Locals furious as ‘kebab' sculpture in Perth to be replaced
A debate has erupted between a community advocacy group and the City of Perth after it was revealed that a significant local art piece is being held in storage rather than being on display.
The Ore Obelisk — nicknamed 'The Kebab' after locals likened its appearance to a meat skewer — was installed in the Stirling Gardens in Perth's CBD in 1971 and pays homage to WA's mining fortunes, featuring critical minerals stacked atop one another.
The sculpture was removed in 2021 after structural issues deemed it a public safety risk.
However, residents are now up in arms after it was revealed the site will soon become home to an artwork — known as the Boonji Spaceman — gifted to the City of Perth by internationally recognised artist Brendan Murphy.
Helen Curtis, a consultant in the arts industry and an organiser of the Save the Kebab campaign, has questioned why an international piece will stand in the former site over a local installation. Ore Obelisk. Credit: Frances Andrijich Photographer
'This isn't about rejecting new art,' she said.
'It's about respecting and preserving art that tells Perth's story. The City's arts policies are designed to preserve and maintain significant public artworks, engage local artists, and ensure transparency in acquisitions.'
The City of Perth voted unanimously in favour of The Boonji Spaceman and the $250,000 price tag to transport and install the work.
The artist has similar pieces in major capital cities around the world including London and Dubai. Brendan Murphy and one of his Spacemen. Credit: Jaramay Aref Photography
In response to the criticism City of Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said, 'Art is inherently subjective and often sparks debate, inviting people to interpret and respond in their own way.'
In the 2024/2025 financial year the City invested almost $1.9 million in arts and sponsorship grants programs and highlighted The Boonji Spaceman was relevant to the City as it relates to the 1962 triple orbit of the earth where American astronaut John Glenn called Perth the 'City of Lights.'
What to do about the restoration of the Ore Obelisk will be discussed at a June Council meeting.
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