Controversial Demolition of Mary Miss’ Iconic Des Moines Art Installation Prompts Outcry – Sky Bulletin
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In a striking move that has mobilized the arts community, a prominent Des Moines arts institution announced its plan to dismantle a significant work by New York artist Mary Miss. The artwork in question, Greenwood Pond: Double Site, is situated in a historic park and has become an integral part of the local landscape since its completion in the 1990s. Advocates and residents alike are protesting the choice to remove the piece due to high maintenance and repair costs.
The Des Moines Art Center, tasked with overseeing the artwork, cites costs reaching $2.6 million for repairs alone. Kelly Baum, the Art Center Director, expressed the institution’s inability to raise the necessary funds, thus sealing the artwork’s fate to be demolished this coming spring.
For Mary Miss, the artist behind the landmark land art piece, the prospect of losing her work is shocking. Land art typically involves crafting works directly in the environment using elements like soil and vegetation. Miss is hopeful that Greenwood Pond: Double Site can still be saved, stressing the importance of such works for the community.
The artwork was constructed after Miss was invited to propose a piece for Greenwood Park, a natural area flanked by prestigious neighborhoods. The artist’s engagement with locals influenced the development of a piece that would allow visitors to interact closely with a wetland ecosystem.
Despite gaining recognition and becoming a case study for students interested in landscape art, the work has suffered from the harsh Iowan climate. A restoration occurred in 2015, but recent engineering reports suggested the piece is now a safety hazard. Miss is contesting the lack of maintenance transparency and the art center’s decision not to seek public assistance with repair funding.
A wave of support for the artwork has emerged from local citizens and the broader arts community, including Stephanie Daggett Joiner, Charles A. Birnbaum of the Cultural Landscape Foundation, and many others who value the work’s contribution to the community and the significance of Miss as a pioneering land artist.
FAQ Section
What is the artwork in question?
The artwork is called Greenwood Pond: Double Site, a land art installation designed by Mary Miss that surrounds a pond in Greenwood Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
Why is Greenwood Pond: Double Site being removed?
The Des Moines Art Center has decided to remove the artwork due to the prohibitive cost of repairs and maintenance, estimated at $2.6 million initially, with expected future expenses.
How are local residents reacting to the demolition plan?
Local residents and artists are reacting with dismay and opposition, organizing efforts to contest the demolition by highlighting the artwork’s importance for the community and the environment.
Has the artist, Mary Miss, commented on the situation?
Yes, Mary Miss has expressed her shock at the decision and is advocating for the preservation of her work, questioning the art center’s approach to maintenance and fundraising.
What makes Greenwood Pond: Double Site significant?
The work is significant as an immersive land art installation that allows visitors to closely interact with a natural wetland environment. It’s also notable for being a pioneering work by a female land artist, adding diversity to a field dominated by men.
Conclusion
The planned demolition of Mary Miss’ Greenwood Pond: Double Site in Des Moines has ignited a heated debate about the value and preservation of public art installations. Reflecting the community’s attachment to the piece, opposition from both residents and prominent figures in the art world is intensifying, with supporters seeking ways to circumvent the artwork’s untimely erase. The situation unraveling in Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the broader challenges faced in sustaining environmental art and the potential loss of valuable cultural landmarks.
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