‘Sand Sculpture ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ in Response to Far-Right Riots Spurs Jokes’

An artist’s humorous effort to address last week’s far-right riots with a “live, laugh, love” sand sculpture has ignited a wave of online commentary.

Fred Brown from York created the sculpture on Bridlington beach with a Union Jack backdrop. He described the piece as “open to interpretation.”

“The current situation with far-right extremists and rioting prompted me to draw something,” Brown told the BBC. “It’s open to interpretation, like art I suppose.”

The phrase “live, laugh, love” is widely popular and appears on countless household items and walls. However, its ubiquity has also led to disdain in various circles.

Reactions to the sand art on Twitter/X were mixed. One user commented, “This will cause more riots.” Another added, “The people rioting no doubt have this on their wall at home.”

Some viewers felt the artwork was unhelpful, with one stating it made them “ashamed to be British.”

The slogan originates from a 1904 poem by Bessie Anderson Stanley, reading, “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.”

Several observers believed the use of Comic Sans font was a deliberate joke. One noted it with a laughing emoji, while another praised the artistic choice.

Others anticipated the artwork being washed away by the tide. “Bad enough seeing it in folks’ houses, now on the beach for all to see. Still, tide will be in soon,” concluded another viewer.

The far-right riots followed the Stockport stabbings, where three children were killed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The suspect, initially unnamed due to his age, was later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Cardiff, Wales. Judge Andrew Menary KC decided against restricting media coverage on account of Rudakubana’s age, stating, “Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum.”

Rudakubana faced the court with his face in his hands and was charged with multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and possession.

The riots, which began on July 30, have spread across various UK cities, accompanied by several anti-racism counter-protests.

Rudakubana remains in custody.

Source: BBC