'Unsanctioned' giant spider chilling under a bridge in Vancouver asked to leave

The sculpture is created by Montreal artist Junko Playtime.

A giant spider sculpture has found itself stuck in a web of by-laws.

The sculpture created by Montreal artist Junko Playtime first popped under an East Vancouver overpass earlier in March. The artist is known for working with reclaimed materials.

Titled ‘Phobia 2023. Time to face our fears,” the spider has received complaints with residents calling for its ouster.

“The City was made aware of the unsanctioned spider artwork, located on a City bridge structure, last week,” a spokesperson tells V.I.A. in an emailed statement, reports Castanet. “This space is managed by multiple partners; it serves as a corridor for SkyTrain and CN/BNSF Rail. The installation of this artwork was not done in consultation with the City of Vancouver or the rail corridor partners.”

The artist has taken to social media to express concern and has launched an online petition to ‘Help Save Spidey.’

“It seems odd that the city has no problem with all the garbage on the tracks but plans to spend money to remove artwork made from garbage that many people enjoy,” the artist wrote on Instagram.

He further urged people to reach out to the city to save the sculpture from being taken down. “Quantity is important so even just a quick message will help, but personal experiences of appreciating the artwork are even better,” Playtime added.

Although there is no timeline given on when the sculpture comes down, the city said in the statement that it “has been working with its partners to discuss the best path forward for the removal, to ensure there is no damage to the bridge structure, and that the removal is done safely with minimal service level impacts to the adjacent rail lines.”