KC has at least two such controversial pieces...the Oldenburg shuttlecocks...
And the Sky Stations installation at our convention center...(which, BTW, I drive under each and every work day)
I love the shuttlecocks, but I only like the Sky Stations installation at night. The rest of the time, I hate it, especially the part that looks like a big turnstile or a hair curler. There are similar opinions regarding the shuttlecocks as well...love 'em or hate 'em.
I think that means that both installations are doing what art is supposed to do...make you think. Spur a thought. Coax a memory, an opinion, a discussion. Make you feel *something*.
KC is fortunate to have an incredible art gallery, but more important, a thriving art sensibility. I'd hate to live somewhere where that wasn't true.