Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center recently unveiled a new public art installation called “Pool on the Roof,” featuring two pools built on the flat roofs of two large warehouses in the park. One of the pool installations, located on the C8 rooftop, uses a large sheet of transparent glass to separate the underwater space, creating an optical illusion that allows visitors above the pool to interact with those below, adding an element of fun. However, the same design concept has been accused of copying artist Leandro Erlich’s famous work “The Swimming Pool,” sparking widespread backlash. On the 19th, the Pier-2 Art Center issued a statement announcing the indefinite closure of the Pool on the Roof installation.

Pier-2 Art Center launched a hidden public art piece, “Pool on the Roof,” in early July, constructing two pools on the flat roofs of two large warehouses within the complex. The pool on the C8 rooftop uses a large sheet of transparent glass to create an optical illusion separating the underwater and above-water spaces, allowing visitors on the surface to interact with those below—adding an engaging twist. However, this same design concept has been accused of plagiarizing artist Leandro Erlich’s renowned work “The Swimming Pool,” drawing criticism from both netizens and artists. On the 19th, the Pier-2 Art Center stated that it deeply regretted the controversy arising from referencing artist Leandro Erlich’s “Pool” concept, and has now closed the Pool on the Roof public art installation indefinitely.