Glasgow artist erects 'unexploded vape' model in city centre in wake of Union Street fire
A Glasgow artist installed a sculpture depicting a large vape over a firefighter to highlight fire risks associated with vape shops in historic buildings.Summary
Glasgow artist Ashley Rawson has unveiled a public art installation on Buchanan Street featuring a large 'unexploded vape' model towering over a miniature firefighter. The artwork serves as a tribute to the firefighters who battled the recent blaze on Union Street, which originated in a vape shop, and raises concerns about the fire risks posed by lithium batteries in vapes, particularly within heritage buildings. Rawson, known for previous pieces like the 'AI assassin' sculpture, intends the piece – labeled “burnt heritage flavour” – to question whether a widespread 'unexploded vape' problem exists in Scotland and the UK. The installation is positioned over a bollard on Buchanan Street and visually represents the potential scale of the hazard, with the vape appearing to threaten the firefighter. Following the fire that destroyed businesses in the 175-year-old Union Corner building, First Minister John Swinney has indicated a willingness to review planning laws regarding vape shops.
(Source：Glasgowlive Co Uk)
