Owl (sculpture) explained

The Big Powerful Owl is a sculpture tall,[1] designed by Bruce Armstrong, in the Belconnen District of Canberra, Australia; it depicts a powerful owl (Ninox strenua).[2]

Built in 2011, it is one of the numerous Australia's big things, with this being only one of many in the ACT.[3] [4]

Reception

The shape of the owl has been criticised for its phallic shape,[5] however, it remains a tourist attraction, with Tara Cheyne calling it a "must see".[6] [7] The work has been nicknamed the 'penis owl'.[8]

The statue has also been prone to graffiti; the ACT government had to spend A$3000 on cleaning it.

References

-35.2476°N 149.0675°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Burgess. Katie. 2017-07-18. ACT government to install CCTV cameras to stop vandalism of the Belconnen Owl. 2021-03-13. The Canberra Times. en-AU.
  2. Web site: Directorate. ACT Government. 2018-11-29. Owl. 2021-03-13. www.arts.act.gov.au. en.
  3. Web site: Big Things in Australia: ACT, NT, TAS . Grenkowitz . Max . 2010 . max.grenkowitz.net . 13 November 2021.
  4. Web site: 130+ 'Big Things' NSW & ACT . Earthwanderer . Emma . 18 December 2020 . myrigadventures.com . 13 November 2021.
  5. Web site: Where does our public art come from? . Reinfrank . Alkira . 28 April 2016 . abc.net.au . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 13 November 2021.
  6. Web site: 2019-12-13. 'Penis Owl' to stolen bull testicles: Australia’s strangest statues. 2021-03-13. NewsComAu. en.
  7. Web site: Warden. Ian. 2019-08-10. Freudian fears of brave public art. 2021-03-13. The Canberra Times. en-AU.
  8. News: Black . Michael . Canberra's notorious penis owl may have some stiff competition . 6 September 2023 . ABC News . 16 November 2018 . en-AU.