In a bizarre twist of environmental and artistic jurisdiction, dealer Adam Lindemann faces legal action after allegedly installing a 25-foot-tall sculpture by Julian Schnabel on a protected estate without permission. The Nature Conservancy, guardians of the Andy Warhol Visual Arts Preserve in Montauk, New York, has sued Lindemann, accusing him of trespassing and refusing to remove the sculpture.

Lindemann’s six-acre property borders the preserve, and his agreement to remove the sculpture allegedly fell through, leading to his refusal to comply with the conservancy’s demands. The conservancy contends that Lindemann continues to park personal vehicles in the preserve, mow its lawn, and plant shrubs, all of which are in violation of the terms of the donation that established the preserve.

The lawsuit, filed in New York’s Eastern District, demands a jury trial and seeks an injunction to prevent Lindemann from entering the property, a declaration that the conservancy has exclusive control, and reimbursement for legal fees. The preservation of migratory birds and other wildlife along the Atlantic Flyway is paramount to the conservancy, adding a layer of ecological urgency to the dispute.

This case highlights the complex relationship between artists, galleries, and conservationists, where the lines between public and private space, and the rights of nature, blur. As the legal battle continues, the fate of the sculpture hangs in the balance, casting a long shadow over the preserve’s future.