A $25,000 reward is being offered to help solve an arson fire at a new artwork in Perth, which police have described as “disgusting and cowardly”.
One of the giant wooden creations that were part of the new attraction The Giants of Mandurah was set alight by arsonists at 11.30pm on Friday.
And while plans are underway to rebuild the shattered statue, security guards will be patrolling the four remaining masterpieces.
The exhibition had attracted tens of thousands of visitors since it opened last month in Coondanup in Peel, south-east of the city. (New) One of the giant wooden creations that were part of the new Mandurah Giants attraction was set alight by arsonists at 11.30pm on Friday. (new)
WA Police Acting Inspector Tom Tristram said those found guilty faced up to 20 years in prison.
Police are reviewing tips and said they are confident the suspect’s identity is within the information.
“The investigation has not identified whether it was a single person operating alone or a group of people,” Tristram said.
“It was a great tourism thing for the area and I think it’s disgusting what’s happened.”
A photo of the burning landmark was taken by the person who reported the fire.
The exhibition had attracted tens of thousands of visitors since it opened last month in Coondanup in Peel, south-east of the city.
The Danish artist Thomas Dambo was most hurt by the destruction of the giant named Vivi Cirklestone and undertook to rebuild it.
He said it’s “super sad,” but added that “if it’s done on purpose, I don’t think it’s the sentiment of the general population.”
Dambo creates larger-than-life sculptures from recycled wood and places them around the world.
This is the first time their giants have appeared in Australia, with the creations part of a game and spread across Mandurah.
A photo of the burning landmark was taken by the person who reported the fire. (new)
What took him 750 hours of work to create was gone in minutes.
Arts and Culture Minister David Templeman promised he would be replaced.
“I hope they really understand how much harm they’ve created,” he said.
Insurance is likely to cover the cost, with each of the sculptures to be guarded at night.