A Sculpture That Divides Opinions But Holds Promise
A sculpture that has sparked both controversy and curiosity in Mount Gambier is now standing as a new landmark in the city. The artwork, titled Cast in Blue, has been met with mixed reactions since its unveiling, but it also carries the potential to become a cherished symbol of the region.
The sculpture, which represents a mythical creature reminiscent of the ancient megafauna found in nearby Naracoorte Caves, is painted in the deep blue of Mount Gambier’s famous Blue Lake. This choice of color reflects the natural beauty of the area and aims to connect visitors with the region’s rich geological and ecological history.
Despite its artistic intent, the project faced criticism for its high cost. The City of Mount Gambier council spent $136,000 on the sculpture, while also increasing local rates by 10% last year and 8% this year. These financial decisions led to public backlash, with some calling the piece “the blue blob” due to its unusual shape and design.
However, the mayor of Mount Gambier, Lynette Martin, defended the investment, highlighting the sculpture’s potential to attract visitors to the city’s central business district and to educate people about the Limestone Coast’s natural heritage.
“Art, like all great things, is meant to challenge us, delight us, and stay with us long after we have seen it,” she said during the unveiling.
Public Reactions: Mixed But Evolving
While online discussions often featured negative comments, those who attended the event or saw the sculpture in person had more varied opinions. Some expressed surprise at how much they liked it.
Rhisang Alfarit, for example, said he initially thought he might not like the sculpture but felt it could grow on people over time. Young visitors, like Stella and Bethany, were drawn to the bold blue color, describing it as “dark blue” and “very big and blue.”
Tourist Sarah Smail from Melbourne found the sculpture “quite striking” and appreciated its connection to local history. However, she acknowledged that the cost could be a point of contention for some.
“Art is in the eye of the beholder — not everyone is going to appreciate it,” she said.
Designers Hope for a Change in Perception
The sculptors behind Cast in Blue are optimistic that people will come to appreciate the work over time. Melbourne architects Tom Proctor and Mitch Walker, who designed the sculpture, emphasized that it was not meant to resemble a “blob” but rather to represent an imagined form of ancient megafauna.
“We hope that when people can see it in person, they’ll be able to actually form a bit of a relationship with it and, particularly children and kids, will be able to fall in love with it,” Proctor said.
Walker added that the project’s impact was significant, even if it generated debate. He argued that the sculpture encouraged people to reflect on what public art should look like and how it contributes to a city’s identity.
Experts See Potential for Long-Term Appreciation
Dr. Gretchen Coombs, an associate professor of contemporary art at the University of South Australia, believes that Cast in Blue has the potential to become a beloved part of the community.
She described the sculpture as fun, reflective of the local environment, and inviting. “I think it will be great for the local economy and reflecting the local identity, which is often what public art should do,” she said.
Coombs noted that many people tend to warm up to contemporary public art over time, especially if they engage with it and learn more about its significance. She suggested that once visitors start appreciating the sculpture, their initial skepticism may fade.
“Then people become quite, ‘Wow, well, it’s not as bad as I thought. My cousin from wherever came and they really thought it was interesting. Maybe it’s not so bad,’” she said.
A Work in Progress
While Cast in Blue has already sparked conversation, its true legacy may only be clear in the years to come. Whether it becomes a beloved landmark or remains a divisive piece, it has already succeeded in prompting reflection on the role of public art in shaping a city’s character.
