Residents in the area mocked Tyson Fury’s “contemporary sculpture”, a 33-year-old world heavyweight boxing champ, which was made from plastic drainpipes.
The work by award-winning artist Anthony Padgett, 52, is due to be erected in Morecambe, Lancashire this weekend.
Locals have called the eight-foot structure an “absolute joke” because it was made from drainage pipes from brown plastic.
This weekend, the award-winning artist Anthony Padgett’s work (pictured here with the sculpture), is scheduled to be installed in Morecambe.
According to Mr Padgett who is himself from Morecambe the art would be Tyson Fury’s first public sculpture in the world. This is to bring out the boxer’s “essence”.
According to him, he was inspired by Tyson Fury. It captures the essence, or the pivotal moment in boxing.
It is an honor to be able to display Tyson’s achievements in Morecambe.
“Also to own a contemporary painting shows that Morecambe views art in a progressive way.
The sculpture is set to be unveiled at the Morecambe Bay Art Fair this weekend and then will be sited outdoors at Jo & Lee’s By The Sea Café on town’s sea front.
This is the site of the VVV gym and café where Tyson Fury used to train and eat.
It is intended to capture Tyson Fury’s essence through the sculpture
‘I used to see Tyson Fury in the café but never spoke to him. He should enjoy the job, Mr Padgett said.
Fury was not in touch with the artist to tell him he’d seen the sculpture.
However, the art hasn’t received online the most warm reception.
One person joked that Fury would punch Mr Padgett if he saw the sculpture.
Trish Jay wrote: “This reminds me of elementary school, when the teachers made sculptures from household waste.
The sculpture is set to be unveiled at the Morecambe Bay Art Fair this weekend and then will be sited outdoors at Jo & Lee’s By The Sea Café on town’s sea front
They would then send the “sculpture” home to the bloody teachers.
Simon Gooch said: “I heard that a Tyson Fury statue was on the horizon.” It wasn’t literal, I thought.
Jordan Medhurst, a local resident, also stated that it was a joke.
The man represents Morecambe day to day shopping, eating and drinking in every local shop and much of their town’s TV coverage – they even made a statue of him out of drain pipes.
“Imagine what he would post to his million followers on social media – that’s quite embarrassing.
I believe that the guy should be a statue of 6 feet 9 in the centre of town, right beside Eric Morecambe.
“He is a legend all over the world, in and outside of the ring.”
Jessica Mace stated, “I’m open-minded about art. But that’s insulting.”
However, not all were so quick to judge.
One user Helen Waner defended the work, saying: ‘This is only a sculpture inspired by the boxer.’
Mt Padgett stated that the artwork would become the first publicly accessible Fury sculpture in the world.
His work was also supported by Mr Padgett. He has traditional sculptures that look like life, such as those of Wilfred Owen (war poet) and Vincent Van Gogh (artist around Europe).
He stated that he often worked with famous people suffering from mental illness.
Wilfred Owen was the first poet to write about PTSD. Vincent Van Gogh is a conflicted genius who often saw them as stigmatized because they didn’t understand.
“Contemporary Art has been around since more than 100 Years. Marcel Duchamp first displayed a urinal. They are worth more than $2million.
“My current art is fun and has humor.”
The sculpture pays tribute to Tyson and honors his accomplishments, as well as celebrating him for being a worldwide personality of pop culture.
Fury was not in contact to tell Fury that he had seen the sculpture.
Tyson is the person of people. The sculpture was constructed using everyday objects of the population.
“Storm Drains” take on the worst of the weather. They make up the strength and determination of our society.
“Tyson” has grown from humble beginnings to become a global icon.
“I’d love to create a sculpture that is more real if you ask me.”
Anthony said, “People are invited to chat about my work and view the artwork at the Art Fair.” Admission is free.
Tyson Fury’s team was contacted to provide comment.