Superlambanana: The facts and the figures

Jun 16 2008 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

superlambanana

THE Superlambanana started out as a four-inch model by Man-hattan-based Japanese artist Taro Chiezo.

Local artist Andy Small recreated it on a scale of 1:50 after being commissioned for the Art Transpennine Exhibition of 1998, by current Biennial director Lewis Biggs, to celebrate the reopening of the Tate Gallery Liverpool.

It is seventeen feet long, weighs 7.5 tons, is made of concrete and steel, and cost £35,000.

The statue was originally put outside the Playhouse Theatre, in Williamson Square, but was moved to The Strand, and then other sites, after repeated vandalism.

It is currently based on the corner of Tithebarn Street and Vauxhall Road, but has been spotted as far away as Spike Island, in Widnes.

It was created to warn of the dangers of genetically modified food, while also reflecting Liverpool’s unique sense of humour during a time of regeneration in the city.

It has spent time in other colours. other than its famous yellow: it was painted pink to raise breast cancer awareness and purple to mark SmokeFree Liverpool in 2006.

A range of 21 different ceramic replicas have been created for fans to collect, including the Super Choconana, the Super Cow Banana and a Capital of Culture-themed one.

It is most commonly mistaken for a dog.