THE infamous chrome gnome statue is on the move.
Officially titled Reflective Lullaby, the giant nine metre tall gnome structure was installed next to the Peninsula Link exit at Cranbourne Road in July of 2015. The gnome is the work of New Zealand based artist Gregor Kregar.
The large gnome replaced the popular Tree of Life sculpture. It has divided opinion since its installation, drawing critics and vandals across its four year lifespan.
In August last year, it was confirmed that the towering stainless steel gnome behemoth was set to depart. On 10 October, the sculpture was removed by crane.
The colossal gnome will be succeeded at the site by the sculpture Love Flower from artists John Meade and Emily Karanikolopolous.
The sculptures at the Peninsula Link exit are looked after by the Southern Way McClelland Commission, a public-private partnership between Langwarrin’s McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery and Peninsula Link owners Southern Way. Southern Way donates funding for the sculptures (“Gnome on its way out”, The Times, 27/8/19).
Despite being initially unpopular, social media posts confirming the gnome’s exit drew many comments mourning his departure.
Although he will no longer call the Peninsula Link home, it is not the end of the road. It is understood that the gnome is now set to make his way to McClelland Gallery.
The chrome gnome is dead, long live the chrome gnome.
