Events involving art displays have never been easy to handle. They sometimes even develop into full-blown public controversies when there are differences involving conceptualisation, curation and perception.

This is reflected in a city row over inflatable replicas of global landmarks, inspired by artificial intelligence (AI)-generated artworks.

Whether the waterfront carnival featuring miniatures of Stonehenge, the pyramids and other sites appeals is a matter of judgment. The magnificent Victoria Harbour is arguably such an attraction in itself that it will take something truly inspiring and extraordinary to beat it.

But that did not deter the organiser of the SummerFest@Central from taking the bold step of showing the inflatables for people’s enjoyment.

Unlike the beloved giant rubber duck installation that returned to the harbour last year to cheers and excitement, “Inflatable Wonders” has been nothing short of a disaster, with critics comparing the plastic Stonehenge to blow-up gravestones.

Confusing remarks by the event organiser in response to a growing outcry did not help, and the artist then weighed in to demand that the “very ugly” pieces be taken down. She later said the “low quality” images she had received from various media sources had made it difficult to accurately assess the appearance of the exhibits.

Turning AI designs into physical installations had also involved significant challenges, and variations from the original concepts were to be expected.

This is not the first time displays have met such a reaction. From the floating balloons of February’s “Chubby Hearts” to the free-to-touch luminous egg installations at Tamar Park, the public response has been mixed. The return of events and festivals following a prolonged Covid-19 break inevitably invites greater scrutiny and comparison. Organisers should be mindful of what the public may think of their presentations and better prepare for its opinions.

The government should also reflect on its role in public events. Despite being only the landlord at some venues and not providing funding in all cases, negative publicity does nothing for the image of Hong Kong as a mega events capital.