Brisbane’s New ‘Big Hose’ Sculpture Already Getting Cut Up By Teenagers To Make Big Bongs

EFFIE BATEMAN | Lifestyle | Contact

In news that should come of no surprise to anyone, it’s alleged that teenagers have already cut off a huge chunk of hose from Brisbane’s ‘big hose sculpture’, which was unveiled just 24 hours ago at the gallery of modern art in Southbank Brisbane.

The 119 metre long sculpture is the latest in the Australian tradition of landmark ‘big’ things, and is a collaboration between artists Tony Albert and Nell.

Albert explained that the sculpture’s location on the edge of the Brisbane River (Maiwar), is also home to the native water rat – the Story Place of Kuril.

Nell added that there are also other strong environmental messages in the work, as there is no tap attached to the end of the hose, prompting the young viewer to ask: ‘where does the water come from?

Unfortunately, as the former bong capital of Brisbane, West End, is located just a suburb away from the installation, and Queenslanders aren’t known for being that cultured, it can now be confirmed that a chunk of the hose has already been cut off to fashion into the ‘Big Bong.’

However, when speaking to thirteen year old Megan Hazelmine, who was one of the collaborators behind this new art project, The Advocate learns that isn’t just a bong – it’s upcycled art.

“So like, there’s all these elements of environmentalism with the original sculpture so I thought I’d like, extrapolate on that”, explains a red eyed Megan, “so we’re like, taking the original concept and recycling it.”

Art critics have praised this guerrilla style collaboration, citing that the original concept, which showed a non working hose, being turned into something practical, was something Banksy would do.

In other news, New South Wales artists are now in talks to unveil a new art installation on Bondi Beach, of a rolled up $50 dollar note.

More to come.