Perth removes iconic art piece, replaces with spaceman

The City of Perth has removed a public art piece known as the Ore Obelisk, sparking outrage among local artists and residents. The obelisk, affectionately nicknamed "the Kebab," has been a fixture in Stirling Gardens since its creation in 1971. It was designed to celebrate the state's millionth citizen and the mining industry. However, it faced safety concerns as it started to crumble. Just weeks before its 50th anniversary, workers cut down the Kebab without consulting the local arts community, which is against city policy. It is currently stored while the city explores options for its conservation. Many art advocates are now calling for its restoration, arguing it represents Western Australia's cultural heritage. The controversy intensified with the announcement of a new installation, the Boonji Spaceman, a seven-meter tall astronaut by artist Brendan Murphy. This piece will replace the Kebab for a year, costing taxpayers $250,000 for its transport and setup. Critics, including local artists, are upset that funds are being spent on an artwork without local significance while their own pieces lack support for repairs. The decision to remove the Kebab has drawn criticism from several city councillors, who feel the city should better preserve public art. They plan to discuss the matter in an upcoming meeting. Local art consultants argue that quick decisions like this erase memories and connections to the community. Supporters of the Save the Kebab movement campaign for the obelisk's return and argue that it tells an important story about the state's history. They believe art should reflect local culture rather than be replaced by seemingly alien pieces like the Boonji Spaceman, which they feel lacks relevance to Perth's identity.