Artist defends 'unfinished' Ronnie O'Sullivan mural
A street artist in Sheffield is defending his mural of snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan after it received negative feedback from locals who described it as 'zombie-like'. The artist explained that the work is currently unfinished and that technical challenges with scaffolding affected his perspective during the painting process.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the intersection of public art, community perception, and the viral nature of social media criticism.
Image caption, The large mural of Ronnie O'Sullivan has received mixed feedback
A Sheffield street artist has defended his mural of snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan after the design received criticism - saying that the project is "unfinished".
Chris Ashmore was commissioned to produce the artwork featuring seven-time world champion O'Sullivan for the back wall of the Spot On Snooker Club on Langsett Road.
Although many residents said they liked the mural, others described it as "zombie-like", "shocking" and O'Sullivan's face as "skeletal".
Ashmore said he was surprised by the viral response online, but confirmed that he had only completed two weeks out of the five assigned to the job, and "touch-ups" were still needed.
The local artist said part of the problem was that he had been working from a scaffolding platform which obstructed his view, meaning he didn't get the "full perspective".
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