Superlambanana
| Superlambanana | |
|---|---|
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 |
| 53°24′39.4″N 2°59′17.3″W / 53.410944°N 2.988139°W --> | |
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.
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.