Tuesday 4 May 2010

Redfern, The Redfern Bower

This sculpture is located on the corner of Regent Street and Redfern Street, in the inner city suburb of Redfern. 'The Redfern Bower' was designed by Susan Mine and Greg Stonehouse in 2007-2008. The plaque reads: This artwork transforms the mysterious courtship ritual of the bower bird into a contemporary sculpture, using items from the Redfern community to reflect and celebrate the heritage of the area.

44 comments:

  1. Very neat, but very dangerous looking!

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  2. It's a good thing that they decided to write that explanation!

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  3. If you know what it is all about, then the sculpture gets its true message to the viewer.
    I know the bird and its ritual, but I would never have guessed !!

    Erwin.

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  4. I love the buildings of Redfern, but freely admit that I cannot see any trace of a bower bird or its courtship rituals. It is interesting though, and I wonder if I'd see it differently if I were standing in front of it.

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  5. I agree Debby. I'm at a loss to see the courtship ritual of the bower bird in this sculpture but nevertheless think it's a cool contemporary piece.

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  6. I watched this piece as it was installed. The lighting at night makes a difference. HOwever, the big issue is the location. It is on THE central intersection in Redfern, but it needs more space around it and to be in the midst of grass or gravel, not concrete. The shops etc detract from its impact. It should have been installed in the park - but they already installed the lotus buds in the park.

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  7. It is a stunning piece of sculpture, but I have a real problem seeing how it depicts the Bower bird and/or it's courtship! But, hey, it's beautiful regardless and I guess that's all that matters! Have a great week!

    Sylvia

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  8. An interesting interpretation of the experience.

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  9. For sure inviting to bow and to take a deeper look at the sculpture.

    Please have a nice Tuesday.

    daily athens

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  10. Redfern looks like its really changed since I used to work there (near the station) back in the 70s (think it was 70s).

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  11. Doesn't look much like a bower bird to me either, not even a bower.

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  12. The redfern bower.

    Wow, those words bring back my favorite children's book WHERE THE FREN GROWS. So good but it will make you cry.

    Thanks for coming by my blog.

    The chef on CELEBRITY APPRENTICE is from Australia and the other contestants left with Donald Trump are giving him a hard time because he is Australian. Can you believe or understand that!

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  13. It does have an element of danger in it. But very intersting.

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  14. Jack and Joann, yes I did hear that Curtis Stone was on Celebrity Apprentice. Those reality shows seem to bring out the worst in people. In Australia he does adverisements for one of our biggest supermarket chains. I posted a photo at Easter where he had his face plastered all over a supermaket for their Easter promo.
    Ramsgate, supermarket at Easter

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  15. I'm always pleased when the title tells me what I should look for!!! How about that blue Australian sky! (Cloudy today!)

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  16. I think that is very cool. I am thinking about the concept of "inner city suburb." (I'm not doubting you, I've just never heard the term before.)

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  17. Yogi, in Australia we refer to the Central Business District of our big cities as 'the city' and the suburbs just outside the CBD are known as the 'inner city' suburbs. Redfern is one of the closest suburbs to the city.

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  18. Interesting sculpture. Looks dangerous if anyone contemplated climbing it.

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  19. I like that very much. It would be nice see it illuminated at night.

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  20. Very encouraging for Redfern. Interested to see it there.

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  21. That is a great shot! Love it!
    And what an amazing sculpture!
    Thank you so much for your wonderful comments:)
    Betty

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  22. This is a very futuristic piece of sculpture. I love it though I am not an artistic person

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  23. Interesting sculpture and very dangerous looking. Are they sharp?

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  24. I don't know what a bower bird is, but I like the sculpture.

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  25. You always have the most amazing structures!!!! Thank you for visiting My Muskoka !

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  26. Redfern looks like a lovely area. I must go away now and Google up the Bower Bird -- have never heard of it.

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  27. Interesting sculpture. Thanks for sharing

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  28. Jim -- I looked up the Bower Bird and I think now I can imagine what the sculptors were thinking. Thanks for the learning opportunity as well as the lovely picture! Wish I could see both the bird and the statue "in person."

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  29. crazy looking sculpture! looks almost painful!

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  30. Sallie, I didn't see your earlier comment overnight. I could have told you that I had provided a link in my post to some info about the bower bird. I'm glad you took the time to research it and learn a bit more about Australia.

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  31. I appreciate it more knowing what it represents - I'm so glad you explained!

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  32. Scary looking I reckon....but I love the area, it really is gentrifying

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