Focus on this artwork and explore the abstract.
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 currently stands in Tithebarn Street, outside the Avril Robarts Library of Liverpool John Moores University, having previously been located on Wapping near the Albert Dock.Chiezo himself only created a four-inch model, while 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, while 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 individual miniature replicas were created. Sponsored by local community organisations and businesses in the city, the mini Superlambananas were located throughout the Liverpool and Merseyside region. One sculpture, The Highest SuperLambBanana, was located on top of Moel Famau, North Wales, recognising the very close links the city has with that region.
banana Taro Chiezo Liverpool history of Liverpool North Wales Liver England Wapping right Albert Dock lamb Capital of Culture New York City Wales Moel Famau Liverpool John Moores University Banana Avril Robarts Library genetic engineering European Capital of Culture