Perth joins only six other cities to get their own spaceman
A 7-metre tall graffiti-covered spaceman has touched down in Perth and is being prepared for installation out the front of the City of Perth's Council House.
Perth will join only six other cities across the globe to have their very own personalised BOONJI Spaceman, which was made exclusively for the city by contemporary artist Brendan Murphy.
'BOONJI Spaceman sculptures are each uniquely crafted to reflect their setting, and the Perth installation is no exception — this work stands alone in its design and intent, created to inspire wonder, spark imagination, and enrich the cultural fabric of the city with a symbol of limitless potential,' Murphy said.
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He has donated the statue to the city, which has budgeted $250,000 for its transportation and installation. Brendan Murphy standing next to another one of his Spaceman sculptures. Credit: Jaramay Aref Photography
The installation comes just in time for Murphy's 'blockbuster' Australian solo exhibition set to hit Perth at the end of May.
The 'larger than life' sculpture titled Lightening will be unveiled to the public in May just ahead of the exhibition's opening.
The exhibition will be held at Gullotti Galleries in Cottesloe and will showcase more than 45 artworks including sculptures and paintings, with Murphy travelling to Perth from his studio in Florida to add finishing touches and to meet art lovers.
The Life Is Electric exhibition will feature a range of large sculptures, including A Step Forward, The Sitting Spaceman, The Thinking Spaceman, The Dancing Spaceman and Loolee Bear. One of Murphy's collectables - Loolee Bear. Credit: Devahasdin
Gullotti Galleries founder and director Paul Gullotti said BOONJI was a gift for all West Australians.
'Once it is unveiled it belongs to the people. This incredible sculpture has been custom-made for Perth and truly reflects my passion to provide West Australians access to inspiring and talented global artists and I hope it ignites artistic passion in people of all ages,' he said.
'I can't wait to welcome Brendan here as I have done with other talented and inspirational global artists like Mr Brainwash, Russel Young, Robert Mars and David Uessum.
'It will give the people of Perth a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the artist and his accompanying Life Is Electric exhibition offers people the chance to secure a piece of something that is entrenched in Perth's history.'
The BOONJI Spaceman will be at the Stirling Gardens for 12 months before moving to its forever home, which is still yet to be confirmed by the City of Perth.
Murphy's art can be found in museums and galleries across the world, with notable collectors being Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Larry Page, Warren Buffett, Ryan Gosling and Grant Cardone.
The Spaceman will be replacing 'Ore Obelisk', was also known as the 'Kebab', which stood out the front of Council House for almost 50 years but was removed in 2021 due to safety reasons, which caused significant outcries from residents. The removal of Ore Obelisk in 2021. Credit: City of Perth
A peaceful protest picnic calling on the City of Perth to reinstate the Ore Obelisk and 'protect art legacy' is planned at the Stirling Gardens between from 11am to 1pm on Friday, May 9.
Life is Electric will be open to the public for eight weeks from May 23.
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