The Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is all too familiar with roadblocks: Over the last few years he has fought disputes with the governments of China and Britain as well as with the Lego Group, to name a few. This time, he’s being challenged by a much smaller group: The Washington Square Association.
Mr. Ai is currently plotting a large-scale public art installation across New York City, entitled “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.” The exhibition, commissioned by the Public Art Fund in celebration of its 40th anniversary, will bring 300 works centered on the theme of borders and immigration to all five boroughs.
But the Washington Square Association is protesting Mr. Ai’s proposed installation in the park’s archway, as the Washington Square Park Blog first reported. The Association has reported receiving widespread complaints from the community members, who contend the installation would compromise the arch’s own artistic integrity and disrupt the annual holiday tree lighting.
“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 four months at a time,” Trevor Sumner, the Association’s president, wrote in an open letter addressed to the Public Art Fund.
In an interview, Mr. Sumner said that although the exhibition was announced in March, the Public Art Fund waited until four weeks ago to inform the Association of its plans, and left little time for change or negotiation.