The Hamptons Go to War Against Art

The Hamptons Go to War Against Art

Matt Johnson’s Meditating Figure was set to be the most talked about large-scale artwork of the season—and that was before local authorities filed a lawsuit calling it illegal. Now Max Levai, founder of Montauk’s The Ranch, is fighting with the ritzy town to prevent the sculpture’s destruction.

Town Goes After Ranch Sculpture | The East Hampton Star

Town Goes After Ranch Sculpture Yupay Thu, 08/06/2026 - 11:38 “Meditating Figure,” an installation by Matt Johnson at The Ranch in Montauk, was set up without a building permit and is sitting on an agricultural reserve, two points that prompted a town lawsuit. Durell Godfrey By Christopher Gangemi August 6, 2026 East Hampton Town is suing Ranch Mtk L.L.C., controlled by Max Levai, in State Supreme Court over the “unlawful construction and main…