The humble pigeon will be elevated to new heights with the installation in Gawler Place of Pigeon, a homage to those feathery urban dwellers that inhabit many city centres, including our own Rundle Mall.
Pigeon is a larger than life geometric sculpture positioned in southern Gawler Place near the Nespresso Boutique. It will transform that part of the street into a space that invites people to stop, connect and discover.
Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor said that Pigeon is a unique, landmark artwork that will be a drawcard to the recently redeveloped Gawler Place.
“Public art is designed to engage people and celebrate the essence of a place. We’re all familiar with our feathered friends in the Mall, and this sculpture celebrates them in a quirky and intriguing way, encouraging passers-by to stop and engage with the artwork,” said the Lord Mayor.
“This exciting piece of public art will build on the existing legacy of public art across the city and will add to Adelaide’s reputation as a place of culture, creativity and innovation.”
Rundle Mall Management Authority General Manager Johanna Williams said that such a striking sculpture would be a destination in itself, which would have positive flow-on effects for Rundle Mall.
“The retail sector is ever-changing and providing enjoyable experiences both in and out of store is key to attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay, especially given the recent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on traders,” she said.
“As one of the city’s most significant links, the upgraded Gawler Place has become a more welcoming place, complementing private investment and further improving the customer experience.
“This unique, surprising and dazzling sculpture will bring some interactive fun to the Mall and Gawler Place as people stop and admire our new pigeon friend.”
Nationally and internationally recognised South Australian artist Paul Sloan is the creator of Pigeon, which stands over two metres tall and is crafted out of mirrored stainless steel.
Paul’s vision was to raise the status of the humble pigeon from an overlooked, ubiquitous creature to the realm of awe and wonder.
“I see pigeons as proud flaneurs, promenading through our leisure and retail precincts. They are the quiet witnesses of our day-to-day activities in the city, our observers from day through to night,” said Paul.
