Rafael rejected by the Welsh

Published online 26 Mar 10

A rendering of Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's "Turbulence" project

Will Wales ever embrace contemporary art? A Welsh town has rejected a planned major public work after 5,000 people signed a petition in protest, according to local press reports. The £400,000 Turbulence project by Mexican artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer was set to fill the River Teifi in Cardigan with 127 buoys fitted with LED light sources. Microphones along the quayside would have recorded the voices of passers-by, setting off the lights. But local opposition has helped scupper the five-year venture which was initiated by Channel 4, Arts Council England and the Art Fund.