WTC Steel Sculpture Seeks Permanent Home In London
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A Brooklyn artist who created a 9/11 sculpture that went on display in London using steel from the World Trade Center site recently spoke to NY1 about her the work and her hopes for its future. NY1's Stephanie Simon filed the following report.Back in July, Brooklyn artist Miya Ando gave NY1 a first look at the 9/11 monument she created for the City of London. The sculpture, made of WTC steel was unveiled in Battersea Park on September 5 but then removed on October 14 and put in storage.
Despite being in Japan for the next few months, Miya spoke exclusively to NY1 via Skype about her disappointment.
"I have had many people come and say well it's very unfortunate and that they hope it will be on display permanently given that the piece was made as commemorative piece, in the name of peace," Ando said.
The Battersea location was always going to be temporary but Miya and others had thought the art would stay on view until a permanent location in the city was found. In fact, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees and distributes pieces of WTC steel, says that any organization that receives steel is required to have it on display. Although when asked about the London situation the agency responded saying, "there is no time limit for them to find a new location."
As for the demand, the Port Authority adds, "We plan to distribute steel to 1,300 groups in all 50 states and seven foreign countries. About 80 percent of those requests have been fulfilled. We are accepting no more requests. We have exhausted our supply of steel."
Miya’s design took a large piece of steel, polished the middle and stood it upright. From the beginning some complained that it was violent looking. Others didn’t want WTC steel at all.
Miya says in London there is just a very different view of WTC steel than here in the US where it is very much revered.
"It is a piece that in my mind was meant to commemorate the victims of the UK but of all the victims," Ando said.
The 911 London Project, which commissioned the piece, says they are currently looking for a central London location for the art.
Miya hopes a new permanent home will be secured soon.
For more information about the artist, visit www.miyaando.com.