LATEST INSTALLATION: Heart of Country by Damian Vick is the latest installation in the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) trail.
He stands as a representation of strength, vulnerability and connection and proudly stands at six (6) metres tall. His bold stance and keen focus cut a potent and deadly impression whilst making the inescapable suggestion that he is searching for something unseen, lost along the way, relegated to the past.
‘Heart of Country’ was officially unveiled last week as part of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) trail – located 24 kilometres from Condobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way towards Forbes. The one-tonne Cor-ten Steel sculpture explores the notions of strength, vulnerability and connection.
Melbourne sculptor, Damian Vick said the work is an attempt to acknowledge the injustices endured by the Wiradjuri people, whilst also standing as testament to the collective resilience and determination of all indigenous Australians, and their profound spiritual connection with the land.
“I was extremely conscious that the creation of this work rested on a delicate cultural landscape, and that it must be approached with the gravity and sensitivity it demands”, Damian said.
Damian said the nature of the subject matter and developing the piece in conjunction with the local indigenous community has been a profoundly enriching experience.
“Seeing it in its final location, standing tall, with its earthy finish was an extremely proud moment and gave a sense of finality to a sculpture that I consider the most powerful and important one of my career to date,” Damian added.
Chair of the Forbes Arts Society (FAS) Dr Karen Ritchie said, “We are thrilled to be unveiling the first of the four sculptures to be featured within the Lachlan Shire as part of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail expansion.”
“Through this very special installation, it’s hoped that we can achieve a deeper level of understanding, facilitate a proud shared identity, and strengthen the connection between our two Shires.”