In brief
The installation of "Boom Boom," a grand seven-meter stainless steel dinosaur sculpture, in Taupō Sculpture Park has stirred divided opinions among locals about its value and relevance, drawing both praise and criticism.
In the heart of Taupō, New Zealand's picturesque North Island, a new centerpiece has become a hotbed for community discussion. Standing tall at seven meters, "Boom Boom," crafted by Slovenian artist Gregor Kregar, has received mixed reactions since its recent installation in the Taupō Sculpture Park. While some residents celebrate it as a fabulous addition worthy of artistic discourse, others lament the public investment of $100,000, preferring that funds be directed elsewhere within the community.The local Taupō Sculpture Trust commissioned Boom Boom, a reflection of local volcanic history, intended to foster conversation around the meaning of art in public spaces. "Sculpture sometimes stops people from their everyday interactions with the world," said Kregar, noting how difficult it is for many to dislike a dinosaur sculpture. The debate echoes broader questions of community values, especially with the recent hike in council taxes.Competitors in the conversation cite that Taupō, celebrated as New Zealand’s most beautiful town in 2023, may not find relevance in the dinosaur's origin. But Kregar contends that the rock supporting the sculpture is symbolic of the region's volcanic heritage. The potential for the bizarre, animated debate around Boom Boom is that as time passes, early disparagers may change their tune. "You put the sculpture out there, there is a reaction, people start falling in love with it... it becomes part of the local identity," he said. Kim Gillies, secretary of the Taupō Sculpture Trust, expressed that the choice was deliberate, aimed at putting Taupō on the map. She added, "When it comes to the art, safe is a bit boring, right?” As the local community continues to engage in heated discussions over Boom Boom, it raises essential questions about the role of public art in our lives.
