Tinder in Center of Montauk Tempest
Tinder was kicked out of one house in Montauk this summer after throwing raucous parties. Now it has been suggested that the dating app is responsible for some kicking out of its own. An artist and gallery cried foul last week when they realized that two artworks scheduled to be on display at Montauk’s Surf Lodge through Aug. 10 were missing from view on July 30.
Kai Matsumiya, an art dealer and curator of the show “Cultural Programme” at the Surf Lodge, noticed the two missing works by the artist Ranier Ganahi from his gallery’s show “Cultural Programme,” which was organized with Ludovica Capobianco and opened on July 16.
According to an article in artnet News, the hotel and club removed the artwork after complaints from guests and residents. Mr. Matsumiya told artnet News that employees had suggested to him that representatives from Tinder, which has been sponsoring games at the Surf Lodge beach area this summer, asked that they be removed.
One work was a highway sign with the word Syria in English and Arabic and the words “exit only.” The other was a banner printed with the word “sad!”, which refers to one of President Donald Trump’s favorite ways to close his tweets.
Speaking for the Surf Lodge, Alan Rish wrote in an email that the story is “all a tempest in a teapot” and a fake story to generate publicity for the gallery and artist. He said that the Surf Lodge does not pretend to be a gallery with regular shows and viewing hours. “We love to expose new art, but with no pretension of being a cultural institution.”
Mr. Rich said the Syria sign was to be hung for one week only. “We took it down earlier because people were reacting negatively to it.” Both guests and residents objected, he said. “I think it struck the wrong note. We also got a few comments from people in Montauk, since the sign was visible from Edgemere Street.”
He admitted that no one reached out to Mr. Ganahi to tell him that the works were taken down and that he should have done so.
As to Tinder’s involvement, Mr. Rish said it had nothing to do with the art’s removal. “We have never had a sponsor demand to take down anything ever. We wouldn't even if they had asked. We didn't like the Syria sign. It was too heavy-handed.”
The gallery did not immediately respond to a request for comment.