A towering 60-foot sculpture constructed from stacked shipping containers has ignited a legal dispute in Montauk, a wealthy enclave in the Hamptons, with some residents deeming the artwork a "junkyard mess." East Hampton town officials have initiated legal action, alleging the installation lacks necessary permits and a certificate of occupancy.
The sculpture, titled "Meditating Figure," was installed on June 27 at The Ranch, a 26-acre private gallery. Created by Los Angeles artist Matt Johnson, the artwork is composed of a dozen industrial steel shipping containers and depicts a seated, cross-legged figure. Supporters view it as bold contemporary art, but many local residents find it clashes with the area's natural beauty.
East Hampton resident Mitchel Agoos described the towering containers as a "monstrosity" that detracts from the landscape. "They're grotesque and ugly and out of place on Old Montauk Highway," Agoos stated, comparing the massive containers to a skyscraper that recently raised safety concerns.
Dr. Jennifer Jablow of Southampton called the sculpture "unsightly," adding, "Most of the sculptures out here enhance the area's nature – not fight it. We live out here for the beauty of the nature, and this feels very rough."
According to the gallery, "Meditating Figure" represents "a deity built by capital and consumption; a reality of the daily contemporary experience." Artist Matt Johnson has previously created similar works, including "Sleeping Figure" in California in 2023.
Town officials, however, are focusing on regulatory compliance. During a recent meeting, the East Hampton Town Board voted 4-1 to pursue legal action against The Ranch, asserting that the gallery failed to obtain the required building permit and certificate of occupancy for the structure. Town attorney Jake Turner emphasized that the legal action is not about artistic expression but about ensuring proper safety oversight for a structure assembled from large steel containers.
"If we don't take action then we are compromising the safety of the residents," Turner said, stressing that installations on private property must still adhere to building regulations.
Gallery owner Max Levai maintains that officials are overreaching. He argued that if sculptures are displayed on private property for personal enjoyment and are not considered structures, they do not require permits. Levai also noted that obtaining a building permit can take up to five months, a timeline that would extend beyond the exhibition's scheduled end date of November 15.
The controversy has also gained traction on social media, with numerous commenters criticizing the installation. However, artist Richard Sichel dismissed the backlash, calling the piece "fun" and noting that "Art is always a statement."
Johnson explained that the placement of the sculpture was intentional, designed to be visible to travelers approaching from the Montauk Lighthouse. He also noted the significance of the nearby horses, suggesting a contrast between historical transportation methods and modern shipping containers. 
The exhibition "LA Monumental" is scheduled to remain on display through November 15.
Montauk has a historical association with artists, including pop art figure Andy Warhol, who contributed to the area's reputation as a creative retreat.