These sculptures were paid for and erected in 2004 by property developer Karis, when they developed the adjacent site. (Public art is something this developer is known for).
Being in conservative (small 'c') Hove, there was some argument about them when they were erected, as to their siting, meaning, quality etc.
The two sculptures are by the London-based sculptor Ekkhard Altenburger, whose art adorns public places across Europe. Made of granite, this rather different pair of sculptures forms a sort of 'gateway' to Connaught Road, although the gateway is symbolic as the road is actually closed to road vehicles.
Both sculptures take their inspiration from the nearby cliff scenery and the erosive power of the sea: the easterly sculpture is simply called 'sediment' and is a sort of cross section of sedimentary rock.
The westerly sculpture is rather taller, and at the top depicts a building cut open. It is called 'cut', and represents buildings on the edge of sea cliffs, destroyed when the cliffs beneath are eroded - a real problem on parts of the east coast of England.
Whether you like them as art is down to your personal taste, but they certainly add interest, and I approve of the concept of art in the public realm. read more