Recreational aesthetics

What is it about public sculpture and local body councils? In Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws reached for aesthetics to rid his town of “tacky” chainsaw art by sculptor Merv Richdale. Laws: “I don’t know anybody with aesthetic appreciation of art who likes them. Not one.” In Wellington there is a similar push to upgrade aesthetics by council, who have a sign alongside stone sculptures in Cuba Mall calling for their owners to remove them (today is D Day), and noting that the space is no longer available for stone carving.

Images: Top, Wellington City Council say no to stoners in Cuba Mall. Bottom, Chainsaw artist Richdale ‘off to Canada to pursue his chainsaw carving career’ removing sculptures, as shown on TV3.