Storm over Riders

Discussion also raged over the location of Crab Riders, comprising three sculptures; Dogman on Crab, Rabbit Girl on Crab and Small Crab.

The artists of Tandem Riders, on the corner of Vincent and Beaufort streets in Mt Lawley, created the work.

Councillors eventually voted to accept the piece, gifted to the City by the artists, and install it at Birdwood Square on Beaufort Street, Perth.

Likening the items to visitors from outer space who had time travelled to be closer to their dog and rabbit comrades, Cr Matt Buckels said Crab Riders was ‘charming, cheerful and fun’.

He was undecided about the location, suggested by the Arts Advisory Group.

Cr Dudley Maier suggested moving it around the City rather than a fixed address.

‘They could appear, then disappear, then appear somewhere else,’ he said.

Cr John Carey was concerned the art would ‘dilute’ the power of its sister work.

‘Just because it is free doesn’t mean we should buy it,’ he said.

Cr Roslyn Harley voted against the item, saying, ‘nothing is ever free’.

She also worried accepting it would open the door to businesses plonking their ‘free’ products in the City.

Cr John Pintabona said ‘a dog and rabbit with crabs’ was ‘unique’ and suggested Banks Reserve, Mt Lawley as an alternative locale.

Then-mayor Alannah MacTiernan said they were ‘fantastic pieces,’ and did not want Bayswater or Stirling to acquire them on the back of Tandem Riders’ success.

The work is listed for sale for $90,000 on the artists’ website. Council will contribute up to $10,500 for installation.