A sculptor who got a $4,000 grant from the city to create a COVID-19 tribute — but who installed it in Central Park without a permit — was fuming after the sculpture was removed.
The Central Park Conservancy took away the heart-shaped COVID-19 sculpture this past week, leaving its creator, Italian artist Sergio Furnari, “heartbroken,” he said.
Furnari poses for a photo in front of his sculpture on October 25, 2021. He said he is “heartbroken” over its removal. AP Photo/Dieu-Nalio CheryFurnari discovered his “Heroes Heart Monument” missing on Thursday.
Furnari figured the city funding – rather than a permit – would allow the installation and called its removal “an abuse of power.”
The city originally gave Furnari a $4,000 grant to create the tribute to healthcare workers during the pandemic. AP Photo/Dieu-Nalio Chery
A girl poses in front of the “Heroes Heart Monument”. AP Photo/Dieu-Nalio CheryThe sculptor plans to go to the Central Park Conservancy, which oversees the park, on Monday to discover what happened to his artwork.
With Post wire services
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