FRANKSTON’S latest visitor has received a mixed reception from residents.
A giant silver gnome sculpture was installed at the Cranbourne Rd exit of Peninsula Link last Thursday (16 July) after the popular Tree of Life moving sculpture was moved to Langwarrin’s McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park earlier this month (‘Tree of Life uprooted for gnome new home’, The Times 6/7/15).
The nine-metre gnome sculpture, entitled Reflective Lullaby, is the work of New Zealand based artist Gregor Kregar. It is made of polished stainless steel.
The arrival of the gnome sparked hundreds of comments on Facebook. Many are disappointed the Tree of Life has been removed and the majority mocked the appearance of a gnome in its place as “ugly” and “an embarrassment”. Some are worried reflected glare from the gnome sculpture could distract drivers on sunny days.
Others defended the gnome and over the weekend smaller gnomes had been placed at the feet of the large gnome by persons unknown.
The steel gnome has been called “a waste of our money” by many who are unhappy at its appearance alongside Peninsula Link but the sculpture is not funded by taxpayers’ or ratepayers’ funds.
The freeway sculptures are commissioned and owned by McClelland, through funds donated by Peninsula Link owner operator Southern Way.
Fourteen major sculptures will be displayed at the site and will be changed every two years until the year 2037.
Funding for the sculptures is being provided by Southern Way, Abigroup and Royal Bank of Scotland.
