A SCULPTURE celebrating the artistic connection between Japan and Fishguard has been the subject of mindless vandalism.

The bluestone sculpture, Gwawrio, is located at the start of the marine walk below St Teresa's Convent.

It was created by Japanese shodo master, Hiroshi Ueta, and local sculptor, Darren Yeadon during Fishguard Arts Society's Akin project, when Japanese artists visited north Pembrokeshire in 2016.

The Gwawrio/Sunrise sculpture features a burst motif and the Japanese character for moon. which is attributed a special symbolic quality in Japan.

The grant for the sculpture was awarded by the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Team and supported by members of Fishguard Arts Society.

Last week it was vandalised with red spray paint. Attempts have been made to remove the graffiti but so far to no avail.

"I would be interested to know the reason why this was done," said FAS society's Gaynor McMorrin.

"I do not like to presume it was faceless vandalism. There is a worthy tradition of so called 'enhancing' of artworks within the art world and this is Gwawrio the sunrise which lends itself to the idea of the brilliant reds of the rising sun

"But to deface in this way the beautiful bluestone and the work of serious artists means the message of hope and friendship embodied in the sculpture has not been understood and it saddens me."