Dublin’s newest piece of public art, the Portal, was abruptly closed a few days after its inauguration this week, owing to some people using the colossal window connecting Dublin with New York for unsavoury and inappropriate activities. Consequently, despite the majority of viewers enjoying the uniqueness and playfulness of the installation, it was temporarily removed due to irresponsible behaviour.
The Portal, a real-time interactive sculpture, was a brainchild of Benediktas Gylys, a Lithuanian artist. It was a joint initiative of various organisations, comprising the Dublin City Council and the EU Capital of Smart Tourism.
On the eve of the Portal’s shut down, Podcast producer Declan Conlon visited North Earl Street to observe the interaction between Dublin natives and New Yorkers. Art critic Tom Lordan also shared his thoughts on this contentious artwork. The story was aired by Bernice Harrison and produced by Aideen Finnegan and Declan Conlon.