A new sculpture commemorating Australia\u2019s war time Prime Minister John Curtin has been installed at Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s Perth Campus.<\/p>\n
The artwork was designed and built by acclaimed British sculptor Walter Jack. Other Views<\/em> is an assembly of 18 three and a half metre tall blades cut from plates of solid brass, which act as a series of windows and feature five key statements made by John Curtin.<\/p>\n Â鶹ֱ²¥ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the new sculpture would be a major attraction on campus, as well as a magnificent focal point at the heart of the Exchange precinct.<\/p>\n \u201cExchange will see the University\u2019s Perth Campus grow to become a major urban node of activity. People who visit the Campus by public transport will walk right through the middle of Walter\u2019s artwork and will get a sense of the University\u2019s history and values in a physical form,\u201d Professor Terry said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe artwork reflects the humanity and vision of John Curtin and is an important reminder, not only of his legacy, but of what we strive for as a University, both now and into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Commissioned artist Walter Jack said he was honoured to design this important artwork to reflect the contribution of John Curtin.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing selected to design a piece of work commemorating a national leader is a once in a lifetime opportunity,\u201d Mr Jack said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was a man all about society, a revolutionary socialist and a \u2018thinker\u2019. I wanted to create a work which honoured that and which also reflects what Curtin stands for as a University.\u201d<\/p>\n A number of brass plates cut from the windows have been transformed into sturdy sitting benches: one has been incorporated into the installation, with the rest to be installed in other selected Curtin locations.<\/p>\n The artwork was a significant commission for the University, designed to honour the contribution and values of its namesake, John Curtin. It will be an important addition to the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Art Collection, a comprehensive collection of works by leading Australian and international artists.<\/p>\n Walter Jack was commissioned to create the piece after an extensive international expression of interest process.<\/p>\n Further information on the John Curtin Gallery can be found online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n