The Des Moines Art Center has announced plans to demolish the Greenwood Pond: Double Site art installation, created by New York artist Mary Miss in 1996. The decision to remove the artwork has sparked outrage from Miss and other artists, who argue that the museum is violating a contract that requires them to maintain the piece. The artwork, considered a highlight of Miss’ career, offers different perspectives of a small wetland through wooden decks, metal walkways, and structures that allow viewers to see the water at eye-level and from above. Despite being celebrated as an innovative example of land art, the art center claims the installation is hazardous and expensive to repair due to Iowa’s extreme weather conditions.
The art center’s decision to remove the artwork has been met with opposition from artists and organizations, including the Cultural Landscape Foundation, which views Greenwood Pond: Double Site as a milestone in the land art movement. The organization highlights the significance of the artwork being created by a woman, as male artists have historically received more attention in the field. The removal process will involve bringing heavy equipment to the site, draining the pond, and building new paths over the course of three months or more. The art center will finance the demolition and replacement of the installation from its own budget, without the use of city funds.
Mary Miss has expressed shock at the art center’s plan to remove her artwork, stating that “People don’t deserve to have that happen.” She believes that the artwork does not deserve to be torn out and argues that the museum should uphold their contract to maintain the piece. Miss has reiterated her position in a letter to the art center board and has garnered support from the artist community. Despite the opposition, the art center maintains that the removal is necessary for the safety and well-being of its guests, as the design and materials of the artwork leave it vulnerable to Iowa’s harsh weather conditions.
Greenwood Pond: Double Site was celebrated as an example of land art, where artists create works using natural features such as rocks, plants, and water. The installation offers a unique perspective of a small wetland, allowing viewers to experience the landscape in different ways. The decision to demolish the artwork has raised concerns about the preservation of public art and the importance of maintaining cultural landmarks. The art center’s director, Kelly Baum, stated that every decision made by the institution is for the well-being of its guests, emphasizing the importance of creating secure and welcoming environments for creativity and trust to flourish.
The removal of Greenwood Pond: Double Site will involve months of demolition and construction work, as heavy equipment will need to be brought in, the pond drained, and new paths built. The art center acknowledges the significant cost of replacing and maintaining the artwork, estimating that it would cost $2.6 million for the initial replacement and millions more for future maintenance. Despite the challenges and opposition, the art center remains committed to removing the artwork in order to ensure the safety and security of its guests. The fate of Greenwood Pond: Double Site serves as a reminder of the complexities of preserving public art and the ongoing debate surrounding the conservation of cultural landmarks.
