Someone Dumped Oil on Fresh Doyers Street Asphalt Art [Updated]

At first glance, it appears the locals are none too pleased with the new “Asphalt Art” mural underway on Doyers Street.

A tipster sent in the enclosed photos showing the ruination of the piece in progress. “The Song of Dragons and Flowers,” painted by artist Chen Dongfan, is part of the Chinatown Partnership’s transformation of the “Bloody Angle” into a seasonal pedestrian plaza.

Someone apparently dumped a bucket of oil onto the piece sometime yesterday morning, likely setting back the completion date. It’s unclear at the moment the party responsible for the action.

That the 4,851 square-foot mural was sullied indicates the endeavor is a bit controversial. Some merchants on the block initially stood in opposition to the weeks-long closure of Doyers Street so that Dongfan can complete the mural. Changes were made last night as an accommodation to address trash buildup and opening the roadway post-9pm.

(While painting is underway, cars can’t drive through between 10am and 9pm, but pedestrians can walk.)

Motor vehicle traffic along Doyers will continue to be suspended during daytime hours beginning August 1, and running through November.