Ian Rolls created the climate-stripe mural, based on data from Jersey Met, to show whether the individual years from 1894 to 2019 were colder or hotter than the 30-year average temperature between 1971 and 2000.
The blue lines at the beginning of the time period and the reds at the opposite end demonstrate how the world has warmed, particularly during the past 20 years.
Over the Christmas period the mural, which sits next to the Underpass, was defaced with orange spray paint that was used to write ‘brrrrr’ and ‘how dare u scare kids’.
Mr Rolls was keen not to give too much away before the official unveiling of the redesigned mural, which he said he hoped to finish within the next two weeks.
He added: ‘I have decided to re-present my theme and instead of focusing on specific data, I want to centre the piece around the conversational aspects of climate change, as it is a topic which people tend to debate and take sides on.
‘I see the graffiti as a metaphor for climate change itself. It is all about changing the status quo and thinking of a new way to present what we’re used to.’
Mr Rolls said he was shocked when he first heard that his artwork had been spoilt, but, upon reflection, he said that the sensitive topic of climate change was ‘inviting trouble’.
He added: ‘The message of the new piece is to join the conversation on climate change and to get involved in the topic. The graffiti clearly highlights the differences on the topic and what we need to do is encourage opinion rather than dismiss it.’
The new mural is still being worked on and CCTV equipment has been fitted in the area to discourage another attack.
Mr Rolls said it had been difficult trying to update the project during the recent cold and wet weather.
‘You need dry weather to work on the piece, as I have no overhead cover to protect me. The piece is really weather dependent and I have been using a low-temperature masonry paint to combat the cold weather,’ he said.
