Superlambanana

Last updated

Superlambanana
Superlambanana, Tithebarn Street 2019.jpg
Superlambanana outside the Avril Robarts Library
Artist Taro Chiezo
Medium Concrete, fiberglass, wire mesh
Dimensions(Ht: 17 ft (5.2 m)
Wt: 8 long tons (8.1 t) in)
Location Liverpool, England
Coordinates 53°24′39.4″N2°59′17.3″W / 53.410944°N 2.988139°W / 53.410944; -2.988139 -->
Superlambanana, facing the Marybone student village and Vauxhall Road Marybone 1, Liverpool.jpg
Superlambanana, facing the Marybone student village and Vauxhall Road
Superlambanana at its former location Superlambbanana.JPG
Superlambanana at its former location

Superlambanana is a bright yellow sculpture in Liverpool, England. Weighing almost 8 tonnes (7.9 long tons) and standing at 5.2 metres (17 feet) tall, it is intended to be a cross between a banana and a lamb and was designed by New York City-based Japanese artist Taro Chiezo. It stands in Tithebarn Street, outside the Avril Robarts Library of Liverpool John Moores University. It was previously located on Wapping near the Albert Dock. [1]

Contents

Chiezo created only a four-inch model; the full-size replica was made by local artists Andy Small, Julian Taylor, Tommy Reason, and Ray Stokes. Developed for the 1998 ArtTransPennine Exhibition, the sculpture reflects the history of Liverpool, as both sheep and bananas were historically common cargos in the city's docks; it is also a comment on the potential dangers of genetic engineering.

In 2008, as part of Liverpool's year-long position as the European Capital of Culture, 125 miniature replicas were created. Sponsored by local community organisations and businesses in the city, the mini Superlambananas were located throughout the Liverpool and Merseyside regions. One sculpture, The Highest SuperLambBanana, was located on top of Moel Famau, North Wales, to recognise the city’s close links with that region. [2]

Origin

The sculpture was created for the ArtTransPennine Exhibition in 1998, part of an initiative to create a “corridor of art” through the North of England. [3] Liverpool's contribution, designed by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, was the Superlambanana, which was unveiled to the city at the reopening of Liverpool's branch of the famous Tate Gallery. An ironic comment on the dangers of genetic engineering, it was developed with the city in mind, as both bananas and lambs were once common cargos in Liverpool's bustling docks. [4] The thinking behind Chiezo's Superlambanana was the creation of something that “spoke of the future of 90's Liverpool”. He had previously visited the city and been inspired by the Queensway Tunnel's ventilation shaft, in particular the symbolism of how a vital piece of 1930's engineering was incorporated into a broader “sculpture” (or, in this case, an aesthetically attractive building). [3] Chiezo made only a four-inch model; four local sculptors—Andy Small, Julian Taylor, Tommy Reason and Ray Stokes—recreated it on a 50:1 scale. [5] [6] [7]

It was created using a wire-mesh frame that supported a concrete and fibreglass shell [5] and was developed at the former Bryant and May Matchworks factory in the south of the city at a total cost of £35,000. [8] The sculpture was controversial; there was scepticism regarding its purpose and value. However, it soon became a popular symbol in the city and a valued piece of public art. [4] At the end of the ArtTransPennine Exhibition, responsibility for the sculpture was handed to the Liverpool Architecture & Design Trust. [2]

Time in the Liverpool area

Since the sculpture's conception, the sculpture was intended to move around the city and not remain in one location. [4] It was originally located on the Strand near Liverpool's famous Liver Building and has since been located in several other places, including Williamson Square; [5] Spike Island in Widnes, Cheshire; [9] and on Wapping, close to the Albert Dock. [1] Council leader Warren Bradley suggested that the sculpture could also be moved to Garston in the south of the city. [10]

Although its usual colour is yellow, the statue has occasionally been repainted as part of a sponsorship arrangement. Colours have included pink, during a period of sponsorship by the breast cancer awareness charity Breakthrough; [4] the colours of a Friesian cow, during a period of “quasi-vandalism”; and purple, during the SmokeFree Liverpool campaign. [11] In 2023 the statue was painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to mark the Eurovision Song Contest held in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine, because of Russia's full scale war in Ukraine. [12]

After Liverpool

Speculation arose about the sculpture’s future because the artist had only loaned the sculpture to the city council; some suggested that the sculpture could be sold to Liverpool's neighbour Manchester. [13] In September 2008, talks began between the Liverpool Culture Company and Taro Chiezo’s representatives about keeping the sculpture in Liverpool. [14]

Six months later, in February 2009, it was announced that an agreement was reached between the two parties: a new replica made by original sculptor Julian Taylor would remain in the city for the next 80 years. [15] It is expected that the current Superlambanana will be returned to Chiezo to be auctioned off. [16] [ clarification needed ]

Go Superlambananas!

Super Gag Banana Pete price banana.jpg
Super Gag Banana

As part of Liverpool's Capital of Culture celebrations, 125 two-metre-high replicas of Superlambanana were commissioned and located throughout Liverpool and the surrounding areas. The mini Superlambananas were developed in partnership between the Liverpool Culture Company and Wild in Art. Each was sponsored by a local institution or business and designed by local community members. The miniature Superlambananas were on display for ten weeks, from June to August 2008. [17] The Liverpool Echo partnered with the event, releasing a location map and guide of every mini Superlambanana to encourage locals to get involved. [18] All but two of them were located within the Merseyside area. Lovemedoodle was located at Euston railway station in London and then was moved back to Liverpool Lime Street station, [19] whilst The Highest SuperLambBanana was located on top of Moel Famau in North Wales and was sponsored by Denbighshire County Council. [20]

At the end of their ten-week run, the mini Superlambananas were auctioned off for the Lord Mayor's charities; each had a guide price ranging from £3,000 to £8,000. [21] The first of two auctions was held at St George's Hall on 9 September 2008 with 68 Superlambananas up for sale. In total they sold for a combined sum of £550,000 or approximately £7,800 each, well above estimates. The highest bid on the night was £25,000, paid by the chairman of National Museums Liverpool for “Mandy” Mandala Superlambanana, created by glass artist Patricia Lee, whilst Phil Redmond, creative director of the Liverpool Culture Company, purchased four lots for a total of £55,000. Other notable purchasers included comedian John Bishop, playwright Fred Lawless and Big Brother star Craig Phillips. [22] A second, internet-based auction (hosted by AuctionYourProperty) took place on 16 September 2008. A quarter of the proceeds went to charity.

Superlambananas return

Seven of the "Eight for 08" at The Strand LambananasOM.jpg
Seven of the “Eight for 08” at The Strand

Early in 2010, eight new two-metre-high replicas of Superlambanana, known as the "Eight for 08" were commissioned as a permanent piece of public art. Initially placed on The Strand, in front of the Cunard and Liver Buildings, they were destined to be moved to Lime Street station after the station's refurbishment. [23]

In 2010, one of these sculptures was sent to the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. This sculpture was named Archie as it featured many designs from architectural details from the city. The sculpture was gifted by the city, and now resides in the Shanghai World Expo Museum. This sculpture was made in the medium of mosaic and was designed and made by Debbie Ryan, a local artist from the city of Liverpool.

As of October 2014, four of the Eight for 08 were relocated to the Pier Head, outside the new Museum of Liverpool. Mandy Mandala Superlambanana is in the museum itself. Before the Eurovision Song Contest was held in Liverpool in June 2023, the Museum of Liverpool made a video explaining what a Superlambana is. [24]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liverpool</span> City in England

Liverpool is a cathedral and port city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, England, which had a population of 496,770 in 2022. It is on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary, near the Irish Sea, 178 miles (286 km) northwest of London. Liverpool is the fifth largest city in the United Kingdom and the administrative headquarters of the Liverpool City Region, a combined authority area with a population of over 1.5 million. Liverpool's wider metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of more than 2.2 million people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merseyside</span> County of England

Merseyside is a ceremonial and metropolitan county in North West England. It borders Lancashire to the north, Greater Manchester to the east, Cheshire to the south, the Welsh county of Flintshire across the Dee Estuary to the southwest, and the Irish Sea to the west. All boroughs of the Merseyside area are also part of the Liverpool City Region. The largest settlement is the City of Liverpool.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marc Quinn</span> British painter and sculptor

Marc Quinn is a British contemporary visual artist whose work includes sculpture, installation, and painting. Quinn explores "what it is to be human in the world today" through subjects including the body, genetics, identity, environment, and the media. His work has used materials that vary widely, from blood, bread and flowers, to marble and stainless steel. Quinn has been the subject of solo exhibitions at Sir John Soane's Museum, the Tate Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Fondation Beyeler, Fondazione Prada, and South London Gallery. The artist was a notable member of the Young British Artists movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waterloo, Merseyside</span> Human settlement in England

Waterloo is an area of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, in Merseyside, England. It is part of the Liverpool City Region. Together with Seaforth, the two localities make up the borough's Church ward. The area is bordered by Crosby to the north, Seaforth to the south, the Rimrose Valley country park to the east, and to the west Crosby Beach and Crosby Coastal Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walker Art Gallery</span> Art gallery in Liverpool, England

The Walker Art Gallery is an art gallery in Liverpool, which houses one of the largest art collections in England outside London. It is part of the National Museums Liverpool group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mersey Docks and Harbour Company</span> Administrative body of the Port of Liverpool

The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company (MDHC), formerly the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board (MDHB), owns and administers the dock facilities of the Port of Liverpool, on the River Mersey, England. These include the operation of the enclosed northern dock system that runs from Prince's Dock to Seaforth Dock, in the city of Liverpool and the dock facilities built around the Great Float of the Wirral Peninsula, located on the west side of the river.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liverpool Biennial</span> Contemporary art festival in Liverpool

Liverpool Biennial is the largest international contemporary art festival in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nelson Monument, Liverpool</span> Monument dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson in Liverpool, England

The Nelson Monument is a monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson, in Exchange Flags, Liverpool, England. It was designed by Matthew Cotes Wyatt and sculpted by Richard Westmacott. It stands to the north of the Town Hall and was unveiled in 1813.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taro Chiezo</span> Japanese artist based in Manhattan

Taro Chiezo is a Japanese artist based in Manhattan. His works include SuperLambBanana, a sculpture in Liverpool, England of a Lamb with its back as a banana.

Events from the year 1993 in art.

<i>The Kiss</i> (Rodin sculpture) Sculpture by Auguste Rodin

The Kiss is an 1882 marble sculpture by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woodside, Merseyside</span> Area of Birkenhead, England

Woodside is an area of Birkenhead in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is situated opposite Liverpool Pier Head across the River Mersey.

Hundreds of replicas of the Statue of Liberty have been created worldwide. The original Statue of Liberty, designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, is 151 feet tall and stands on a pedestal that is 154 feet tall, making the height of the entire sculpture 305 feet. The design for the original Statue of Liberty began in 1865, with final installation in 1886.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liverpool Arena</span> Event location

Liverpool Arena, known for sponsorship reasons as the M&S Bank Arena and previously the Echo Arena, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the city centre of Liverpool, England. The venue hosts live music, comedy performances and sporting events, and forms part of Liverpool event campus ACC Liverpool – an interconnected arena, exhibition and convention centre. The venue serves a regional population of 2.5 million people and over 6.6 million across England's North West.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City</span> Former World Heritage Site in Liverpool, England

Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is a former UNESCO designated World Heritage Site in Liverpool, England, that comprised six locations in the city centre including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street, and many of the city's most famous landmarks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Go Superlambananas!</span>

Go Superlambananas! was an art exhibition that took place in Liverpool, England, during the city's European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008. Based upon Taro Chiezo's Superlambanana, which had been located in Liverpool since 1998, the exhibit consisted of 124 two metre high replicas, which were located throughout Liverpool and the surrounding areas. Each mini-Superlambanana was individually designed by local community groups and artists, with a range of public and private sector organisations providing sponsorship funding. The mini-Superlambananas were on display for ten weeks, from June to August 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in Liverpool</span>

The LGBT community in Liverpool, England is one of the largest in the United Kingdom and has a recorded history since the 18th century. Many historic LGBT firsts and pioneering moments in the LGBT rights movement either took place in Liverpool or were achieved by citizens of the city.

<i>Bacchante and Infant Faun</i> Statue by Frederick William MacMonnies

Bacchante and Infant Faun is a bronze sculpture modeled by American artist Frederick William MacMonnies in Paris in 1893–1894.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wolves in Wolves</span>

Wolves in Wolves was a public art exhibition which took place in Wolverhampton, England, between 5 July and 24 September 2017.

Jane Robbins is a sculptor. She works in cast bronze, resin and also other materials, primarily to make figurative and portrait sculptures. Her sculptures have been commissioned as public art in the UK as well as private works.

References

  1. 1 2 "Superlambanana moves to new home". BBC News . 13 April 2005. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  2. 1 2 Woodland, Guy; Shaw, Fiona (2008). Go Superlambananas: The Book. Cities 500.
  3. 1 2 Doran, Mike; Barton, Chantal (2008). Go Superlambananas Souvenir Guide. Peppered Sprout.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "What?". Superlambanana.com. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  5. 1 2 3 Ireland, Iain. "Superlambanana". icLiverpool . Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  6. ↑ "Urban Splash team up with original Superlambanana sculpter [sic]". Urban Splash. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  7. ↑ "Super Lambanana or Superlambanana: the original". Super Lambanana Official Website. Archived from the original on 4 March 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  8. ↑ "Superlambanana rescue". Liverpool Echo . 27 March 2007. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
  9. ↑ "SuperlambBanana Competition". Halton Borough Council. Archived from the original on 28 September 2008. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  10. ↑ Chapple, Mike (31 May 2006). "Superlambanana heading for its 'spiritual home'". Liverpool Echo . Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  11. ↑ "Liverpool's SuperLambBanana has gone smokefree". SmokeFree Liverpool. 17 March 2006. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  12. ↑ https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/superlambanana-receives-makeover-ahead-eurovision-26504128 Superlambanana receives makeover ahead of Eurovision. The iconic Liverpool sculpture has been given a new colour scheme as the showpiece event draws closer. Liverpool Echo, 18 March 2023
  13. ↑ "We can't lose our Superlambanana statue icon". Liverpool Daily Post . 15 February 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  14. ↑ Bartlett, David (11 September 2008). "Talks at last over future of Superlambanana". Liverpool Daily Post . Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  15. ↑ "Superlambanana sculpture to stay". BBC News . 4 February 2009. Retrieved 4 February 2008.
  16. ↑ Bartlett, David (4 February 2009). "New Superlambanana for city". Liverpool Echo . Retrieved 4 February 2008.
  17. ↑ "Go SuperLambBananas!". Go SuperLambBananas!. Archived from the original on 12 December 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  18. ↑ "Every SuperLambBanana". The Liverpool Echo . 2008. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  19. ↑ "Lovemedoodle gets the train..." The SuperLambBanana Store. 20 August 2008. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2008.
  20. ↑ "SuperLambBanana". Denbighshire Free Press. 11 July 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2008.[ permanent dead link ]
  21. ↑ Jones, Catherine (9 September 2008). "Superlambananas up for auction". Liverpool Echo . Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  22. ↑ Superlambanana auction raises £550,000 for charity
  23. ↑ Lambananas make super return - Liverpool City Council
  24. ↑ What is a superlambanana? By Sam Bytheway. https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/what-superlambanana? Published 30 May 2023. On You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzPH_ZuQNSw&t=3s 26 May 2023
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.