A $1 MILLION green 6.5m-high statue is taking shape in Perth's Forrest Place.

The tax-payer funded artwork was the winner of an international art contest, beating three other abstract pieces to take centre stage in the city's shopping precinct.

Designed by Perth artist James Angus, the 3m-wide sculpture is being placed in the centre of the forecourt.

It is 11m-long and 6.5m-high and will appear to change shape depending on how it is approached.

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The sculpture still doesn't have a title.

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But the artwork - dubbed the cactus - has divided local shoppers and businesses, with some saying it's a waste of taxpayer's money.

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said despite some criticisms, the artwork was here to stay.

"Any good public art is going to be public art that generates a lot of conversation, a lot of debate,'' Ms Scaffidi said.

"As many people will love it as hate it.''

Angus was born and raised in Perth but now works between Sydney and New York as a sculptor.

Purchased by the State Government, the million-dollar sculpture was said to represent a living organism and sense of regional identity with Perth and WA.