Released 25/05/2019
A new bronze sculpture was unveiled at Hughes Shopping Centre today to replace the original artwork, Stepping Out, which was stolen in 2016.
Minister for the Arts and Cultural Events, Gordon Ramsay said the new piece titled, A Delicate Moment, by artists Susie Bleach and Andrew Townsend, reflects key themes identified by Hughes residents during consultation.
“I am pleased to unveil this new sculpture today which embraces the Hughes community’s vision of a nostalgic, imaginative and playful artwork,” said Minister Ramsay.
“Public artwork is a fundamental part of cultural life in Canberra, and each piece becomes part of our community. I hope this new piece not only fills the gap left by the original artwork but creates its own place in our shared history.”
“We know how important this piece is for Hughes residents, so we have reinforced the footing and fixtures to ensure it remains in place for the community to enjoy,” Minister Ramsay said.
The original sculpture, Stepping Out (1997) by artists Giovanna Ianniello and Gerard Murphy was not able to be recreated as the original mould was destroyed.
More information about the Hughes public artwork and the community consultation is available at: arts.act.gov.au.
Quote from artists Susie Bleach and Andrew Townsend:
An iconic bronze figure stood for nineteen years within the shopping centre at Hughes. “Stepping out” was not a portrait of one woman but seemed to celebrate all women. In a suburb named for a renowned historic father figure and whose street names memorialise World War I (predominantly male) military service personnel she served to remind us of the ordinary, of ourselves, our neighbours, of peace and quiet and ‘getting on with life’. She stood as a dignified and gentle reminder of community values. A quiet figure rendered in heroic bronze.
Our proposal responds to the affection expressed for Stepping Out by the Hughes community. In acknowledging this we felt it appropriate to offer a figure that also enshrines the qualities of dignity and strength.
This new bronze figure cradles in her arms a large bird, a reference to our relationship with nature: with plants, animals, the landscape and other features and products of the earth. Many cultures believe birds symbolize eternal life - a link between earth and heaven, the mundane and the spiritual. Birds are free to roam, to migrate with the seasons and evoke notions of liberation, independence and free will. They are harbingers of the new day and of spring, a potent symbol of positive renewal and mystery.
Together the woman and the bird speak of symbiosis, of empathy, trust, nurture, of rescue, comfort, fragility and protection.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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