The sheep are in so much trouble. Bush Pack on City Walk

johnboy said :

They’re in line with the trees

still, kind of interesting placement for events like the multicultural festival days.

Just brilliant. These have even bettered the sculptures at the Ainslie Shops! (I hope they’ll be lit at night … I can see them being tripped over … )

When do we see the contract hunters lining up these dogs in their gunsights?

Oh goodie, more things to dodge! I love a good challenge.

That’s some excellent sculpture.

Fabulous.

Here’s a paper about ‘nil tenure’ for those inclined to read about it.

The executive summary is that “nil tenure” relates to mapping out stock losses and pest animal territories without taking into account any human tenures (i.e.: the borders on cadastral maps are ignored). Plans are then devised involving all the human stakeholders, with costs of the pest management borne by all those participating, regardless of how much a particular activity impacts their tenure.

What? No cyclist having a whinge about them getting in the way, a la “The Civic Pole Farm”:  http://the-riotact.com/the-civic-pole-farm/56628

Although this time they don’t actually serve a practical purpose. (I like them as art by the way

They’re in line with the trees

They’re great! But why is the ‘art’ always placed in main thoroughfares in the A.C.T.?

Surely they could’ve been more strategically placed, say, away from where everyone walks.

“Ow! My fargin’ shin!”

Shear brilliance…

Gungahlin Al said :

I wonder what the “nil tenure” means on the sign?

Nil tenure refers to a conservation strategy that allows landowners and others to take action against feral animals within national parks; recognising that wild dogs and others don’t respect boundaries.

I agree it’s a brilliant piece. But disturbing for anyone who’s lived on the land and seen the damage such dogs can do to livestock and wildlife.

How intriguing that someone thought to position them in City Walk bearing down on the randy sheep…

I wonder what the “nil tenure” means on the sign?

Be careful about your kids climbing on them during summer – scalded legs/bums are common with bronze works. It was one of the reasons why we asked for the bunyip to be small enough for kids to engage with but too big for them to climb onto.

I think this artist came and talked to us at uni. She based the dogs on the carcasses hanging from wild dog trees out near farms, and the wrapping was done with old clothes from op shops in the area, ie the clothes of the people who are the ‘enemies’ of the wild dogs. She has done installations with the dogs leaping through walls and scattered through the gardens at a uni. Those ones went walkabout pretty quickly but usually just turned up somewhere else on campus.

Wonderful stuff, and also a sharp comment on what sheep and other livesstock can expect when urban areas encroach farmland. They don’t have to be bush dogs that form a pack and rip the sheep to bits.

Adn what a shame that something beautiful is expected to be wrecked by the evil monkeys that live among us.

Holden Caulfield said :

I like it (based on the pic), but I wonder how long it will be until it is the subject of a public health and safety related claim. As well, as the inevitable vandalism.

I agree, they look pretty good, but am also sceptical about vandalism – they dont seem to be secured to the ground very well!

Hopefully the police will keep an eye on it Thu-Sat nights, they park only 100m from there.

Oh great, now my daughter will not only want her picture taking of sitting on both sheep each time we pass, but also a pack of dogs!

No seriously, looks awesome! I like most of the street art around Garema Place. Some of it is quite subtle too.

I like it (based on the pic), but I wonder how long it will be until it is the subject of a public health and safety related claim. As well, as the inevitable vandalism.