Bogan 'Moth' Pride

What is bright orange, about three stories high and has absolutely no point whatsoever? Just another of the utterly frightful artworks that the ACT Government in Canberra has commissioned, that’s what. No-one knows why these dreadful arty (see: ugly) things keep popping up all over the city, but one thing is clear; the local government is deadset keen on making this entire city one of the leading eyesores of the world.

Talentless artist, Alexander Knox, is responsible for the latest shrine to all-that-is-wrong-with-the-art-world. His work on the side of Drakeford Drive in Tuggeranong pays homage to the bogong moth community, who annually choose Canberra as a stopover on their journey to somewhere more interesting, probably due to the excellent rent on roof crevices, the low crime stats among moth youth and the fact that our major public buildings leave a light on all night.


Intepretative moth dance

Creating a monument that celebrates a major pest that causes significant damage to the economy and infrastructure is an interesting approach to roadside artwork. I don’t know why they just don’t put up a big photo montage of Julia Gillard and save everyone any confusion.

Although I imagine the only damage this giant mutant insect will cause will be a couple of car accidents. And car accidents never hurt nobody. Oh. Wait a minute. I don’t think that’s right.

Why do they keep erecting mammoth artwork that will cause a fucking car accident? Even a person from Queanbeyan would know this is a dumb idea.  Texting while driving is illegal, but ginormous, brightly coloured insects with mutant eyes placed on the side of the road is perfectly fine, apparently, because they’re not fucking distracting at all.

The ACT Government continuously shove road safety campaigns down our throats, yet they continuously commission artwork throughout the city that takes our eyes off the road. I would have thought the most effective way to avoid an accident is to keep your eyes on the fucking road. But what do I know; I’m just a voter.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this profane tribute to icky insects is going to turn into a butterfly and flutter away any time soon.