PHOTOS: 11 large-scale animal sculptures installed in Midtown Manhattan

A series of sculptures that promise to “captivate” New Yorkers until next spring debuted in the Garment District Tuesday.

Called “Fancy Animal Carnival,” the 11-large scale animals sculptures, represent “a narrative, expressed through traditional Taiwanese symbols and motifs believed to bring luck. The painted patterns reflect on folk culture and religion, as well as the artist’s personal experiences and observations of people’s everyday lives,” according to a release.

The animals were brought to New York City by Emmanuel Fremin Gallery (New York) and InSian Gallery (Taiwan), and will occupy the pedestrian plazas on Broadway from 36th to 41st Streets through April.

Their artist, Hung Yi formerly owned nine restaurants, but the Taiwanese native later decided to pursue art full time in 2002. His works “are inspired by Taiwanese culture and daily life in Taiwan and are often brightly colored, in traditional Taiwanese patterns, with themes of exaggerated humans or animals.” “Fancy Animal Carnival” is his first exhibit in New York City.

“We want the American public to get acquainted with an artist who is so well-known and recognized in Asia, said Emmanuel Fremin, Yi’s New York-based gallery representation. “The Garment District’s history with fashion in New York, and his pieces being so lively, colorful and handmade, makes them the perfect works to launch on the heels of Fashion Week.”