David L. Johnson's Art Highlights Legal Issues in New York's Public Spaces
Artist David L. Johnson's work, featured in the 2026 Whitney Biennial, explores the legal landscape of New York's Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS). Johnson's installation, 'Rule,' consists of signs removed from these spaces, highlighting the often invisible regulations governing public behavior. POPS were created through New York City's 1961 Zoning Resolution, allowing private developers to provide public spaces in exchange for building bonuses. However, issues have arisen regarding the quality and accessibility of these spaces, with some developers illegally privatizing them. Johnson's art challenges viewers to consider the balance between public access and private control. 
