Portal Linking New York and Dublin Faces Shutdown Over Misconduct

The “Portal” video project, which links New York and Dublin in real time, has been popular but has had issues. This creative public art piece, which began on May 8, involves a big circular screen in New York’s Flatiron Building and another on Dublin’s O’Connell Street near the Spire. Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys designed the Portal to connect people.

Unfortunately, the installation was halted a few days in. A model flashed the camera in New York and insulting symbols in Dublin were posted on social media. Despite these challenges, the screens momentarily came back on but were switched off again by night. Dublin City Council spokeswoman Michael Ryan said they are investigating technical fixes like obscuring inflammatory information but haven’t found a solution.

Zac Roy of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership said most people have been respectful, with security measures in place from the start. Visitors to Gylys should be respectful and appreciate the cultural interaction, according to Portals.

Tuesday morning Portal encounters were largely good. People took selfies, waved, and made heart signs. Some still misbehaved. Killian Sundermann, visiting from Dublin, said that late-night crowds would not like downtown Dublin. Manhattan resident Joe Perez, who exhibited his bulldog to the Dublin audience, emphasized peace and connection despite the unpleasant conduct. Lynn Rakos from Brooklyn liked the unscripted contacts, claiming they were more authentic than online ones.