By Dave Goosselink
An unusual set of sculptures on Dunedin's waterfront has some residents gnashing their teeth.
Sculptor Regan Gentry has created six giant molars out of Oamaru stone, and the city council – which is paying for the artwork – seems happy to take another bite out of the ratepayers.
Mr Gentry's Oamaru stone sculpture 'Harbour Mouth Molars' features six giant wisdom teeth, with an irrigation system in the middle to create a sort of dental decay.
“Differentiates the top white part – which references the enamel of the tooth, which is the bit that you see – from the bottom part, which is in the roots, which is always a slightly different colour anyway,” Mr Gentry says.
It's an unusual sight which has certainly caught the eye of Dunedinites.
“Someone said it's about the molar, or like the mouth of the bay, something like that? But I don't really understand to be honest,” says Same Jones, a Dunedin resident.
“I think it's great, I've often thought Wellington is really good the way they have all the public art, and I wished that we did it to, so this is a start,” says local resident Jane Nimmo.
But it has hit a nerve with some residents.
When it became clear a report in the local paper wasn't actually an April Fools joke, some were chomping at the bit to express their disgust.
The artist though, isn't deterred.
“It bothers you a little bit that you're maybe not making their day, but you're not going to stop doing it,” Mr Gentry says.
The council's representative on the public art committee isn't bothered by the controversy either.
“I hope it's something that people will discuss, have a talk about which is what I think is what art is all about,” says Richard Walls.
“Then go and have a good red wine or a Speights or something and just chew it over.”
The sculpture is costing ratepayers $45,000, a price-tag some say fits with the theme.
Mr Gentry is hoping the pain is over, with some drilling and a final polish to do before Sunday's official opening.
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