Vandalised cow sculpture repaired, back on display at Forrest Place

A COW sculpture in Forrest Place vandalised days after it was unveiled has been repaired and is back on display.

Perth artist Benjamin Kontoolas’s creation with bright pink neon wings, part of CowParade Perth, named Beauty X Ethics was damaged some time on the night of November 2.

The damage was so extensive there was a chance the piece was going to be permanently pulled from the exhibition.

The repaired cow has been relocated and now features in the David Jones window in Murray Street Mall, protecting the public artwork from further vandalism.

Mr Kontoolas said the damage was unfortunate but it was important to encourage discussion about public art.

“At the end of the day, it’s about getting people talking about art and the importance of public art,” he said. “I hope this will create a dialogue surrounding public art and the way it is treated in Perth and Western Australia.”

City of Perth’s economic development and activation director Annaliese Battista said the vandalism was disappointing so early into the six-week event.

“Public art brings the community together and CowParade Perth 2016 has already attracted hundreds of visitors to the City of Perth,” she said.

“The West Australian artists and designers commissioned for the CowParade are regarded as some of the best in Australia (and) have put immense time and effort into their work for the public to enjoy and it’s such a shame that the community may now miss out on this beautiful piece of art.”

Ms Battista said the City asked people to respect the artists and their sculptures so CowParade could be enjoyed by everyone.

CowParade Perth 2016 will wrap up on December 11.