As we reported yesterday, plans for the installation of 59 sculptures at the eventual Central Subway station in SF have been put on hold when it was “discovered” by officials that the sculptor had killed a dog for a film. Apparently, however, the Central Subway contract wasn’t the only San Francisco gig the New York-based artist had nabbed.
As you now know, sculptor Tom Otterness adopted a shelter dog and shot it for an “art film” in 1977.
Though Otterness has expressed remorse and released numerous public apologies, the incident continues to haunt him. Once officials were made aware of Otterness’ past by an article in the Ex (why google someone when you can wait for an Ex reporter to do it for you?), they put the $750,000 Central Subway deal “on hold”.
And as the Ex reports, another contract the city had awarded Otterness has also been stopped in its tracks.
According to the Chron that Otterness had another, $700,000 contract for “a large bronze sculpture called ‘Mother with Children’ and a series of small heart-shaped bronze figures called ‘Hearts.'” both to decorate San Francisco General Hospital.
The Ex reports that Otterness has already been paid $365,750 for the project which, says Arts Commission spokesperson Kate Patterson in a statement, has been halted “At the direction of the Mayor and (Commission) President Johnston…pending further review.”
Photo of Boy & Dog by Tom Otterness: Scott Beale / Laughing Squid
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