Iconic roadside art installation packed up for new project at Frankston
His chrome dome commanded a growing army of gnomes, entertained Peninsula Link drivers and attracted pranksters for years. But where is “Frankie” the giant gnome going?
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Frankston’s big friendly giant gnome has left the Peninsula Link.
After four years of turning heads near Cranbourne Rd at Langwarrin, sculptor Gregor Kregar’s 9m-high creation, Reflective Lullaby, has been deconstructed and transported to storage as the State Government prepares to introduce a new creation to the prime location.
The gnome, also known as ‘Frankie’, quickly became a talking point when it was unveiled in 2015, and has drawn a fair amount of attention during its short life on the road.
Controversy surrounded the marine-grade stainless steel gnome’s erection in 2015, with motorists and locals reluctant to part ways with the previous Tree of Life piece.
Three months later, Frankie’s erection again caused controversy when pranksters attached a fake penis to Frankie, complete with fake testicles.
Ahead of the Hawthorn v West Coast Grand Final in the same year, he was draped in a humungous brown and gold guernsey.
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But residents and road users quickly warmed up to the smiling silver man, and in a kind tribute, fans laid gnomes of their own at his feet in a touching tribute.
Frankie’s replacement, which the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery Langwarrin confirmed would be a new project called the Love Flower, has big silver shoes to fill.
Last year, artists John Meade and Emily Karanikolopoulos were awarded the 2018 Southern Way McClelland commission for the piece
.
McClelland gallery curator Simon Lawrie said the Love Flower was sure to be a “winner” with locals and visitors.
“It’s a beautiful, elegant sculpture based on a Japanese ikebana flower arrangement,” he said.
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“We’re very excited, it’s a really enchanting design with an element of light. It will definitely be a significant addition to the cultural landscape of the peninsula and Victoria.”
The public art program is a public-private partnership and initiative between the State Government and the Langwarrin gallery.
The Love Flower is expected to be unveiled on October 24, with construction beginning on October 21.