Artist threatens to take down columns

PARIS , Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The artist who created the collection of black-and-white striped columns installed at France's Palais Royal called the artwork's neglect "state vandalism."

Sculptor Daniel Buren has threatened to remove "Les Deux Plateaux" because he says the French government has failed to properly maintain his celebrated 1986 work, which is commonly known as "Buren's columns," The Times of London reported.

"Half my work has been ruined. It's as if it's been cut in two," Buren told the newspaper. "I'm prepared to take it down altogether."

Many of the 260 columns are crumbling, while the lights intended to illuminate them are broken and the fountain Buren installed in the courtyard has been allowed to run dry, the Times said.

The artist called on the Culture Ministry to repair it.

Culture Minister Christine Albanel said the Palais Royal is set to undergo a $20.5 million restoration, with up to $4.7 million to be spent on the courtyard and sculpture.

Work on the columns is slated to begin in 2009.