Video portal allowing people from New York City and Dublin to interact in real-time goes horribly wrong
A 'portal' was opened up to connect people in real time in New York and Dublin, but things quickly went in an unfortunate direction.
The project was part of a series of similar 'portals' which were put in place by Lithuanian artist, Benediktas Gylys.
It features a large circular screen which shows video from a camera on a second screen in another location.
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The screen is built to look like a portal has opened up between the two places which you could almost step through, if it was really a magical portal.
While we're not quite at the technological stage of teleportation gates just yet, we can show live videos from each place.
The installation was opened with ceremonies on each side of it and subsequent events being organised
Explaining the concept behind the art installation, Gylys said: "Portals are an invitation to meet people above borders and differences and to experience our world as it really is - united and one.
"The livestream provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures, transcend geographical boundaries, and embrace the beauty of global interconnectedness."
It might have started with ceremony and organised events things took a bit of a turn once people were left to their own devices to interact.
For example, some people in Dublin showed New York pictures of the twin towers smoking during the 9/11 attacks.
Another occasion saw someone waving in a friendly manner, only to turn around and moon shocked New Yorkers.
But not everyone decided to try to shock, with many in Dublin enjoying the message that the portal was trying to get across.
John Plummer was visiting Dublin from Drogheda in County Louth.
He told the BBC: "It's amazing. It's great to see something like this in the city and to be able to watch people going about their business in New York while we're standing here in the centre of Dublin."
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí De Róiste said in a statement: "I would encourage Dubliners and visitors to the city to come and interact with the sculpture and extend an Irish welcome and kindness to cities all over the world."
The portal in New York is located on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, one of the busiest intersections in the city.
Meanwhile, the Dublin portal is located on the junction between O'Connell Street and North Earl Street.
The portals in New York and Dublin are not the only two, and the pairings will be switched up to include places in Poland, Lithuania, and Brazil.
Kit Roberts