A city is given life through many forms: its streetscapes, its mixing nationalities, its culture and sport, and the vibrancy of its citizens. Melbourne is a great example of the positives of such a place. One form of which we can be rightly proud is our encouragement of art in the public space; it’s part of the reason we rightly see ourselves as this country’s pre-eminent centre of the arts.

Of course, art is democratic. There is no tyranny that dictates we must like every piece of art. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Melbourne is home to several public installations that make an impact. They are striking and add a touch of familiarity to the city. They enhance the environment and, often, they’ve been controversial.

The Melbourne sculpture Vault.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

For instance, there is the Architectural Fragment outside the State Library of Victoria, and the Angel sculpture and Federation Bells at Birrarung Marr. And then there is Vault, more infamously known as the “Yellow Peril”, an abstract sculpture, commissioned more than 40 years ago by the City of Melbourne. Such was the criticism of it, the sculpture was moved hither and thither........

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