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 Great Penis Owl of Belconnen",[9] [10] [11] and "the Great Penis Owl of Canberra"[12] [13]

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.
  9. https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/from-the-penis-owl-to-the-stolen-bull-testicles-these-are-australias-strangest-statues/news-story/26751a3ef0be839adfe1bf1f9f633e0d
  10. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/covid-19-coronavirus-act-reopening-overshadowed-by-penis-bird-photo/4QCXGSEGPYHJPNXFETBX6ZS6CI/
  11. https://www.woroni.com.au/words/parmageddon-taking-pub-cuisine-by-the-antlers/
  12. https://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/canberra-act-penis-owl-surfing/
  13. https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/belconnen/articles/the-best-things-to-do-and-see-in-belconnen-canberra

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