Huge 7m-tall graffiti covered astronaut unveiled in Perth

Perth Now

22-05-2025

The long-awaited BOONJI Spaceman was officially unveiled out the front of the Perth council house this morning, where it will remain for the next year.
The 'show stopper' Spaceman was unveiled to the tune of Around the world by Daft Punk at it's temporary home at Perth's Stirling gardens.
The 7m-tall blue spaceman, titled Lightning, is covered in graffitied words that former Lord mayor Basil Zempilas said reflected the city.
'Words like ambitious, friendly, beautiful, City of light, are represented.' he said. The Boonji Spaceman artwork at Stirling Gardens. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
Mr Zempilas said that the spaceman was 'hugely impressive' and will be a drawing point for people in Perth.
'People are going to come and have their photos, Instagram this, talk about Perth and push Perth on their own channels,' he said.
City of Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said that the Spaceman pays homage to the Perth City of Light origin story.
'Perth became known as the City of Light following American astronaut John Glenn's historic triple orbit of Earth in 1962, during which Perth residents and businesses left on their lights, shone torches to the sky and lit lanterns to make the city visible in space,' he said.
'BOONJI Spaceman is a tribute to our unique story and will no doubt become another must-see piece in the City of Light,' Cr Reynolds said.
Renowned contemporary artist Brendan Murphy, who's based in the United States, donated the sculpture to the city.
'Art is an essential, it's not a luxury its something that brings us together,' he said.
'It's not something that I normally do, I'm not in the business of giving my art away.
'However when Basil and I met I felt his passion for the city and the people of the city.
'It's one of the best things I've done in a long time.' Contemporary Artist Brendan Murphy speaks at the unveiling of Perth's Boonji Spaceman. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian A closer look at the Boonji Spaceman. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
Perth has now joined six other cities across the globe to own a personalised BOONJI sculpture with the others installed in New York, London, Washington D.C., Riyadh, Mallorca and Oslo.
Although the artwork was donated, The City of Perth budgeted $250,000 for the transportation and installation of the Spaceman.
The transportation process of the 1,365 kg carbon fibre and steel giant took 12 months and involved engineers to ensure a safe trip from Miami.
Despite local outrage and on-going petitions, the installation still went ahead.
Followers of the social media profile, 'savethekebab' shared their frustration and disappointment online.
'$250k that could have supported a local artist to create something more relevant that is unique to us,' one follower said.
The sculpture will live where the sculpture Ore Obelisk once stood, but was uninstalled in 2021 due to safety reasons. It is currently in city storage.
'It's standing where Ore Obelisk stood for 50 years - a work that actually meant something to this city.' another follower said. The Ore Obelisk in its heyday. Credit: Museum of Perth Facebook / RegionalHUB
Mr Reynolds said that a notice of motion was put forward to the city to reassess what to do with the art pieces currently in storage.
Mr Murphy will be displaying his other artworks at his 'blockbuster' Australian solo exhibition at the end of May at Gullotti Galleries in Cottesloe.
The BOONJI Spaceman will stay at Stirling Gardens for 12 months and is anticipated to find its forever home in another location in the city, which is yet to be confirmed.