Soccer Star Thierry Henry Strikes It Up For Art

The French Soccer Star of the New York Red Bulls, Thierry Henry, utilized his talents to reveal a 24 X 21 foot mural in Midtown Manhattan today. Teaming up with local pop artist and Kid Robot designer toy creator, Tristan Eaton, Henry used the force of his famous goal-scoring strikes to launch a series of triggers and objects-in-motion to produce and unveil a work of art inspired by the team and the City of New York.

Over one thousand local Manhattanites came out at the end of their lunch break to see the zips, zaps, flips, rolls and finally the end reveal on the front steps of Madison Square Garden. MSG Networks' New York Red Bulls sideline reporter, Tina Cervasio, hosted the event.  Coming together months before, Henry met with Eaton to connect on a common vision and the logistics of aiming a ball from 30 feet to a tiny circular target, much smaller than the goals he is used to scoring on. When push came to shove or cleat came to ball, Henry nailed it every time.

"It was really special seeing it all come together," said the two-time MLS All–Star and World Cup Champion. "I have a huge admiration for the type of pop and modern art that Tristan does plus we have our love for Marvel Comics in common- so it was easy to connect." Also inspired by the New York Red Bulls and Thierry's passion for life beyond of soccer-- including art, music and fashion- Tristan's vision and art-in-motion skills made this giant canvas come to life with huge bulls charging out of the scene.

"It was a long process and I built the structure in pieces, so it was quite a sight to see it come together," said the pop artist, who has worked on permanent display at the MOMA. "It was also awesome to give a superstar like Thierry a challenge and make him sweat." The final mural will exist primarily at the home of the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, which is easily reachable by the PATH train.