To emulate the human body through the use of clay is a talent— but casting it to shed light on a societal issue is an art form.

Rye resident Bob Clyatt has created a series of controversial works that ask questions about life that some people might find too existential to answer for themselves. For Clyatt, the goal is to promote a "cultural conversation" between a piece of art and its audience.

"There are plenty of decorations in the world," he said. "I want to be commenting on the right here, right now, and how to get some perspective on it."

Clyatt's latest work is an outdoor exhibition at Rye Town Park entitled the "Heads Composition 45." Since the exhibition's opening, the pieces have sparked the interest of residents and art aficionados alike.

Clyatt's work has gained local recognition. The Journal News selected his latest exhibition as its "Best of the Weekend" in August, while the New York Times selected it as a notable "Event in Westchester" in September.

Emilia Del Peschio, who serves as program coordinator at the Rye Arts Center, said she was engaged by the collection during a recent visit to Rye Town Park.

The piece, which depicts vertically stacked clay heads nestled underneath a brightly colored red umbrella, may be confusing to some spectators, but it's intention deals more with social commentary than aesthetics.

Clyatt said the umbrella represents the "powers that be," and the diverse faces underneath embody a population seeking protection from society's harms, which are usually inflicted by those who have social and economic power.

"At first from far away, you're very curious about the sculpture, but once you get closer, it begins to make more sense," Del Peschio said.

While the size of each piece may vary, each message has larger significance.

 "It is an effective piece of art, because you're not looking past it," she added. "It kind of draws you in to take a second look."

Clyatt's exhibition has been on display since August and will remain at the park until Oct. 25. Clyatt has also had other works showcased in Rye. The Rye Arts Center recently included Clyatt's "Martin Examines His New Surroundings" in its annual art show.

The mixed-media piece depicts a head sticking halfway out of a birdcage. Similar to Clyatt's other works, "Martin Examines His New Surroundings" is about more than a man looking out from an enclosed space. The piece is an artistic representation of someone wanting to escape the familiarity of his or her old environment, albeit somewhat unsuccessfully.

"He's almost out, but has not quite reached it yet," said Clyatt.

"How free are you, really?" Clyatt said the piece asks his audience.

However, even the artist doesn't know how to answer that.

"I don't know all the answers, Clyatt said. "But I try to create art that will raise those questions. "