The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fife-born artist Mach keen to lead Kirkcaldy waterfront art
PUBLIC ART: Renowned sculptor keen to see more artworks along town’s Esplanade
The demise of a controversial sculpture compared to a whale’s penis could spawn a shoal of art installations along Kirkcaldy waterfront.
Internationally-renowned sculptor David Mach removed his driftwood creation from its site near the Morrisons supermarket after it started to crumble.
However, he has revealed he would be eager to head an Esplanade art project and says he has discussed the idea with Fife Council.
Mach’s piece, called Phantom, divided opinion when it was erected three years ago. It was likened to a whale’s private parts by Kirkcaldy councillor Neil Crooks. In August it was cordoned off to protect public safety as pieces were falling off.
Mr Mach said Phantom had had its day.
“I will replace it with something else and I have quite a lot of ideas,” he said.
“I’ve also been talking to the council and they have mentioned the idea of doing lots more along the prom.
“They are quite keen to have an initiative that takes art along there and I’d be keen to take part in that or lead it.
“It remains to be seen whether that will happen, of course, as they would have to find funding for it.
“I am fascinated by the Fife coast, I have had ideas for a variety of things for the coastline for a number of years and it may well be that some of these ideas could be brought together.”
The Methil-born artist, who famously created the Big Heid on the M8 and Brick Train in Darlington, was commissioned to produce an artwork by Morrisons at a cost of £35,000 when it opened its store on the Esplanade.
The structure, embellished with nails, has been widely criticised.
Mr Mach himself described it as a “brute” and said: “It’s a really ugly piece but I really liked it.
“I guess people think artists have to make beautiful things but that’s not always the case.”
He said it had proved to be surprisingly robust but as well as being attacked by the elements it was being eaten from the inside by some kind of bug.
However, he intends to keep the piece and said parts of it might rise again in future works.