Superlambbanana, Liverpool

Superlambanana is one of Liverpool’s most unusual attractions. A modern sculpture by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, it is a bright yellow, 17 feet high abstract installation, said by the artist to be a cross between a lamb and a banana. Initially sited next to the Albert Dock, it was later moved to Tithebarn Street, adjacent to Liverpool John Moores University. Chiezo designed only a miniature scale model of the sculpture – four local artists created the full size version. It was designed ahead of a 1998 exhibition celebrating modern art in Northern England.

The installation of Superlambanana formed part of Liverpool’s growing reputation as a centre for modern art. The city also hosts the Tate Liverpool, a branch of London’s famous Tate Modern gallery, and the largest collection of modern art in North West England. Liverpool was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008; to celebrate this achievement, 125 miniature versions of the giant sculpture were placed all over the city and surrounding region – one even made it to the top of a mountain in nearby North Wales. Whilst the subject matter of Superlambanana may appear random, it does have links with the city’s history. Sheep and bananas were two of the more exotic items stored in the Albert Dock warehouses during Liverpool’s maritime trade boom.