Art is definitely subjective and very few pieces of public art will impress everyone. The new artwork in Howick is controversial and has many questioning it’s value. I personally would've preferred the alternative which was a small girl trying to push a boulder (symbolising the fight for suffrage).
However, what concerns me is how this has been handled by Council. There was no communication that this was coming or what it was for, despite the Local Board and our Councillors being aware of it. Even if our elected members weren't involved in the decision on design, they knew it was being funded and where it was being placed. Instead of becoming a point of celebration, it's become a sore point for many which didn't need to happen.
This is yet another example of poor communication from Council, we deserve better.