One of his most notable works is The Sunbather, an eight-foot-long, 4,000-pound bronze sculpture of a reclining human form, painted vibrant pink.
This piece, installed in Long Island City, sparked significant controversy due to the lack of community involvement in the selection process and its striking appearance.
Critics described the sculpture as "too bright, too big, too ugly and too expensive," with some expressing concerns that its size and color could distract drivers and cause accidents.
A three-person panel that was composed of a member from Socrates Sculpture Park, SculptureCenter and a local artist selected the commission without input from Community Board 2 or the public was responsible for choosing it.
[1] To resolve the dispute, a meeting was called, involving 300 residents, Cultural Affairs commissioner Tom Finkelpearl, City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and Meromi himself.
However, a subsequent public meeting is now required allowing residents to speak with the panel’s recommended artists about their concepts, according to a spokesman for Van Bramer’s office.