side events, like condiment debates, a hot dog eating contest, as well as the To Be Frank: Hot Dog Summit on June 9 at Town Hall–a panel with comedians, activists, and food historians.
German immigrants brought what became the hot dog in the U.S., but was the bratwurst in their own country, in the 1800s and it became working-class street food, sold at stands and carts. It is not known for sure how it became so famous, but the best guess is that a street vendor began calling them “Hot Dogs” to approach American customers by referring to the shape of the sausage. It won baseball fans’ hearts and started being dressed in ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
