Italian-Americans outraged over Mayor's plans for Columbus Circle art project

Nov 16, 2012 1308

Hey, show a little respect for Christopher Columbus!

Italian-American activists are outraged over a new plan to place an art installation around the statue of the explorer that stands in Manhattan's Columbus Circle.

The planned installation, by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi, is supposed to give New Yorkers a new perspective on Chris by enclosing his statue at the top of his pillar in a trendy, modern living room six stories above the street.

But some Italian-Americans hate the idea so much, they're crying fuhgeddaboutit!

"Christopher Columbus is turned into some clownish figure in the middle of the room that many visitors are sure to find amusing — [it's a] fun-house view of Christopher Columbus," said Arthur Piccolo, a vocal Italian-American advocate in the city.

Rosario Iaconis, chairman of the Italic Institute of America, called the plan "a bit of an abomination."

"Erecting this living-room set around the statue demeans the community," he said. "Mayor Bloomberg has had issues with the community and the Columbus Parade. He's never made amends. I think [The statue] is the height of folly."

Bloomberg put out a statement supporting the installation, which will open at Columbus Circle on Sept. 20 and run until Nov. 18. Columbus Day is Oct. 8.

"This fall, New York City will rediscover Christopher Columbus in a new and exciting way, thanks to the creativity of Tatzu Nishi," the mayor said. "This is sure to become another must-visit attraction for millions of tourists."

But John Mancini, 65, the Italic Institute's executive director, thinks the plan will serve only to humiliate the Italian-American community.

"I think it's poor art. It's in bad taste," he said. "I don't know who is paying for it or why they would pay for it. If it's aimed at Columbus Day, it's quite disrespectful."

The installation's "living room" will be erected on a scaffolding that will rise up to the top of the 70-foot-high pillar on which the statue of Columbus was first placed in 1892, for the 400th anniversary of the explorer's landing in the New World.

The work is being sponsored by the nonprofit Public Art Fund, which will get $1 million in taxpayer money for its restoration work on the statute and an undisclosed amount in private funds for the display.

In a press release, the Public Art Fund said it hopes the work will "transform the traditional monument into a contemporary artwork . . . and through large, loft-style windows, the work will grant visitors dramatic views . . . that can only be seen from Columbus's perspective."

The nonprofit said it had reached out to some Italian-American groups and none opposed the project.

"I want to say this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said John Calvelli, secretary of the National Italian American Foundation. "You can see Columbus up close!"

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