Westside : 1 1/2-Ton Sculpture Imitates Life--Moves

Here’s proof that public art can be moving. Or, more accurately, that it can be moved.

The city of West Hollywood last week hoisted “Uno,” a 1 1/2-ton steel sculpture by Beverly Hills artist Nini Policappelli, from its familiar perch at Santa Monica Boulevard and Doheny Drive to a new home four blocks east.

Why? The City Council wanted to make way for a new sculpture donated by the makers of Cuervo 1800 tequila.

Policappelli, who donated his Cubist-inspired work to the city nine years ago, was initially unhappy about being displaced by a piece of corporate-sponsored art.

“I was under the impression the piece would be [at Santa Monica and Doheny] forever,” said the Italian-born artist. “I’m not going to demean what they are trying to do . . . but that area should be more for public artwork and not for commercial advertising.”

As it turns out, though, Policappelli thinks his sculpture--known around town as “The Kiss”--gets more attention in its new spot at Santa Monica and Robertson boulevards.

“Now I am getting more into the heart of West Hollywood,” he said with a laugh.

The Cuervo sculpture, scheduled to be unveiled in September, is meant to honor people with AIDS. The fact that it was sponsored by a large liquor company did not trouble city officials, said council aide Fran Solomon.

“There certainly has been a discussion about where [public art] is right now and how communities get art, because there is a lack of funds [for art] in today’s political climate,” Solomon said.

Strategically placed near a major strip of bars and nightspots, the new sculpture will also feature a small donor’s plaque mentioning--surprise!--a certain brand of tequila.