Mystery sculpture appears on Turbo Island amid campaign to 'save' site from sale

-Credit: (Image: James Colomina)
-Credit: (Image: James Colomina)


A new sculpture has appeared overnight at Turbo Island amid the campaign to "save" the site from private development. Street artist James Colomina has placed the piece on the top of Turbo Island's signage to represent the "stigmatised minorities among us."

"This piece portrays a child wearing a dunce hat, representing those who are isolated, shunned, or those who simply don't fit into society's boxes. It is a symbol for the stigmatised minorities among us," said James.

"Turbo Island is a fond landmark to many Bristolians. This installation on a little piece of tarmac in Stokes Croft takes on a stronger meaning knowing that the 'island' is to be put up for auction.

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The sculpture of a child wearing a dunce hat symbolises the 'stigmatised' in society
The sculpture of a child wearing a dunce hat symbolises the 'stigmatised' in society -Credit:James Colomina

"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 will be put up for auction on October 16. It has been listed with a guide price of just £50,000.

Colomina also recently installed a teddy bear on a swing sculpture on Gaol Ferry Bridge. The piece's message is to remind us of the "simple, carefree times" of childhood.

A teddy bear sculpture was also recently installed on Gaol Ferry Bridge
A teddy bear sculpture was also recently installed on Gaol Ferry Bridge -Credit:James Colomina
The piece 'evokes childhood and its lightness, reminding us of simple, carefree times'
The piece 'evokes childhood and its lightness, reminding us of simple, carefree times' -Credit:James Colomina

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