With a striking presence, it is hard to miss this massive chrome sculpture on the corner of Hastings Road and McMahons Rd. The Sculpture was designed and created by Gregor Kregar, a New Zealand Artist from Slovenia.
This is not the first “Chrome Gnome” artwork that Gregor has created.
Two gnomes are located in New Zealand and were erected after the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes to represent the funny philosophers of everyday life. It overlooks the city as a symbol of reflection and strength with its steel body in contrast to the plaster and concrete gnomes found in gardens.
The two gnomes (Robert & John) were located at the Christchurch Art Gallery, standing eight feet tall.
The one found in Frankston Victoria (Frankie), Is on loan from the McClelland Sculpture Park in Langwarrin. It stands a massive 9 meters tall made from marine grade stainless steel, originally commissioned for the Peninsula Link Freeway after Gregor Kregar won the 2015 Southern Way McClelland Commission for $250,000.
It spent four years at the exit ramp for Peninsula Link before being moved to its current location on the corner of McMahons and Hastings Rd. It will remain at Frankston for several more years, sitting on its large concrete base until returning to a permanent location at the McClelland Sculpture Park.
It certainly is one of the most striking sculptures you will see, especially on a sunny day,
What you will also find interesting is that the word “gnome” originates from the Greek word “gnosis” which means knowledge. A figure that has been in our gardens since the 1700s, The gnome has had many nicknames over time, the most popular being the garden gnome, yard gnome etc. Some people believe you can bring good luck to your home by placing one in your backyard. So it’s only fitting that Mr Kregar gives us a figure of strength that has stood the test of time and will do so for many years to come.
Further Reading
http://gregorkregar.com/portfolio/reflective-lullaby-frankie/
https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/bulletin/172/gregor-kregar-reflective-lullaby
https://www.worldofwearableart.com/2016/09/meet-the-judges-sculptor-gregor-kregar/