We are all art critics... aren't we? After all, isn't that what artist say it should be, that everyone takes away from it whatever it makes them feel?
That's all well and fine as long as nobody says my artwork isn't art ..LOL !!! right?
I understand that it is supposed to be art and I like finding surprising art in odd places. I can also see the older gentleman's point of view i think. Since the art objects near the beautiful sea do appear to be bits and pieces from our harried daily living, some go to the sea or natural spaces to get away from the clutter of the cities and our lives. In that manner, if it is anywhere near true, I could understand his view.
Yes, the good thing is that this matter can be seen from both sides, and both can be valid, indeed. Though I still don't find these objects as a message of hatred... I still try to understand why he thinks that. But for sure, nature should be preserved in its original form, not be touched by a human hand. But it is kind of impossible to find those places nowadays.