The bastide town of Cordes-sur-Ciel has dismantled a five-meter metallic unicorn sculpture created by mosaic artist Stanko Kristic, ending a four-year display on the central square overlooking the Tarn countryside. The removal followed a division between supporters and detractors in the village, leaving the gravel site cleared of traces by walking tourists.
Valérie, an employee at a town center crêpe-shop, said the removal felt strange because people had grown accustomed to the artwork over time. Kristic spent three months building the monumental sculpture before exhibiting it at the top of the village, where it gained popularity among visitors and residents.
Kristic, who won an award in Bordeaux for the monumental unicorn, said he originally intended to remove the piece at an unspecified date but kept it in place because it animated the town. The municipality ultimately dismantled the sculpture in his presence, a rapid action that Kristic said was accompanied by threats of financial penalties.
Dismantling and municipal agreement
Mayor Patricia Marty said the municipality simply applied the law under an original one-year agreement signed with the artist. Marty said official warnings of fines were issued only after several municipal reminders received no response.
Neither a municipal purchase nor a donation from the artist could save the display. Kristic said donating the sculpture was impossible given the time and money invested, while Marty said the town hall lacked the financial resources to buy it.
The removal has divided opinion across the streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel. A local restaurant owner located a few streets away said he was glad the artwork was gone, describing it as ugly and an obstruction to the square.
Local reactions and future site plans
Sarah, a resident sitting on a bench in Place de la Bride, said Kristic's work was highly respected and represented a town landmark. She added that removing the statue deprived both tourists and local inhabitants of a valued feature.
The empty space fueled local speculation as tempers flared alongside a summer heatwave, with rumors suggesting the creation of a petanque court. Marty dismissed the petanque court rumor as a story without head or tail, clarifying that while the square is popular with boules players, no such project is planned.
The municipality previously made the square available for the Grand Fauconnier Medieval Festival and plans to offer the space to other artists for future exhibitions. The original five-meter unicorn is now stored in Kristic's workshop awaiting a buyer, while a smaller version of the sculpture recently went on display in Fayssac.
