Man defends ‘trash’ art after neighbors complain

A man whose neighbors complained about “junk” art in his garden has defended his unusual creation.

Denis Carbonaro has been making sculptures in the front and back gardens of his Fife semi for nine-and-a-half years, including a mammoth, a Spanish galleon in a tree, a spider and a Covid-19 shrine .

He describes his artwork, which is mostly made from recycled materials, as “highly original, three-dimensional wow.”

However, John Kirby, whose late mother lived next door to Mr Carbonaro in Doggerty Bay, said the “eyesore” piece of art was putting off all his potential buyers.

Mr Kirby has complained to Fife Council, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service but said he had been told the artist had not breached any rules.

Mr. Carbonaro named his house Barker Park and described it as a “busker’s home.”

He said he “relies on the generosity of the audience in exchange for the experience.”

Referring to Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech on racial integration in America, Mr. Carbonara said: “I have a dream that towns full of cookie-cutter houses will one day become towns full of surprises, where diversity, creativity Strength and freedom thrive side by side.

“This is a place where a street performer’s home inspires change and creativity, just as the civil rights movement shaped our world.”

Mr Kirby was one of many neighbors to complain about the “sculptures”.

He admitted that he liked Mr Carbonaro’s early work, describing it as “modern art” and “different”, but said his late mother had always hated it.

Mr Kirby’s mother moved into the nursing home in March 2023 and died on 2 October.

Her son said he needed to sell the house to pay unpaid nursing home bills, but Mr. Carbonaro’s art was discouraging people from buying the property.

He said the garden was overflowing with items such as shopping carts, fridges and crates and was “getting worse”.

“My mom died and I didn’t have a chance to grieve,” he said.

“It’s just consuming me. Every day I get up and think, ‘What is he going to do now?

Alastair Hamilton, Fife council services manager, confirmed council colleagues had visited the property and investigated the issues.

He said: “Neighbours’ concerns have been raised with the owner. No further action has been taken at this time.”

Mr Carbonaro, a self-described artist, claimed Barker Park had become a “cultural landmark” attracting people to Doggerty Bay.

However Mr Kirby believes his mother’s house will not be sold until the “junk” is cleared.

The home is currently off the market for reasons unrelated to the artwork.