Modernist war memorials can create as much dissent as the conflicts they commemorate. While stonemasons and sculptors produced solemn ANZAC diggers and cenotaphs for many Victorian towns, few professional sculptors were commissioned to produce original WWI memorials. After WWII such commissions became even scarcer, as civilians opted for utilitarian ‘living memorials’ – community halls, hospitals, parks and pools. Nevertheless, sculptors did produce a number of WWI and WWII memorials. The Public Art Committee of the National Trust of Australia (Vic.) presents rare archival photographs of these sculptural memorials, surveying the range of approaches taken, from naturalism to art deco stylization, exploring different approaches to monumental modernism.
Exhibition Opening: Wednesday 22nd April 2015, 6pm. Guest Speaker Ken Scarlett OAM.
RSVP for opening to felicity.watson@nattrust.com.au
Exhibition Dates: Monday 20th April until 26th May 201, Gallery open 10am-4pm weekdays
National Trust of Australia (Vic), The Gallery, Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Pl, East Melbourne 3002 VIC
Website: http://www.nationaltrustfestival.org.au/vic/melbourne/monumental-modernism-the-sculpture-of-remembrance-in-victoria/
Gold Coin Donation. This exhibition is part of the National Trust Heritage Festival 2015.
