PERTH lord mayor Bruce Reynolds has lauded the unveiling of contemporary artist Brendan Murphy’s Boonji Spaceman in Stirling Gardens, saying the event was viewed by “millions” of people around the globe.
Last week the City unveiled the gifted artwork, now titled Lightning, just in time for Murphy’s eight-week exhibition at Gullotti Galleries in Cottesloe.
• Gullotti Galleries owner Paul Gullotti and artist Brendan Murphy unveil Lightning. Photo by Frances Andrijich
“But this is more than just public art; it’s a story of generosity, vision and a symbol of the adventurous spirit that helps define our city,” Cr Reynolds told Tuesday’s council meeting.
“The Boonji Spaceman is truly a one of a kind creation at seven metres tall, weighing over 1300 kilograms, and crafted from carbon fibre, with steel-based chrome finish.
“Lightning is bold, breathtaking and now entirely unique to Perth.”
Cr Reynolds said Boonji connected Perth to the six cities that have already been gifted one of the statues by the artist, a fact that has been criticised by opponents who say it’s just a marketing ploy that undermines the City’s public art policies.
But Cr Reynolds said Boonji was a “bold new catalyst for public art” in Perth.
“This piece Boonji has sparked enormous interest, has got people talking, and more importantly, even as a council, has prompted us to reflect on how we can support, manage and celebrate public art across our cities,” Cr Reynolds said.
“The unveiling attracted extensive media comfort coverage across all local media outlets, having a combined audience of more than 17.5 million people on social media.
“The reaction has been just as impressive, with over 150,000 people reached through the City’s own channels.
“The ‘reveal of’ video itself clocked more than 70,000 views, and the artwork was picked up by 49 digital sites reaching millions of people across the world.
“So that is proof, ladies and gentlemen, that public art has the power, not just to beautify but to unite, to inspire and to elevate our city’s global standing.”