ORANGE Regional Gallery will soon have a major new piece of public art for the city’s refurbished civic square precinct.
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The work, titled Duo, was created by Orange-born sculptor Senden Blackwood and took 14 months to complete.
Emerging from an eight tonne block of black granite sourced from Eugowra, Duo is seen by Mr Blackwood as a reflection on and demonstration of his experience of connection, relationship and duality.
“It doesn’t really have a concept, it’s more just a shape - that’s abstract art I guess,” he said.
“It might be inspired by the shell for or a fetus representing early life - I have always been inspired by broken shells you find at the beach.
“It’s designed but it is broken down and abstracted and simplified.”
Mr Blackwood has exhibited in both Australia and Canada in over 35 shows, with two solo exhibitions in 2011 and 2013 at Brenda May Gallery (Sydney) and regular representation in prizes such as Sculpture by the Sea, Sculpture Inside, Sculpture in the Vineyards and Sawmillers Sculpture Prize.
He said the sculpture’s new site was a match made in heaven.
“It’s definitely suited - when the gallery staff came and looked at the piece we then went to the site and my skin prickled - it’s perfect,” he said.
“The public may be divided, but I have heard that it has been supported - that’s all I’ll listen to,” he said.
“If it’s not supported then we’re on different pages and that’s OK.”
Friends of Orange Regional Gallery (FORG) have committed to funding the acquisition, supported by the Orange Regional Arts Foundation (ORAF).
Together they aim to raise the required $80,000, with FORG members actively fund-raising over the next few months.
Mr Blackwood said he had mixed feelings about seeing the sculpture leave for its new home.
“I love finishing work but it’s like parents watching their kids grow up - you want to keep them in that stage for a while and not give them up,” he said.
“It’s done now and I’m extremely grateful it is sticking around in Orange.”
Duo will be positioned in the civic square and is expected to be moved to its new home in time for the Orange Regional Museum launch in September.
bryson.ferreira@fairfaxmedia.com.au
