Collective Vandalism Destroys Oppy De Bernardo's Inflatable Installation in Locarno

Oppy De Bernardo's public art installation 'Apolide' was destroyed by a crowd in Locarno's Piazza Grande on April 10, 2018, one day before a planned community event. The work consisted of 6,500 inflatable life preservers in various shapes, including pink flamingos, rabbits, and dolphins, spread over 3,500 square meters. It took 150 volunteers and 18 km of rope to install. The installation referenced migrants and refugees, using playful objects to evoke tragedy. The artist intended to involve local schoolchildren on April 11, allowing them to take some inflatables, with 300 pieces to be sold for charity by Vanilla Club. Instead, a mob stole and damaged the inflatables, leaving only plastic scraps. De Bernardo expressed shock, stating he tried to reason with people but was overwhelmed. Some vandals even asked for autographs on stolen flamingos. The event highlighted the irrationality of crowds and the symbolic power of public art.