A Mysterious Blue Structure in Mount Gambier
A peculiar blue structure, resembling a creature with a long nose and extended belly, stands at the main corner in Mount Gambier. It has become a point of curiosity for drivers and walkers who pass by, with some questioning whether such an artwork belongs in the city. Known as “Cast in Blue” or the “Blue Blob,” this sculpture represents a mystical megafauna that emerged from deep aquifers beneath the region. It symbolizes the Limestone Coast’s network of aquifers, sinkholes, and the iconic Blue Lake.
The installation sparked significant debate when it was first announced and unveiled. However, after 10 months, community opposition seems to be fading as both tourists and locals visit the sculpture.
The Beacon Art Project
Cast in Blue is part of the City of Mount Gambier’s Beacon Art Project, which aims to introduce more public art to South Australia’s second-largest city. A dedicated panel selected the artwork, with Huna Studio’s design winning the competition. Ashleigh Whatling, director of the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, was one of the panel members involved in the decision.
“When we selected that work, my personal reaction was, ‘Here we go,'” she said. She was not wrong.
Controversy and Attention
Since its unveiling, the $136,000 sculpture has drawn a lot of attention—some positive, some negative. It has been scrutinized, mocked, decorated, and even damaged. In September last year, a 20-year-old named Amelia Vanderhorst was ordered to pay $2,000 to the town’s council and complete 60 hours of community service after supergluing googly eyes to the sculpture.
The artists behind the installation, Huna Studio, were among those most affected by the attention. In a statement, they acknowledged that the sculpture would attract criticism from the start. They aimed to create something playful and approachable for all ages. However, they received a large amount of negative commentary, including claims that they were responsible for legal action and that the work was poorly made.
“Some of the commentary was quite personal and often based on incorrect information,” Huna Studio said. They admitted that the attention had soured what would have otherwise been a positive experience.
Early Supporters
Despite the initial backlash, Cast in Blue did have some early supporters. Ruth Stephenson, an art educator and small business owner in Mount Gambier, publicly supported the sculpture before its unveiling. She noted that many people contacted her after she expressed her appreciation for the artwork.
“What they liked about what I was saying was, it was not, ‘You are all awful people because you don’t like it,'” Ms Stephenson said. “It was, ‘Come on, this is a project designed to create discussion and to bring people into the town, and that’s what we need.'”
She observed that the more people learned about the sculpture, the more they came to appreciate it. “As soon as you actually engage in rational conversation without the emotion behind it, it gave a lot of space for people to be able to [understand it],” she said.
A Strategic Move
According to Ms Whatling, embracing the controversy became part of the council’s plan to increase the visibility of Mount Gambier. “We wanted to get people excited. We wanted to share the story. The idea of this project, it wasn’t just another public artwork; it would be a beacon … it would be our version of the ‘Mall’s Balls.'”
The Mall’s Balls, affectionately known as The Spheres, are two large, shiny metallic globes stacked vertically in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall.
Positive Shifts
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin noted that the tone of the commentary around Cast in Blue has begun to shift, with many recognizing its impact on tourism. “I hear many people say to me around the city that not a day goes by when they don’t see people interacting with Cast in Blue,” she said.
The council has released a line of merchandise that has quickly sold out, including pins, key rings, and even a plush version of the new blue landmark. The plushies have been a fan favorite, with over 300 sold so far.
“It certainly has turned into being an overall good thing for the town because we’ve received national and international media [attention] that money couldn’t have bought for us,” Cr Martin said.
Diverse Opinions
Mount Gambier resident Angela Sullivan believes Cast in Blue has sparked conversations. “As time’s gone on, I actually think that it’s quite ingenious and I think it’s wonderful for the town,” she said.
However, Dali Lee disagrees, stating he would have preferred the money to be used for other projects. “Something that doesn’t sit there as a blob [and] does nothing for anyone,” he said.
A Common Trend
Adelaide University associate professor of contemporary art Gretchen Coombs has observed similar patterns with public art projects across Australia. She mentioned the controversial Melbourne artwork known as The Vault, which initially faced backlash but is now part of the city’s public art tour.
“The public artwork in Melbourne — terribly called Yellow Peril but [officially known as] The Vault — the controversy around that artwork created a halt to public art funding for many, many years,” Dr Coombs said. “Now, it’s considered to be part of the Melbourne public art tour, right out in front of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.”
She noted that initial rejection of public art often stems from a lack of understanding. While publicity comes with risks, it can also lead to positive outcomes.
“Controversy courts awareness and curiosity,” Dr Coombs said. “I don’t like the fact that it has to be controversial for people to have art at the forefront of their mind. But I think the controversy is also good because it can be a catalyst for conversations about what we value and how we want to be represented.”
Final Thoughts
For the team at the City of Mount Gambier, the gamble has paid off. Ms Whatling noted that support for the sculpture has been positive for the staff at Riddoch Art Gallery, which is next to Cast in Blue. “Every time I go outside, I see somebody having a photo with it, or I see a kid having a cuddle, or I see somebody just giving it a questioning stare,” she said.
“I definitely think it’s doing its job in terms of attracting people to the CBD.”
