Nathalie De Santis

In Mr. New York, Nathalie De Santis reimagines her signature Playmobil figure as a striking homage to the pulse and nostalgia of the American metropolis. Dressed in a hat, tailored jacket, and trousers, the figure’s clothing is meticulously covered in a vibrant collage of vintage New York iconography—ranging from Manhattan subway stop signage and Midtown references to classic landmarks like the Empire State Building. Set against sleek black boots, hands, and facial contours, the piece is anchored on a refined dark pedestal that accentuates its polished graphic presence.

Stylistically, the sculpture bridges nostalgic toy design with a cosmopolitan, travel-inspired Pop Art aesthetic. Drawing subtle inspiration from De Santis’s background in global aviation, Mr. New York captures the electric spirit and architectural heritage of the city through intricate decoupage and crisp, modern lines. By fusing childhood innocence with the legendary allure of urban identity, De Santis transforms a familiar silhouette into a sophisticated, timeless monument to world travel and contemporary culture.