by Chelsea George    

Editor’s Note: Chelsea George is one of the Norwood News’ dynamite interns dabbling in journalism. The Norwood News is indeed proud of her.    

Tomorrow is today and it’s here!

Many people gathered around a baby-like structure entitled “Tomorrow” on Fordham Road and Webster Avenue on April 16 to witness Akihara Ito’s gift to the Bronx.

Monroe College students took a field trip to see the statue while curious pedestrians, police and art fans stopped by to applaud the 39-year-old artist.

This unique piece of art stands about 6 feet tall and formed from wood.

“I wanted people to think human nature through my structure,” said the artist.

Ito crafted the art piece using metal to mold the statue’s structure and covering it with wood, taking three months to finish. “Tomorrow” is the second statue by Akihara to stand in public display.

The statue’s message conveys a relationship between humanity and nature—both are intertwined to ensure its survival for another day.
As for the shape, Daniel Bernstein, executive director of the Fordham Road Business Improvement District, admits the perception is in the beholder.

“The artist wants it to mean whatever it means to you,” said Bernstein. Some say the statue appears to look like a man while others think it resembles a game piece from Monopoly.

The statue is meant to bring beauty and flavor to the Bronx.