A sculpture of a lolly wrapped in the Saudi flag is set to be moved from the World Trade Centre complex after calls for its removal were posted on Twitter.



The artwork is part of a series of 20 sculptures called Candy Nations created by contemporary artist Laurence Jenkell. The artwork features a flag from all of the G20 nations - including Australia.

After images of the Saudi Arabia sculpture were posted on Twitter, some people took issue with its location at the site of the September 11 terror attack. Many people hold Saudi Arabi responsible for the attack, despite the Saudi government long denying any involvement.

All of the 20 statues will reportedly be removed from the World Trade Centre Complex.

"We have been in contact with the 9/11 Memorial and various stakeholders, and in full collaboration with the artist will relocate the exhibit from its current location," a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey spokesperson told BBC News.

"We believe this solution respects the unique sensitivities of the site and preserves the artistic integrity of the exhibit."

The flag sculptures were installed in December and meant to remain at the World Trade Centre until February 28.

On Twitter, people labelled the sculpture "disgraceful" and "mental", with calls to have it destroyed.

I'm anti-vandalism, however, if this thing isn't moved, I hope someone destroys it. That statue might as well be a Saudi victory flag for 9/11. Never forget what happened that day. Please remember all the innocent people that died from Saudi terrorists. — Drazzak the Stormbreaker (@DrazzakS) January 14, 2019

Ms Jenkell told SBS News that she was "deeply disturbed and saddened" by the outrage.

"I support families who have lost a loved one and I associate with their grief and pain," she said.



"Together with World Trade Center and Port Authority we have decided to relocate the Candy Nations Exhibit with G20 Candy Flags to JFK International Airport in a fashion that will support its intended purpose and meaning, Peace Unity and Love between mankind."

On December 19 last year, the World Trade Centre encouraged visitors to "find the flags" and share photos of them via social media.

Find The Flag. Find the 20 candy flags on display throughout the #WorldTradeCenter created by @LJenkell. Share your pictures with us by tagging #CandyNationsWTC 🍬 pic.twitter.com/IWoeFpvGJg — WTC Official (@_WTCOfficial) December 19, 2018

The series was originally commissioned by the G20 ahead of their 2011 summit in Cannes.