This enourmous sculpture of Ben Chifley, Labor Prime Minister from 1945 to 1949, was created by Simeon Nelson and installed in 1997. It stands in Chifley Square beside Chifley Tower, which were named after this prime minister. This artwork which stands over 9 metres is a cartoon line drawing cut from two flat sheets of stainless steel, narrowly separated by a truss, creating a two dimensional pop art sculpture. It was derived from a small grainy photo of Ben Chifley posing for a group portrait with members of British Prime Minister Atlee’s cabinet in 1947. The wall of glass in the background which is an extension of the outdoor cafe's rear wall is called Lightwall Crucimatrilux.
I am glad that you explained how the statue was made. From the photo I was wondering what it was made of, as it almost looks like a cartoon photo-shopped on the photo.
ReplyDeleteMi piace :) !!!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot, and what a fabulous artwork. Do you have problem with graffiti artists adding to it? One of our statues suffered this fate.
ReplyDeleteThis is the wierdest sight aS my bus tootles down Elizabeth St to the quay. Seems so incongruous ...
ReplyDeleteYour contrast and composition are so awesome in this shot! I love the way you've incorporated the lines of the sculpture with those of the building. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI always loved this sculpture, but found it hard to get a good picture. You absolutely nailed it with the light - and framed it to perfection.
ReplyDeleteBlossomFlowerGirl, I can't say I've noticed any problems with graffiti here. It's in a very public place, so you would have to be very bold to try it. I took this photo in a rare quiet moment on a weekend. On weekdays this place is buzzing with people.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked Big Ben.
ReplyDeleteSeems as if he achieve many great a thing. Please have a good new week.
ReplyDeletedaily athens
very interesting!
ReplyDeleteNice photo. I see that your politicians are as two dimensional as ours. That's probably not fair. Being head of state during WWII must have been horrible.
ReplyDeletegood old train driver Ben.
ReplyDeleteNice blog
Poor old Ben!
ReplyDeleteGreat artwork!
ReplyDeleteDo I read this right? The sculpture is 29 metres high - like a hundred feet? :-O Whatever its height, it's a fabulous photo. Each day you come up with something I did not know about the city of my birth where I spent 21 years - and missed such a lot!
ReplyDeleteNot a bad statue of pig-iron Bob
ReplyDeleteI've always loved this sculpture. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteCrucimatrilux, huh? Sounds like something out of Harry Potter!! The whole installation is a unique commemoration - makes a great change from statues!
ReplyDeleteNot sure what I think of this one, Jim. Michael sort of hits it on the head... two-dimensional...
ReplyDeleteVery cool indeed!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this (and its big so I must be blind) I like it a lot.
ReplyDeleteJoan Elizabeth, it's a bit less obvious without the metallic reflections, in the shadow of neighbouring buildings, in the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteElaine coolowl and paul, the correct height of the statue is 9 metres which is about 29 feet.
ReplyDeleteWow - some really interesting outdoor art in Sydney. When I eventually get there, I know I'm going to love it.
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