Art / Street Art
Two sculptures installed by French street artist
A French street artist has installed a pair of sculptures in two unusual locations in Bristol.
James Colomina has placed a child wearing a hat on a building overlooking Turbo Island and a teddy bear on a swing underneath Gaol Ferry Bridge.
Colomina’s distinctive red figures have been placed in locations across the world, with his visit to Bristol following a recent trip to Kyiv.
is needed now More than ever
A child with a dunce hat overlooking Turbo Island – photo: James Colomina
French street artist James Colimia wants to draw attention to the campaigns to save Turbo Island from development – photo: James Colomina
Colomina told Bristol24/7 that his sculpture on Turbo Island “portrays a child wearing a dunce hat, representing those who are isolated, shunned, or those who simply don’t fit into society’s boxes”.
He added: “It is a symbol for the stigmatised minorities among us.
“Turbo Island is a fond landmark to many Bristolians. This installation on a little patch of tarmac in Stokes Croft takes on a stronger meaning knowing that the ‘Island’ is to be put up for auction.
“The sculpture questions the value we place on these spaces and those who frequent them, while questioning how society can ignore these realities.
“Turbo Island must be saved.”
Turbo Island is for sale at auction in October – photo: James Colomina
Colomina said that the teddy bear on a swing beneath Gaol Ferry Bridge “evokes childhood and its lightness, reminding us of simple, carefree times”.
Colomina said that the teddy bear on a swing beneath Gaol Ferry Bridge “evokes childhood and its lightness, reminding us of simple, carefree times” – photo: James Colomina
Colomina installed the two sculptures in the early hours of Wednesday morning – photo: Jake Greenwood
Main photo: Jake Greenwood
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