$150,000 art project in New Zealand looks phallic-and locals are freaking out
A new public art project in Aukland, New Zealand is upsetting locals for its resemblance to a penis.
First picked up by the New Zealand Herald, the artwork was installed 27 feet above the ground by the New Lynn train station is a four-part installation of aluminum mesh sculptures that's called "Transit Cloud."
It was created by sculptor Gregor Kregar, artist Sarah Hughes, and architect Davor Popdich, and is meant to be a nod to the city's local history as a portage hub. It cost NZ$200,000, or over $150,000 to build and install.
But after seeing the hanging sculpture, Aukland residents are upset. "What the hell is that? It's certainly not a cloud. It looks like a penis," Auckland resident Joy Dale told the New Zealand Herald.
Another passerby said to the New Zealand Herald, "Don't you think it's rude? It's definitely [a penis]. What else could it be."
People on Instagram also noticed the sculpture's resemblance to male genitalia.
Here's how it looks from other angles and with the three other sculptures.
Charger told the New Zealand Herland that the sculptures will be connected to over 160 feet of neon lights and will be illuminated at night.
"Art is out there to stir reaction," Kregar told the New Zealand Herald. He also said that people would like the art much better once it was officially complete.