Public Art Should Dazzle—Not Dribble Out in Fibreglass Herds

What began as bright-eyed civic fun has dulled into commercial clutter. Public art deserves better. Here’s why I think it’s time to put the fibreglass animals out to pasture.

There’s a point when novelty dies, and all you’re left with is clutter. That’s where we are now with the endless procession of painted animals in our towns and cities. You know the type—rhinos, owls, elephants, giraffes, whatever this year’s mascot may be. Brightly painted, sponsored by local firms, and somehow always looking like the same three design …