Superlambanana: Sparkling variations on a theme

Feb 11 2008 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

A vision for the future

THE Superlambanana was originally created for the Artranspennine 98 festival, the largest art exhibition ever to be staged in Britain, featuring projects at 30 different sites between Liverpool and Hull.

It was designed by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, who based it on some smaller sculptures, which he had exhibited in a New York Gallery in 1994. Initially, the artwork was made as an ironic comment on genetic engineering, but it has also come to symbolise Liverpool’s maritime heritage – the wool leaving the port and the fruit coming in.

"It’s an image for the future.

"We are planning for the future and this is a fusion of two things," said the artist when it was unveiled in Liverpool in 1998.

The Superlambanana was constructed in the former Bryant & May matchworks, in Speke- Garston, by a team from Liverpool, before being transported to the Pier Head for a three-month stay.

Reaction was mixed, but the late poet Adrian Henri seemed to have it right when he said it should be welcomed "with an open mind and, if needs be, a sense of humour".

Miniature versions in a variety of colours and designs are now available to buy, and a version featuring artist Tony Brown’s famous image of the Liverpool Waterfront is due be launched this spring.