The Little Fisherman has been delighting tourists and locals alike at Paphos Seafront since its creation in 2016, by the acclaimed artist Yiota Ioannidou. Unfortunately, it has fallen victim to some idiotic vandals and had to be temporarily removed in order to be repaired. This is what the artist posted this afternoon on her Facebook Page.

THE ABSENCE OF G. Ioannidou 2016-2026

A project where emptiness is the dominant element.

The installation explores a simple question: Do we begin to value something only when it stops being in place?

The project consists of an empty base, sea air, waves and the memories of those who passed by here over the years.

Absence becomes the sculpture itself. Because in the end, emptiness means nothing. It's what makes the presence visible. It's what makes us realize the value of what was lost.

Somewhere here, the theorists of modern art would be writing another three pages ...

And before anyone can consider that I have finally passed conceptual art, I must restore the truth.

"Little Fisherman" did not disappear by choice. Unfortunately he was vandalised and had to be temporarily removed to be taken to the foundry for rehabilitation.

Will soon be back where it belongs.
 

We would like to assure Yiota that all her art is highly valued by a lot of people, and we wish the little fellow a speedy recovery.