Posted on 07/10/2014 12:34:51 PM PDT by Rebelbase
Plans by a Turner Prize-nominated artist to drop a piano off an iconic east London tower block have been thwarted by residents, who were concerned over the “danger and utter stupidity” of the stunt.
Catherine Yass had been scheduled to hurl the instrument off the top of the 26-storey Balfron Tower in Poplar – but a petition signed by 254 locals forced organisers to change their tune.
Retired nurse Jean Brown, 66, of nearby Burcham Street, was concerned about the “danger and utter stupidity”, and amazed the idea had even been suggested.
“People seem to have finally come to their senses,” she said. “The idea shouldn’t have even been thought up in the first place.
“To have it discussed by the board was ludicrous.
“Harca employs anti-social behaviour officers and if chucking a piano off the Balfron Tower isn’t anti-social behaviour, I don’t know what is.”
The local housing association which manages the Grade II-listed housing block said no date had been set, insisting it would have taken place “some time over the summer”.
But a statement from the Alison Jacques Gallery, where Ms Yass exhibits work, suggested the event had been booked at the St Leonard’s Road tower for Tuesday.
The plan was to drop the piano “as part of a community workshop looking at how sound travels”.
Andrea Baker, director at the housing association, Harca, said: “I met with our residents on Friday and received the petition.
“We’ve listened to their concerns and, as a result, the project will not be going ahead.”
Ms Yass’ works include the well-known 2000 Tate Britain Christmas tree.
The artist declined to comment save to confirm the event had been cancelled “at the residents’ request”.
“Harca employs anti-social behaviour officers and if chucking a piano off the Balfron Tower isn’t anti-social behaviour, I don’t know what is.”
I know it's in Britain, but I'm shocked at how the general populace is enforcing "acceptable behavior".
Those who say Britain is dead are closer to the truth than not.
Well, Britain is currently chucking their culture off a 26-storey/story building... at least figuratively. And unlike this piano, there does not seem like enough opposition to stop it.
FMCDH(BITS)
Har!
How much would it cost to repair the sidewalk?
The English used to be so good at being blunt like that.
The gravity of this situation sank in.
And if the British military is parading underneath, you could have A Flat Major.
I know it’s in Britain, but I’m shocked at how the general populace is enforcing “acceptable behavior”.
Nobody likes to be told what to do, but plenty of people will love to take advantage and tell others what they need to do. It’s a busybody’s dream to live in a nanny state, they all become little informers for Big Mother.
Stupid “art” can have unintended consequences...
http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/28/us/christo-umbrella-crushes-woman.html
What? Why the hell shouldn’t I be allowed to toss a piano off a building in controlled environment?
“Anti-social behavior” tyrants. Screw their idea of what is right.
Damn do-gooders.
RIMSHOT!
Actually sounds kind of cool to me. If they do it I hope they get some good video of it crashing.
Well, there's where you went wrong!
You should have said it was part of a community workshop looking at how sound travel has changed due to global warming!
Not only would it be approved (regardless of what the locals might want), but would most likely be paid for with gov't funds.
Ms. Brown was correct. The idea is utterly stupid.
Gee, back when David Letterman was funny, he used to do this sort of thing.
I’d be for it if Ms Y’ass would offer to stand below and catch the piano.
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