Art or insult? Transatlantic portals spark outrage with 9/11 mockery
Pioneering technological sculptures, serving as a "portal" between New York and Dublin, were officially launched in both cities on May 8, quickly becoming controversial. The art installation sparked outrage after someone from Dublin showed a photo of the September 11 attacks through the portal, "mocking" the tragedy of Americans.
Groundbreaking sculptures, installed in New York at the Flatiron South Public Plaza and in Dublin on North Earl Street, aimed to create an "unprecedented bridge" between the two cities. Each transmits a live image 24/7, allowing "real-time interaction between the Dublin, New York residents and tourists".
The portal on North Earl Street displays a view of the most famous Dublin landmarks on O'Connell Street, including the historic General Post Office (GPO) and The Spire. The portal in New York is located at the Flatiron South Public Plaza on Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the famous Flatiron Building. Benedikt Gylys installed them. Similar works of art are found in the artist's homeland, Lithuania and Poland.
Outrageous behavior of Dubliners in front of the portal
Unfortunately, within a few hours of the portals' launch, inappropriate behaviour began, mainly on the part of Dubliners. As soon as Wednesday on the Irish side, a drunk woman was arrested for rubbing against the portal. Other individuals showed middle fingers through the portal. The worst was yet to come.
On Saturday, May 11, a video appeared on social media showing a person from Dublin displaying a photo of the burning World Trade Center towers from September 11. The same person also mocked the death of the New York rapper Pop Smoke. New Yorkers who saw this image on their portal reacted with cries of protest.
These were not the only instances of improper behaviour. Some netizens threatened to "flash the Yankees" through the portal, while others shared videos of people provoking Americans by showing their bare buttocks.
These incidents have sparked a discussion on the limits of art and good taste. Some commentators express disappointment that the sculptures, which were supposed to connect people, have become an arena for provocation and disrespect.
