“Plane Henge” is the signature “permanent exhibit” in what at least one writer has described as “the world’s largest art gallery”.
Mutonia Sculpture Park sits beside the Oodnadatta Track, less than one hour’s drive west from Marree.
If you were overhead, in a functional aircraft, Lake Eyre South would also be within your field of view.
The “park” includes the ruins of the Alberrie Creek Siding, on what once was “The Ghan” railway line.
Arguably, Mutonia strains to near or beyond breaking point any reasonable definition of “art gallery” or “park”.
Inarguably, its sheer unlikeliness leaves a lasting impression on most visitors.
Mutonia is, I think, entirely the creation of Robin Cooke – a mechanic/artist/recycler of “scrap” and “found” objects.
Its current state of disrepair would suggest that Robin (who established his sculpture park more than a quarter of a century ago) is no longer devoting much energy to Mutonia.
A future, multi-image post will show more.
The two derelict Beechcraft Barons that became “Plane Henge” were road-transported more than 1,400 kilometres, from Melbourne’s Moorabbin Airport.
Reportedly, Robin Cooke wanted “Plane Henge” to be “optimistic”; as you can see, the relocated planes are looking up.
At least one observer (not this one) has described their present appearance as “Christlike”.
Photo of “Plane Henge” is copyright Doug Spencer, taken at 2.27 pm on 09 June 2023.
I like the three galahs sitting on the wire that connects the two planes.