The recently unveiled sculpture, named Boom Boom, has taken center stage at the Taupō Sculpture Park, stirring up both admiration and criticism. Standing at seven meters tall, the stainless steel creation has incited a passionate debate among residents of this picturesque town on New Zealand's North Island.
Dinosaur Delight or Dread? New Zealand Sculpture Sparks Community Debate
Dinosaur Delight or Dread? New Zealand Sculpture Sparks Community Debate
A towering new dinosaur sculpture in Taupō, New Zealand, evokes mixed emotions from locals, igniting lively discussions about public art and community spending.
Commissioned by the Taupō Sculpture Trust and conceived by Slovenian artist Gregor Kregar, the reflective dinosaur, a nod to New Zealand's paleontological past, aims to provoke dialogue about art's role in public spaces. Kregar stated he expected a range of perspectives, noting, "It's really hard to hate a sculpture of a dinosaur."
Reactions have been polarizing. Supporters praise the artwork for stimulating conversations about community art, with one social media user declaring it a fantastic topic for discussion. Conversely, many residents question the allocation of $100,000 in public funds, pointing out budget priorities amid rising local council rates.
The funding for Boom Boom was finalized back in 2018, prior to recent increases in local taxes, following years of negotiations. Some locals also argue the artwork bears no relevance to Taupō's identity, despite Kregar's assertion that the sculpture's base pays homage to the region's volcanic heritage, given that the town is situated around Lake Taupō—a massive caldera of a long-extinct volcano.
The artist believes that, over time, the heated discourse surrounding Boom Boom could transition skeptics into supporters, ultimately making the sculpture a beloved part of the community's identity. Kim Gillies, secretary of the Taupō Sculpture Trust, remarked that choosing a piece like Boom Boom was a deliberate move to elevate Taupō’s profile, asserting that "safe is a bit boring, right?"
As the debate continues, Boom Boom stands tall, a symbol of artistic expression amid community discourse.
Dinosaurs, Statues and Sculptures, Art, New Zealand.
Reactions have been polarizing. Supporters praise the artwork for stimulating conversations about community art, with one social media user declaring it a fantastic topic for discussion. Conversely, many residents question the allocation of $100,000 in public funds, pointing out budget priorities amid rising local council rates.
The funding for Boom Boom was finalized back in 2018, prior to recent increases in local taxes, following years of negotiations. Some locals also argue the artwork bears no relevance to Taupō's identity, despite Kregar's assertion that the sculpture's base pays homage to the region's volcanic heritage, given that the town is situated around Lake Taupō—a massive caldera of a long-extinct volcano.
The artist believes that, over time, the heated discourse surrounding Boom Boom could transition skeptics into supporters, ultimately making the sculpture a beloved part of the community's identity. Kim Gillies, secretary of the Taupō Sculpture Trust, remarked that choosing a piece like Boom Boom was a deliberate move to elevate Taupō’s profile, asserting that "safe is a bit boring, right?"
As the debate continues, Boom Boom stands tall, a symbol of artistic expression amid community discourse.
Dinosaurs, Statues and Sculptures, Art, New Zealand.
