A $25,000 reward is on offer to help solve an arson attack on a new artwork in Perth, which police have branded “disgusting and cowardly”.
And while plans are underway to rebuild the wrecked statue, security guards will patrol the remaining four masterpieces.
WA Police Acting Inspector Tom Tristramя╗┐ said the culprits faced up to 20 years in prison.
Police are sifting through tip-offs and said they’re confident the suspect’s identity lies within the information.
“The investigation hasn’t identified whether it’s a single person operating alone or a group of people,” Tristram said.
“It was a great tourist thing for the area and I think it’s disgusting what’s occurred.”
A photo of the landmark in flames was taken by the person who reported the fire.
The exhibition had attracted tens of thousands of visitors since opening last month in Coondanup in Peel, in the city’s south east.
Danish artist Thomas Dambo was hurt most by the destruction of the giant called Vivi Cirklestone, and pledged to rebuild.
He said it’s “super sad” but added, “if done on purpose, I feel it is not the feeling of the general population”.
Dambo creates larger than life sculptures from recycled wood and places them all over the world.
This is the first time his giants have appeared in Australia, with the creations part of a game and spread across Mandurah.
What took himя╗┐ 750 hours of work to create was gone in just minutes.
Arts and Culture Minister David Templemanя╗┐ pledged it would be replaced.
“I hope they might actually understand just how much hurt they’ve created,” he said.
Insurance will likely cover the cost, with each of the sculptures set to be guarded at night.
