The Green Cactus
I am seeing green in Perth today, in fact I've been seeing it for the past 5 years now and I have no idea what it is. I’m not talking about gardens, plants and environmental design, I am talking about an unusual site in the heart of Perth’s CBD at Forrest Place.
The green Cactus.
After seeing it for so long I thought it was finally time to find out what on “Perth” it is and what it all means. So lets get into it.
Lets get the shocking part out the way. ITS NOT A CACTUS… I know, shocking. It is in fact a Biomorph. Yep, not a cactus. Will I stop calling it the green cactus. NO.
It was named the Biomorph by Perth artist James Angus, the designer behind this very intriguing sculpture for Perth. However when handing the sculpture over to the West Australian governments department of culture and the Arts he decided to name the piece “Grow your Own”, which it certainly did as it is grew its own name “The Green Cactus”.
The reason for this sculptures existence is because it was the winning entrant of an international sculpture competition held by the department of Culture and the Arts, which called for all creatives around the world to propose a $1,000,000 design for an abstract sculpture. Yes you heard right a whopping one million dollars.
Now that we know what it is lets discuss whats so good about it shall we.
Many sculptures around Perth before 2012 were mainly copper and bronze statues and this sculpture introduced some vivid colour into the cities urban landscape giving Perth a young playful personality. At the time it was very controversial, many did not like it since it stood out like a sore thumb (that touched a cactus) however this made it a perfect landmark for people to meet at. “Let’s meet at the green cactus” is definitely in my vocabulary.
With everything good there is always something bad.
The Green Cacti’s cost was definitely its worst factor. It was very controversial during 2012 as it was seen to come from the tax payers dollars and its value to Perth was heavily questionable. However as the years went on the character it has given to Perth’s Forrest Place was worth it and the time saved for many to organise where to meet is a huge bonus.
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| James Angus |
With anything art related its bound to cause a debate or critique and The Green Cactus was no exception. Its main concerns were that of its cost and its juxtaposition with its surrounding buildings. It was bold and did not blend in with its surrounds at all. As a designer standing out is what you want as that is what gets you noticed. This exposure allowed James Angus to further his career as a sculptor in New York. What a success i’ll say.
From my Design Perthspective “The Green Cactus” is a clear winner in my eyes.
But we want to know your Perthspective on it ?
Tell us in the comments section below your perthspective on the “The Green Cactus”.
Darcy Miller @ DesignPerthspective.
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