The Laune Ostrich

At Laune’s Sokeritopanpuisto Park, visitors arriving in Lahti along Uudenmaankatu Street are greeted by a large ostrich sculpture The Laune Ostrich, by sculptor Villu Jaanisoo. The sculpture consists of several layers of used car tyres and, including the pedestal, is over six metres tall. The two-part work also includes The Ostrich Egg, located near the railway station at the start of Rautatienkatu Street.

The pair of sculptures were erected to mark Lahti’s year as European Green Capital 2021. Jaanisoo won the competition, in which four artists or teams participated. The work takes a stand on the loss of biodiversity. The ostrich, which is endangered, is one of the world’s oldest birds. Many of its species have become extinct and the number of birds in the wild, in particular, is declining rapidly. According to Jaanisoo, the pair of sculptures tell a story of hope that humans can learn to live better and let others live together with us on the same planet. In addition to the animal subject, the theme is conveyed through the work’s recycled materials.

At Laune’s Sokeritopanpuisto Park, along Uusimaankatu street. –
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