"Johnnie and Mehmet", is a kinetic and aural sculpture located at the Australian National Maritime Museum created in 2016 by Alexander Knox. It commemorates World War I, when Australia’s only remaining submarine, HMAS AE2, made a daring and hazardous incursion into the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara, playing a game of cat and mouse with the Ottoman torpedo boat Sultanhisar. The sculpture represents sailors from AE2 and Sultanhisar, Johnnie and Mehmet, who perform a visual ceremony, signalling to each other in semaphore-like movements derived from maritime languages, punctuated by sounds from the maritime world. The former enemies meet again today at the museum in the context of the friendship between Australia and Turkey.
Interesting sculpture and amazing information, Jim. Thanks for sharing. Greetings Jo
ReplyDeleteI have just enjoyed a catch up here and enjoyed another virtual tour of Sydney area, thanks.
ReplyDeleteAn unusual sculpture, but I like the concept!
ReplyDeleteI understand the symbolism, but oh dear about the style.
ReplyDeleteUp periscope! I'd like to see this one, Jim!
ReplyDeleteIntriguing tribute to war in the Dardanelles.
ReplyDeleteHi Jim, a wonderful image and great memorial.
ReplyDeleteOdd sculpture. I'm glad you explained it!
ReplyDeleteI walked right past it and thought it might have just been some sort of maritime signalling device. Only realised it was a sculpture when I saw an information board with the details.
DeleteI enjoy towns and places that have public sculpture and murals. - Margy
ReplyDeleteA fascinating story!
ReplyDeleteApt sculpture for the place, Jim!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up at the Travel Tuesday meme.