Controversy Has Sparked Over NYC’s Fearless Girl and Charging Bull Statues
Though not all art is initially given a warm welcome by the community and may even raise controversy, most people were pretty psyched to find out that NYC’s “Fearless Girl” statue would be standing her ground for longer than expected. But now, it turns out one person isn’t so thrilled about the situation, and it’s starting quite a conversation.
While the “Fearless Girl” piece by artist Kristen Visbal was originally only scheduled to stay in her spot on the Department of Transportation’s property until April 2, Mayor Bill de Blasio decided to allow the wildly popular installation to remain until February 2018.
However, according to The Guardian, sculptor Arturo Di Modica, creator of Wall Street’s “Charging Bull” statue, is now trying to claim that because of the new statue’s presence, his artistic copyright has been infringed upon and that his legal rights have been violated. However, since the “Fearless Girl” statue was installed facing his own piece, but in no way touches it or alters it directly, it doesn’t look like Di Modica has as much ground to stand on as the “Fearless Girl” herself.
It’s also interesting to note that when Di Modica first installed his own massive bronze statue, he did so in the middle of the night WITHOUT A PERMIT in an attempt to make a statement about the New York Stock Exchange’s 1987 market crash. When the public made it clear that they wanted the bull to remain where it was, the city granted it a permanent spot. Now, though, Di Modica apparently thinks that his once-rogue art has more rights than a new piece which was actually given a permit by the mayor himself.
Speaking of the Mayor, here’s what he has to say…
Men who don’t like women taking up space are exactly why we need the Fearless Girl. https://t.co/D2OZl4ituJ
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 12, 2017
And considering the public has been swaying decisions in this situation so far, if Twitter is any indication, the community doesn’t want her going anywhere anytime soon.
@GMA That #Fearlessgirl is there for a reason. That bull was put there when it was needed & now that girl is needed. I hope they fight for her
— BryanaOlivia85🌸 (@BryanaOlivia85) April 12, 2017
The hypocrisy is astounding #FearlessGirl #strongwomen https://t.co/cBpwanMa5K
— Jas_28 (@jessicaswart28) April 12, 2017
Charging bull Creator claiming violated rights due to "Fearless Girl" is exactly y we need "Fearless Girl" statue #Fearlessgirl #Charginbull
— Meghana Kasula (@kasulameghana) April 12, 2017
#Fearlessgirl is getting under the #ChargingBull artist's skin. Good. That's what Fearless Girl is here for. 💥🥊 https://t.co/0h6x2JcDDo
— Todd Michaelsen (@ToddMichaelsen) April 12, 2017
Dear #ArturoDiModica, so sorry your fragile male ego can't stand being outshone by a little girl. #FearlessGirl pic.twitter.com/pqG6vi2HoG
— JodieLaine (@NanaWithSoul) April 12, 2017
Frankly, maybe they should remove the statue of the Charging Bull and leave the Fearless Girl in its place. #chargingbull #Fearlessgirl
— RogueArtist (@TinaDuryea) April 12, 2017
Bull, Bye! #Fearlessgirl
— Nika B (@NikaaaB86) April 12, 2017
What do you think about the “Bull” artist claiming the “Fearless Girl” violates his rights? Let us know @BritandCo!
(h/t The Guardian; photos via Drew Angerer/Getty)
