By Tom Goodenough

|

It has made appearances around the world - turning heads in Taipei, Chicago and Abu Dhabi.

Wherever it has gone, the RedBall by artist Kurt Perschke has become a public spectacle stopping people and traffic in the street.

And now, it is doing the same in Devon - the latest stop on the giant ball's world tour.

Internationally-renowned artist Kurt Perschke's RedBall has intrigued people all over the world and is now doing the same in Paignton, Devon

Internationally-renowned artist Kurt Perschke's RedBall has intrigued people all over the world and is now doing the same in Paignton, Devon

The famous RedBall has shown up in Paignton, where the iconic RedBall has appeared to become wedged into the seafront esplanade.

And the travelling sculpture could also be drifting to a town or city close to you as it tours the rest of the country.

As part of the Jubilee weekend celebrations, the artwork will also visit the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, as well as a number of other destinations in the South West.

Keep pushing: The 250lb RedBall is inflated at every site where it is displayed, and has squeezed its way into spaces the world over

Keep pushing: The 250lb RedBall is inflated at every site where it is displayed, and has squeezed its way into spaces the world over

Kurt Perschke's artwork is already proving a hit in Devon, where it will tour around before making its way to London's South Bank

Kurt Perschke's artwork is already proving a hit in Devon, where it will tour around before making its way to London's South Bank

Making himself comfortable: Artist Kurt Perschke with his head-turning creation on the Devon seafront

Making himself comfortable: Artist Kurt Perschke with his head-turning creation on the Devon seafront

And after touring there, the RedBall project will finally end up by the banks of the River Thames as it becomes wedged on London’s South Bank.

Whatever you do though, make sure you don't think of kicking this ball, as the super-sized artwork weighs in at a colossal 250lbs.

Instead, artist Mr Perschke explains his hope that the piece will leave people 'stunned' in the street:

'You're drawn in by this big beautiful thing.

The RedBall project, pictured here in Chicago, has attracted attention wherever it has ended up

The RedBall project, pictured here in Chicago, has attracted attention wherever it has ended up

Pictured in Taipei smashed between two buildings, the RedBall frequently drew traffic to a standstill

Pictured in Taipei smashed between two buildings, the RedBall frequently drew traffic to a standstill

Snapping it up: The RedBull is the subject of thousands of photographs wherever it is displayed, such as here in Chicago

Snapping it up: The RedBull is the subject of thousands of photographs wherever it is displayed, such as here in Chicago

'The deliberate charisma of the piece [is that] it brings people in.

'And if someone drives by and sees it and doesn't know it's art but is stunned - that's brilliant.

'Other people want to come up and there's this really magnetic thing that goes on... They want to play with it. They want to jump into it. They're engaging immediately and of course it's play...but playing is also serious business.'

In each of the locations around Britain where the artwork will be on display, the RedBall will be inflated on site.

Don't kick it! A Toronto schoolboy larks around with the giant ball, which weighs in at 250lbs

Don't kick it! A Toronto schoolboy larks around with the giant ball, which weighs in at 250lbs

An aerial shot shows the Ball perched above pedestrians on La Salle Bridge in Chicago

An aerial shot shows the Ball perched above pedestrians on La Salle Bridge in Chicago

The iconic artwork has been displayed at locations across the world, and turned heads wherever it has gone, such as in El Bruc, Spain (left), and in Barcelona (right)

And in some cases in the past, it's been hoisted by cherry pickers and city workers scaling buildings and bridges to put it into place.

But for Mr Perschke, it's not just about the huge spectacle of the RedBall - but what it symbolises.

'It's about imagination and where it's going and imagining where it might be,' he explained.

'People take it on. They start thinking about where it's going to go, where it could go, cities it's been to. Each city has a story and it's a story around the globe, and I think people connect to that.'


Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have not been moderated.

Its kinda cool, but then we'll find out its getting some ridiculous amount of EU funding and then it won't be so cool anymore.

The Red Ball Rolling was promoted by the Labour Party to show that they've destroyed United Kingdom.

What an eyesore! Still the dumbed down public manipulated into accepting rubbish as an 'art' form will probably love it .

I love most modern art, but I don't like this.

Actually, it reminds me of that... was it Tango? BELLY'S GONNA GET YOU! BELLY BELLY BELLY!!!

Someone pass me a knitting needle, please? Or a BB gun.

Art?

One of the Portmeirion (Prisoner) balloons must have got away in a red disguise. You are not a number and you are free. Good luck!

Only one comment, why?

Wow ! Love it! It looks so cute hiding between buildings. I not usually a fan of modern art, but this made me smile. Anything that brightens people's days is great with me :)

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.