The Wall Street Journal reports that France and Germany are demanding Ai Weiwei’s release from Chinese custody. Meanwhile, according to the New York Times, preparations continue for Ai’s fountain project on the edge of Central Park:

“We’re moving ahead in the same way that we started,” said Larry Warsh, founder of AW Asia, a Chinese contemporary art organization, which organized the show with the City of New York. “The works are done, the works are here.”

As for the artist himself, Mr. Warsh said, “I’m very concerned about him and his safety.” Mr. Ai, who is sometimes called China’s Andy Warhol — an edition of his recent work “Sunflower Seeds” sold in February at Sotheby’s in London for more than a half-million dollars — is due to come to New York in the first week of May to unveil the new project with MayorMichael R. Bloomberg, and to receive an award from the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture.

Ai Weiwei’s New York Project oto Go Ahead With or Without Him (Arts Beat/New York Times)

France, Germany Seek Release of Chinese Artist (Wall Street Journal)