Haunting figures creep onto Walton beach as part of art exhibition

Walton beach was eerily taken over by 15 ghoul-like sculptures over the weekend for a dramatic outdoor exhibition by Colchester artist Nabil Ali.

The spooky creations, positioned looking out to sea, were designed to represent the area’s lost communities and forgotten ancestors.

Made out of clay gathered by Nabil from the very beach on which they stood, the pieces also served to highlight the eroding coastline of Essex’s eastern shores.

Other materials, including willow, terracotta pipes, hessian and wax, were also used to form the startling figures, collectively entitled the Sea People.

The installation, which Nabil spent months putting together, was part of Kinetika’s Beach of Dreams project in association with the Essex Cultural Diversity Project.

The figures have since garnered a lot of attention from beach-goers, residents, and art fanatics alike, including Sarah Muckle, of Walton.

Artist Nabil Ali's The Sea People raise awareness of coastal erosion on Walton beach Picture: Sarah Muckle

She said: "I was surprised to come across these sculptures while walking my dogs and I was intrigued as I had not seen any advertising about them. 

"But I was so pleased I got to see them and they have certainly become a conversation piece. 
"They are not everyone’s cup of tea but that’s art for you - it’s personal taste and how you interpret it. 

"I thought they were very thought provoking, but I am just glad I didn’t see them at night or when it was foggy."