A PORTAL artwork put on show as part of Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival has been taken down following a week of display, with Bournemouth residents calling for more in the future.
The 15-metre art sculpture, designed by Lucid Creates, made its world premiere on Bournemouth beach on Thursday, September 28, as part of the arts festival.
The creation was lined with shifting lights that created a "mesmerising and ethereal display" and as it was being removed people in the area commented on how ‘beautiful’ the display was, saying that they would like to see more art in the town.
One couple who have lived in Bournemouth for 20 years said the display was something different to the usual seaside view.
They said: “We were lucky enough to see it when it was first erected, and it cast a beautiful light across the beach.
“I think it has been lovely and we would love to see more arts in Bournemouth.”
Another pair said it was their first time seeing the sculpture while it was being taken down, and that it was a shame it could not have stayed for longer.
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Last week, BCP Council had considered removing the artwork early after complaints from the parents of two children who died on Bournemouth beach earlier this year.
The families of Joe Abbess, 17, and Sunnah Khan, 12, who got into difficulty in the water on May 31, said the Portal artwork was ‘badly located and thoughtless’, as it framed the area of the sea where the children struggled.
However, after discussions with the families BCP Council decided for the display to remain until the planned date.
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Two local friend, Linda and Judy, who witnessed the sculpture being removed, said ‘it was a shame it was put where it was’.
Judy added: “If it had been a bit further across the beach, and not so close to where those young people died, it would have been better.”
The artwork, designed by Lucid Creates, was also due to display ‘shifting lights’ and audio however, these features were turned off to respect the families of Sunnah and Joe.
The team behind the artwork said it was inspired by ancient monuments, with a modern take.
Lucid Creates director, Chris Carr, said it is a ‘surrealist dream-like’ sculpture that appears and disappears, creating a unique moment for people.
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