A live video art installation aimed to bring the people of New York City and Dublin closer together, but it also inspired some unusual antics. The interactive artwork, called “Portal,” initially went live on May 8, allowing passersby to see and interact with each other through large, camera-equipped video walls. However, incidents of inappropriate behavior led to temporary shutdowns.
By Julian James
Interactive Art Bridging Two Cities
The “Portal” installation allowed people in New York City and Dublin to wave at each other, dance together, or simply stare at one another. This creative initiative by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys aimed to transcend borders and unite people across the Atlantic. The live video connection between the two cities was designed to foster a sense of global community and shared experiences.
Inappropriate Behavior Leads to Shutdowns
Despite the positive intentions, not all interactions were wholesome. A woman in New York used the portal to flash her breasts, later revealed to be an OnlyFans model. This incident was widely reported, and the model explained on TikTok that she thought the people in Dublin deserved to see her “New York potatoes.” In Dublin, someone held up a photo related to the 9/11 attacks, further illustrating the misuse of the installation.
Authorities Take Action
Due to these incidents, the “Portal” was temporarily shut down on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Reports of inappropriate behavior prompted the authorities to intervene. Incidents of people showing their buttocks and displaying swastikas in Dublin were also reported. A spokesperson from Dublin’s city administration mentioned that while most interactions were positive, a small minority’s behavior necessitated a pause for technical adjustments.
Future of the Portal
Efforts are underway to implement technical solutions to prevent further misuse. While specific details on these adjustments are unclear, they are expected to be in place within 24 hours. Despite these challenges, the overarching goal of the “Portal” remains to connect people and encourage a sense of global unity.
While the majority of interactions through the “Portal” were positive, the inappropriate actions of a few have highlighted the challenges of maintaining a respectful digital space. The installation underscores both the potential and the pitfalls of using technology to bridge cultural and geographical divides.
Based on content from www.spiegel.de
