I live in the local community and was surprised by this sculpture.
While I applaud sculpture in public spaces and the work being undertaken to beautify the area this sculpture seemed tasteless and brutal considering the tragic death some time ago of the young boy on the railings. As most people will pass this sculpture in their car they will not be able to see it close up or work out its relevance. That corner is brutal enough. Plant some restorative natural sculpture like beautiful treees.

V.L.

[May 16, 2009]

I think part of the reason was to break up the open space. I think this is designed to prevent "undesirables" - read poor, Aboriginal people - from hanging around too long or even to assist in preventing riots. The Redfern community is known for defending itself.

It sure is ugly.

Thanks for asking.

C.H.

[May 15, 2009]

In my opinion this sculpture is inappropriate for the area.Those spikes and sharp edges suggest belligerence and seem to induce anxiety. Sharp edges, shooting projections, spikes are too aggressive for the area which has always been somewhat "on edge". This street corner is good for a sculpture but it has to be a welcoming, embracing and optimistic sculpture, in other words sculpture constructed with curved lines.

Regards,

J.W.

[May 15, 2009]