Ai Weiwei Art Would Politicize Washington Square And Ruin Holiday Tree, Group Says

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY — Famed artist Ai Weiwei is trying to politicize Washington Square Park's famous arch by putting his work in its shadow, a neighborhood group says.

Neighbors with the Washington Square Association released a statement Friday complaining about the Public Art Fund's plans to install the Ai piece inside the Washington Square Arch, part of a massive public art project that will involve more than 300 sites across the city.

Washington Square Park will be home to one of the largest pieces in the artist's project, which will include hundreds of fences throughout the city as a commentary on borders, fences and the current migration crisis.

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The neighborhood group alleges that the project "was not built with the collaboration of the neighborhood," according to the statement from the group's president, Trevor Sumner.

The association also said that the "integrity" of the arch's design "would be compromised" by the work.

"The monumental Arch is a work of art in itself. It does not need to be politicized with the proposed installation," Sumner wrote in the statement.

"The shape is grand and sculptural, as are the statues of George Washington. We feel that the integrity of its design would be compromised by Mr. Weiwei’s art work.This installation sets a dangerous precedent that one of New York City's most recognized monuments and pieces of art can be decorated and co-opted for 4 months at a time."

The group also worried about disruptions to the holiday tree that is normally installed under the arch and other community events scheduled in the park. The Ai art installation is scheduled to open on Oct. 12 and stay up through February, according to the Public Art Fund.

In a statement to Patch, the Public Art Fund's president Susan Freedman said that the nonprofit had been in continuous and regular contact with community groups and agencies, including the Washington Square Association, throughout the summer and that they have been discussing plans to allow the holiday lighting ceremony proceed.

"We have been meeting with community boards and neighborhood groups throughout the spring and summer, including with Community Board 2, Washington Square Park Conservancy, and the organization of which Mr Sumner serves as President, The Washington Square Park Association," Freedman said in the statement.

"Recognizing the importance of community engagement, we reached out to Mr. Sumner on July 18th, had a follow up call on July 26th, and a recent in person meeting with him in Washington Square Park on Aug 14th. On behalf of the community, Trevor Sumner expressed excitement about bringing the project to Washington Square Park and we have been in close dialogue with him to ensure that the tradition of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony moves ahead without interruption."

In addition, representatives from the nonprofit will be presenting to the local community board in September, she added.

"The vital qualities of community and open engagement that Washington Square Park embodies are among the characteristics that make it an ideal location for this important exhibition that brings to light the critical causes of the refugee crisis," she wrote.

Last week, the Public Art Fund released more detailed plans about Ai's coming project and launched a fundraiser to fund the work. The Beijing-based artist became one of China's most famous contemporary dissidents when he was jailed for 81 days. His work has been shown throughout the world, and lately he has focused intensely on the current refugee crisis.

His installation in New York will be one of the biggest he's ever undertaken, and will also be one of the most ambitious works the Public Art Fund has ever supported. The Ai Weiwei exhibition, which all told will be scattered in more than 300 sites throughout the city, coincides with the fund's 40th anniversary.

Ai explained to the New York Times that the timely piece is intended as a comment on nativist impulses throughout the U.S. and the world

"We are witnessing a rise in nationalism, an increase in the closure of borders, and an exclusionary attitude towards migrants and refugees, the victims of war and the casualties of globalization," he told the paper.

Lead image courtesy of the Public Art Fund.