Perth's Boonji Spaceman Lands Amid Public Art Controversy

A towering new sculpture has touched down in Perth's Stirling Gardens, but its arrival has sparked a heated debate over public art, heritage, and community consultation. 

A Cosmic Addition to the City

Standing at 7 meters tall, the Boonji Spaceman is a gleaming blue astronaut sculpture by American artist Brendan Murphy.  Donated by Murphy, the City of Perth covered transportation and installation costs estimated between $150,000 and $250,000.  

The artwork was championed by former Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, who envisioned it as a tribute to Perth's moniker "City of Light," a title earned when residents illuminated the city during astronaut John Glenn's 1962 orbit. 

Replacing a Beloved Landmark

The Spaceman now occupies the site previously held by the Ore Obelisk, affectionately known as "the kebab."  This 15-meter-tall sculpture, designed by town planner Paul Ritter and erected in 1971, celebrated Western Australia's population reaching one million and symbolized the state's mining boom.  Deemed structurally unsafe, the Ore Obelisk was dismantled in 2021 and placed in storage. 

Community Backlash

The replacement has not been universally welcomed.  Public art consultant Helen Curtis initiated the "Save the Kebab" campaign, advocating for the restoration of the Ore Obelisk.  

Critics argue that the Boonji Spaceman lacks cultural relevance and that its installation bypassed adequate community consultation.  

Concerns have also been raised about the artwork's association with Murphy's commercial ventures, including NFTs and luxury branding. 

Ongoing Debate

The City of Perth maintains that the Boonji Spaceman aligns with the city's identity and offers a new attraction for residents and tourists.  

However, the controversy underscores the complexities of public art decisions and the importance of community engagement in preserving cultural heritage. 

As the Boonji Spaceman gazes skyward, the debate over its place in Perth's landscape continues, reflecting broader discussions about art, identity, and public space.